Ustica is Sicily on slow mode: a small volcanic island off Sicily with glassy water, wild pebbly coves, and a village that runs on espresso and evening aperitivi. Even in July, it felt refreshingly unhurried. Here are my favourite things to do in Ustica, from swimming under a lighthouse to cycling around to find the island’s hidden coves.
Having a Palermitan partners means spending one’s summers in Sicily. This has given me the extraordinary opportunity to spend extensive time exploring every nook and cranny of the Sicily island, as well as the surrounding islands.
One of my favorite little islands is Ustica. I highly recommend visiting Ustica in July, when Italy is already in summer swing, but thankfully not yet at August’s full volume. Reached by ferry from Palermo, the islet is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Sicily. Life revolves around the singular town and working harbour on the island; the rest is pebbly coves wrapped in water so clear it hardly seems fair. With limited accommodation, it stays noticeably calmer than you’d expect for high season.
Forget any preconceptions you might have about Sicilian islands, Ustica is an entirely different beast. This island is perfect for visitors looking for something local, where they can simply kick back and relax. Below are 10 things to do on Ustica Island, pulled from various trips to the island over the years. Expect snorkelling, beginner-friendly diving, the best beaches, easy viewpoints, and a handy map with all my favorite spots pinned.
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Ustica Itinerary at a Glance
WHERE TO STAY IN USTICA
- Most Modern Amenities: Le Terrazze sul mare
- Great Views: Residence Stella Marina
- Apartment with sea view: Casa Azzurra
- More options: Browse all Ustica Hotels
BOOKING RESOURCES
- Ferry Tickets: Book online
- Boat Tour: Book directly with Da Gaetano
- E-sim: Grab an E-Sim for the entire EU
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWings Travel Insurance
H3: Where is Ustica?
Ustica is a small volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Palermo (Sicily). It’s roughly 67 km / 36 nautical miles from the city, which is why it’s long been Palermo’s favourite summer escape.
H3: How to get to Ustica (most common route)
Most travellers go Palermo → Ustica by ferry or hydrofoil, with year-round (and more frequent summer) sailings. The crossing typically takes about 1.5–3 hours, depending on the boat type/operator
H3: How to get around Ustica
Ustica is compact, so you really do not need a car or scooter to move around. We always opt to cruise around on electric bicycles, which we rent from the very jolly local entrepreneur, Da Gaetano, for €20 a day/a piece. This company is located by the harbor and runs a myriad of tourist endeavors.
H3: Where to stay in Ustica (best areas)
There are not a huge number of accommodations in Ustica, and most of them are centred around Ustica town and the harbor area (Cala Santa Maria). I have linked a few of my top picks up top.
10 Things to Do in Ustica, Sicily
1. Snorkel or scuba dive the Marine Protected Area
Ustica sits inside the Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica, a protected belt of sea around the island created to safeguard biodiversity like Posidonia seagrass meadows and the marine life they support. The happy news is that you can dive and snorkel in certain areas of the protected area, and the biodiversity is one of the best in Europe.
My partner was keen to try Ustica diving (he’s a beginner). The main diving schools on the island are Blue Diving Ustica (€75 discovery dive), Altamarea (€50), and Lustrica (€60 dive). In the end, time constraints got the better of us,s and we decided to do a lot of snorkeling in Ustica instead. Honestly, it was enough to make me grin like a kid. I’d 100% bring your own mask and snorkel if you are visiting the island and do not fancy diving.
GOOD TO KNOW | You are not allowed to swim and snorkel willy-nilly anywhere on the island, especially in the area that is in the reserve. If you want great visibility, without damaging the marine ecosystem, head to Cala Sidoti and La Caletta.
PRACTICAL | If you want the calmest conditions, aim for early morning swims before the day-trippers arrive from Palermo to Ustica.
2. Hike to a viewpoint
I never met a viewpoint on one of the Sicilian islands that left me thinking “well, that was decidedly underwhelming”. Hiking is not one of the main things to do in Ustica, and I use the term rather lightly. A few paths crisscross the island, most of which take max one hour to complete. Wikiloc has a couple of options to choose from.
The headline route is Rocca della Falconiera, where you pass the Necropoli della Falconiera on the way up and end with a wide open view over the harbour and town. It’s an easy, short climb by distance (700 meters), but in July, the heat can make it feel more strenuous than the map suggests.
For the highest viewpoint on the island, point yourself towards Monte Guardia dei Turchi. Perched at a whopping 248 metres above sea level, it has some of the best views over the island, especially if you continue walking in the direction of the Torre Santa Maria to the Faro dello Spalmatore side.
GOOD TO KNOW | Other viewpoints on Ustica include Faro dello Spalmatore, Punta Cavazzi lighthouse, Punta Galera and Punta Gorgo Salato. None of these requires hiking.
3. Have an aperitivo with a view at sunset
The beauty of island life is that you take things slow, and there is plenty of time to relax. Preferably while watching the sunset with a cold Aperol spritz or a glass of white wine. If this is your vibe, then I have some good news: Ustica delivers beautifully on all fronts. Oh, and good news, you can pay by card in all of the establishments below.
AILTANTO PARK | When we went, they had live music and were serving aperitivo plates full of local (Palermitan) specialties, including sfincione, capers, crocce. You need to book in advance as seating is limited and it’s a very popular spot.
FRUTTINO | This aperitivo spot is more of a pop-up roadside bar located right next to Cala Sidoti. Run by a craftbrewery from Palermo (I kid you not). Try their beers or stick with the classic Aperol Spritz. It tends to get busy about 30 minutes before sunset. Super friendly owner and very kid-friendly spot too!
LA ROSA DEI VENTI | Now this place is everything you want from an aperitivo spot. Great vibes, amazing view, comfortable lounge chairs, and a hip crowd. Nestled right next to the iconic lighthouse on Pinta Cavazzi.
BEACH PAVILION AT CALETTA ACQUARIO | We originally sat down for a drink after spending a few hours sunbathing a few steps away, and the vibe was so good we stayed for sunset. Very chilled, beachy vibe.
Il FARAGLIONE | We came here for dinner one evening (make sure to book in advance), and it was absolutely buzzing. Has beautiful views over the harbor and decent food. The service was excellent, but the place was a little too busy for my liking.
4. Try a granita at Café Centrale
If ever there was a beating heart of Ustica, it would be right here. No trip to Ustica is complete without a daily visit to Café Centrale. It is de facto the island’s living room, so you can come for breakfast, return for coffee, and somehow end up back again at aperitivo. It also happens to be the island’s best spot for a bout of people watching!
One thing you might notice is how the benches lining the square in front of Café Centrale will fill up quickly. As is the case in many Sicilian villages, which have remained untouched by mass tourism, the older generation loves to sit together, chat, and observe the comings and goings of the town. You have never been judged before until you have passed before the eyes of a group of Sicilian nonnis.
SICILIAN SPECIALITY | Make sure to order a Granita (A frozen dessert with the consistency of sorbet) with a brioche! The bar also makes delicious gelato, which is served inside a brioche (pictured above).
5. Take a boat tour around Ustica (the best way to see hidden coves)
When we were planning our Ustica itinerary, I stumbled upon a bunch of places that did not seem accessible from the island itself. Most notably, Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Verde, and Grotta delle Barche. So we decided to do a half-day boat tour!
As mentioned a few times before, Ustica is an island for local tourism. You will not find flashy boat tours like you would on the Aeolian or Egadi islands. Boat tours here entail clambering into a rubber boat, holding on for dear life, and zooming around the island with various swimming stops.
We splurged and booked a private tour with the same person we rented our electric bicycles from: Da Gaetano. Private tours start at €100 per boat, but if you are happy to share the experience with others, you can have a tour for as little as €25 a person.
TIP | Make sure to bring a drybag for your electronics. If you suffer from motion sickness, you will want to take an anti-motion sickness pill before heading out as the ride is very bumpy.
6. Rent an electric bike and cycle around the island
For me, the easiest way to explore Ustica, Sicily, is on an electric bike. We rented the bicycles for the duration of our entire stay. Cycling the full loop of the island will take about 1h30 at a leisurely pace. The roads roll and climb, so the electric assist is not a luxury, especially in Summer.
When renting a bicycle, make sure to get a lock and to test out the lights of your bicycle. When the sun sets, there are no streetlights on parts of the island, so it can get very dark!
7. Swim in crystalline water and hidden coves
Ustica beaches are wilder than many people picture, with pebbles, rock platforms, and very little “lido culture”. If you are planning a beach holiday on the island, make sure to bring snorkelling gear and water shoes. Trust me on the latter, your feet will thank you.
There are beaches aplenty on the island. Simply hop on your bicycle and start cycling. I guarantee that within 5 minutes, you will have found a beach with the most crystalline water you have ever seen. At least that was the case for me!
My favourite swim was Cala Santoro, often called Cala Acquario, a tiny black sand cove inside the Marine Protected Area. I also loved Cala Sidoti for easy entry. Both coves are excellent if you want to go snorkeling in Ustica.
On day three of our stay in Ustica, I have to admit I was in dire need of a bit more comfort, so we headed to Spiagga del Faro, which is one of the island’s only lidos. Expect to pay €18/day on weekdays and €22 on weekends for an umbrella and a lounge chair. This beach is a bit busier, and as the day wears on, the vibe changes to a bit more of a laid-back beach aperitivo scene.
TIP | If you are looking for a tad more adventure, you can try wading into the Piscina Naturale di Punta Cavazzi. This is a sheltered seawater pool that sits directly below Punta Cavazzi lighthouse. Getting into the pool requires a bit of wading through smaller pools and clambering over slippery rocks. Be very mindful of the tide as there is no lifeguard here to pull you out if you get stuck.
8. Spend the day at the lighthouse on Ustica Island
The Faro di Punta Cavazzi was one of my favourite places to visit in Ustica, mostly because the lighthouse still works! The active lighthouse was built in the late 1800s, standing watch over the southwest coast.
The lighthouse itself is not open to visit, but there is a large clustering of activities around this rocky outcrop. We spent an entire day in this part of the island. In the morning, we spent a few hours catching some sun and swimming in the natural pools (Piscina Naturale di Punta Cavazzi). The beach here is usually very quiet as it requires a little walk to get there.
For lunch, we grabbed a quick bite at Il Faro Solarium and ended up crashing out in their beachchairs for half a day. As the sun went down, it was aperitivo time, and we decided to try out La Rosa dei Venti. It was so nice, we ended up coming back again the next day. Reservations for aperitivo here are required!
9. Hop on island time
The absolute beauty of Ustica is that it is impossible to experience FOMO. The islet is simply too small and entirely unbothered by the rest of the world, let alone any trends that other islands might be pushing in a bid to attract more visitors. It is one of the very first places that allowed my very overstimulated brain to switch off.
If you are planning to visit Ustica, better set your internal clock to island time. In comparison with Ustica, the main island of Sicily runs at Formula 1 speed. Expect lazy days at the beach, where the most demanding question is “Is it time for lunch? Or should I go for one more dip in the water?”
It is noteworthy to mention that island time is very much a part of the fabric of Ustica. Expect service to be unbothered and openinghours to be open to interpretation.
10. Try the local specialities
Ustica is not a white tablecloth island, and that is undeniably part of its charm. You eat classic Sicilian comfort food, often built around the day’s catch, plus the flavours that show up everywhere here, like capers, aubergine, olive oil, and sun-sweet tomatoes. It is noteworthy that for vegetarians, the menu will be limited in many places. Fish is an integral part of many dishes.
When we explore Ustica, we usually opt for a light lunch at Il Faro Solarium or the beach pavilion at Caletta Acquario at Cala Santoro. If you are in town, it is just as easy to grab a panino there at one of the various bakeries.
Aperitivo in summer is non-negotiable in Italy; if you want to try some typical Palermitan streetfood style dishes, head to Ailanto for aperitivo. Dinner is when everyone drifts back into Ustica town. Both for aperitivo and dinner, booking ahead is essential in July and especially August.
These are the places we actually ate and would happily repeat: Il Faraglione for dinner by the port, Rosso di Sera Ristorante Ustica for a long lunch with seafood, Trattoria Il Terrazzino for classic plates in the heart of town, Basilicò for dinner in the historic centre, and Carrube in una Scatola for coffee and a small bite.
Mini Ustica Itineraries
PRACTICAL | First boat to Ustica leaves from Palermo at 07.00 am, and the last boat leaves for Palermo at 06.00 pm in high season. The crossing takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the boat. Check the latest ferry schedule and purchase tickets in advance.
H3: Ustica as a day trip from Palermo
Morning ferry or hydrofoil to Ustica, then straight into the sea for a swim and snorkeling in Ustica at Cala Sidoti or Cala Santoro. Do a half-day boat tour for sea caves like Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Verde, then head back to town.
Finish with an aperitivo, then take the last boat back to Palermo.
H3: Ustica in 2 days
Day 1: Granita for breakfast, spend the day at Cala Sidoti/ Cala Santoro, then aperitivo Ailanto and a booked dinner in town. Or alternatively, spend half a day doing a boat tour to visit the various sea caves and chill out at the beach in the afternoon.
Day 2: E-bike loop around the island, hike up to the Falconiera viewpoint, afternoon at Punta Cavazzi lighthouse and the natural pool swim.
H3: Ustica in 3–4 days
Day 1: Granita in the morning, rent a bicycle and go beach hopping, aperitivo at La Rosa dei Venti, and dinner in town
Day 2: Boat tour and caves, then sunset at Ailanto Park, then dinner in town.
Day 3: Hiking viewpoints, e-bike loop around the island, chill at the natural pools by the Punta Cavazzi lighthouse
Where to Stay in Ustica
RECOMMENDATION: Le Terrazze sul mare
Le Terrazze sul Mare is a smart, low-key base in Ustica with magnificent sea views over Cala Santa Maria and the harbour, just a short walk from both. It’s apartment-style, with a panoramic terrace and a small seasonal pool. It books up very fast!
GREAT VIEWS: Residence Stella Marina
Residence Stella Marina is a waterfront residence a few steps from Ustica’s port. The standout is the panoramic solarium terrace, plus a rooftop-style hydromassage tub, which feels very welcome after a long swim
APARTMENT WITH A VIEW: Casa Azzurra
Casa Azzurra con Vista Mare is an apartment-style stay on Via Tre Mulini, a short walk from Ustica town and the harbour. It’s a good pick if you want a simple, self-contained base with a kitchen, especially for a slower, swim-first Ustica itinerary
Practical Tips for Visiting Ustica
MEAL TIMES | Lunch is usually around 13:00 to 15:00, then many kitchens pause until dinner service. Dinner tends to start from about 20:00, and in summer it often skews closer to 21:00.
RESERVATIONS | In July and especially August, book dinner in town because everyone funnels back there at night, and capacity is small. Lunch is easier to keep spontaneous, especially if you are happy with a quick panino at a lido or in town.
SEASONALITY | Ustica is intensely seasonal, with the liveliest period in summer when Sicilians holiday here. Outside peak months, some businesses reduce hours or close, so double-check tours, rentals, and restaurant opening days.
BRING WITH YOU | Many swim spots are pebbly or rocky, so pack water shoes and do not expect full-service beach clubs everywhere. Bring your own snorkel mask if you like to hop in often; it makes the island feel effortless.
Map of Things to Do in Ustica, Sicily
This map contains all the sights covered in this guide to Ustica. The top things to see in Ustica are indicated with a red dot, the restaurants with a yellow dot, and the recommended hotels in purple. Click on this interactive Google map to have a better view.
FAQ: To Do in Ustica
H3: How many days do you need in Ustica?
If you want the highlights, I’d do 2 days so you can snorkel, do a boat tour, and still have a slow evening in town. With 3 days, you can add a viewpoint hike and a lighthouse swim without rushing. We tend to stay three days minimum to completely disconnect.
H3: Do you need a car or a scooter in Ustica?
The short answer is no. Or rather, you will need wheels to get around the island but not a car or scooter. Stick to renting an e-bike to get around the island.
H3: Is Ustica worth visiting if you don’t scuba dive?
Absolutely, because snorkeling in Ustica is genuinely excellent and you can see a lot straight from shore. I’m PADI certified and still spend most of my time snorkeling. You’ll still get boat caves, viewpoints, and a truly authentic island experience.
H3: Is Ustica a good day trip?
Yes, especially if you focus on the sea and keep the plan tight. The fast hydrofoil from Palermo takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, so you can swim, take a short boat tour, and be back in Palermo for dinner
H3: What’s the best time to visit Ustica?
For swimming and an open, lively island, aim for July and August, with August being the busiest. For warmer water with a little more breathing room, September is a sweet spot and also popular with divers.
H3: How to take the ferry from Palermo to Ustica
Boats leave from the Port of Palermo and are run mainly by Liberty Lines (fast hydrofoil) and Siremar (slower ferry). In summer, book ahead and choose an early departure if you’re doing a day trip, because schedules vary by date and can change seasonally.
MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING SICILY
WHERE TO STAY – The best areas to stay in Sicily, and which ones to avoid!
ITINERARY – 3 to 5 day Sicily itinerary
INSPIRATION – Quaint little villages to explore while visiting Sicily
INSPIRATION – Most beautiful places in Sicily
FOOD – A local guide to the best Palermitan street food
PALERMO – One to three day guide to Palermo
MORE SICILIAN ISLANDS: Things to do in Ustica // Things to do in Vulcano
FURTHER AFIELD: A windswept adventure on Sicily’s wildest island Pantelleria
Things to do in Ustica – Pin it
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