About the Island of Ustica
Unspoilt by tourism, Ustica's magnificent sea beds are protected as a natural marine reserve, capturing an abundance of life in its clear turquoise waters. This can be best experienced on the aquarium boat with its glass bottom or by taking a local boat round the island visiting the numerous grottos along the coast. It is, not surprisingly, a paradise for scuba divers and snorkellers.
Ustica, named Ustum (meaning burnt) by the Romans, was so called for its black lava rock which is in contrast to the green vegetation we see today and the rich soil which produces a very good rosé wine grape.
The island has a small, pretty town perched above the harbour and along with its little restaurants and cafes it houses an underwater archaeological museum.