Hotel Ustica.

Ustica is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea about 60 km northwest of Palermo. For its lavic rocks, which testify its volcanic origin, is also called the "Black Pearl of the Mediterranean". The island is one of the most ancient in this area and in fact it is the emerged part of a huge underwater volcano dormant now. The characteristic dark color of the land, from which derives the Latin name ustum, that means burned, creates striking contrasts with the crystalline sea and makes this place unique.

Originally, the island was colonized by the Phoenicians and subsequently by the Romans, who gave it its current name. During the Middle Ages it was often plundered by pirates and until the eighteenth century it was an Arab stronghold. Since 1763 it became seat of Borboni family, who repopulate the island with soldiers and laborers coming from Sicily. During fascism Ustica was used as a prison and here were confined many oppositors to the regimen. Since 1987 this area was declared a nature reserve and nowaday houses the largest marine park in Sicily, a true paradise for skin divers.

Ustica catches up with the ship and hydrofoil starting from Palermo and Naples, and the only landing is Cala Santa Maria, which is set on the east coast. The village rises near Cape Falconera, where there is the Tower of Santa Maria. This structure now houses the Archaeological Museum which preserve several findings of a prehistoric village of the island. But the best tourist attractions of Ustica are certainly its beautiful coastline, small beaches and bays, wonderful caves and the magnificent seabed. Not to be missed is the typical boat tour organized by the local people, during which we can visit the hidden corners of the island.