What to do

The best way to explore the coastline is to take an excursion on a boat owned by fishermen. They not only know where exactly to go but will also show you safe spots where you can swim. If you want to go scuba diving Ailara Rosalia rents out boats at 50€ a day. However you will need to take you own scuba gear.

Take a stroll around the village of Ustica for some nice views of the bay, Baia Santa Maria. Another interesting feature of this town is that the facades of jouses and buildings are decorated with murals.

The Museo Archeologico is another important attraction. It is in the Torre Santa Maria building. It is open from 9 till noon and from 5 till 7 pm everyday. An entry of 3€ is charged. Be sure to see the artifacts from the ancient city of Osteodes which now lies under the sea.

Also visit the ruins of a Broze Age settlement

To the east of the tower are the ruins of a Bronze Age hamlet, Villaggio Preistorico, Faraglioni. This settlement dates back to the 14th-13th centuries BC. Excavations began in 1989 and 300 stone-built houses and the village’s fortifications were recovered. The entrance is free of cost and is open at all times.

Another important recovery is the Rocca della Falconiera. The Bourbons constructed this tower. The Bourbons weren’t the first settlers here as there is evidence that Romans lived here as early as the 3rd century BC. You can see a large portion of the island from here.

There are many caves and grottos on the island. Be sure to visit Grotta Azzurra, south of Ustica village and has a glow because of the light reflected from the sea. Grotta Pastizza, a stalactite cave, and Grotta della Barche are also very popular.