10 Activities to Enjoy in Ustica: Sicily’s Tranquil Island Getaway Near Palermo

One of my favorite little islands is Ustica. I highly recommend visiting Ustica in July when Italy is already in summer mode but thankfully not yet at August’s full throttle. Accessible by ferry from Palermo, this islet is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Sicily. Life revolves around the singular town and working harbor; the rest is made up of pebbly coves enveloped in water so clear it hardly seems fair. With limited accommodation, it remains noticeably calmer than you’d expect during the high season.

Forget any preconceptions you might have about Sicilian islands; Ustica is an entirely different experience. This island is perfect for visitors looking for something local, where they can simply unwind. Below are 10 things to do on Ustica Island, drawn from various trips to the island over the years. You can expect snorkeling, beginner-friendly diving, the best beaches, easy viewpoints, and a handy map pinning all my favorite spots.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Ustica Itinerary at a Glance

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 has long been Palermo’s favorite summer escape.

How to get to Ustica (most common route)

Most travellers take a ferry or hydrofoil from Palermo to Ustica, with year-round (and more frequent summer) sailings. The crossing typically takes about 1.5–3 hours, depending on the boat type/operator.

How to get around Ustica

Ustica is compact, so you really do not need a car or scooter to get around. We always opt for electric bicycles, which we rent from the cheerful local entrepreneur, Da Gaetano, for €20 a day per person. This company is conveniently located by the harbor and offers a range of tourist activities.

Where to stay in Ustica (best areas)

There aren’t a large number of accommodations on Ustica, and most are centered around Ustica town and the harbor area (Cala Santa Maria). I’ve linked a few of my top picks at the beginning of this article.

10 Things to Do in Ustica, Sicily

1. Snorkel or Scuba Dive in the Marine Protected Area

Ustica sits within the Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica, a protected ring of sea around the island created to safeguard biodiversity like Posidonia seagrass meadows and the marine life they support. The good news is that you can dive and snorkel in certain areas, and the biodiversity is among the best in Europe.

My partner was eager to try diving in Ustica (he’s a beginner). The main diving schools on the island are Blue Diving Ustica (€75 for a discovery dive), Altamarea (€50), and Lustrica (€60). Ultimately, time constraints led us to focus instead on snorkeling in Ustica, which was enough to make me grin like a child. I’d definitely recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel if you visit the island and prefer to snorkel rather than dive.

GOOD TO KNOW | Swimming and snorkeling aren’t allowed everywhere around the island, particularly in the reserve area. For excellent visibility without harming the marine ecosystem, head to Cala Sidoti and La Caletta.

PRACTICAL | If you want the calmest conditions, aim for early morning swims before day-trippers arrive from Palermo.

2. Hike to a Viewpoint

I’ve never encountered a viewpoint on one of the Sicilian islands that left me thinking, “Well, that was certainly underwhelming.” While hiking isn’t one of the main activities in Ustica, a few paths crisscross the island, most of which take no more than an hour to complete. Wikiloc has a couple of options to consider.

The headline route is Rocca della Falconiera, where you pass the Necropoli della Falconiera en route and finish with a panoramic view of the harbor and town. It’s an easy, short climb (700 meters), but in July, the heat can make it feel more challenging than expected.

For the highest viewpoint on the island, aim towards Monte Guardia dei Turchi. Standing at an impressive 248 meters above sea level, it offers some of the best views over the island, particularly if you continue on towards Torre Santa Maria and 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 require hiking.

3. Have an Aperitivo with a View at Sunset

The beauty of island life is that you can take things slowly, giving you plenty of time to unwind—ideally while watching the sunset with a cold Aperol spritz or a glass of white wine. If this sounds appealing, I have good news: Ustica excels in this department. And you can pay by card at all the spots I’ll mention below.

AILTANTO PARK | During our visit, they had live music and offered aperitivo plates filled with local (Palermitan) specialties like sfincione, capers, and crocce. Reservations are necessary as seating is limited, and it’s a very popular spot.

FRUTTINO | This aperitivo spot is more of a roadside pop-up bar right next to Cala Sidoti, operated by a craft brewery from Palermo (I’m not kidding). Be sure to try their beers or stick with the classic Aperol Spritz. It tends to get busy about 30 minutes before sunset and is super friendly and kid-friendly too!

LA ROSA DEI VENTI | This place ticks all the boxes for an ideal aperitivo spot—fantastic atmosphere, stunning views, comfy lounge chairs, and a cool crowd. Nestled right next to the iconic lighthouse at Punta Cavazzi.

BEACH PAVILION AT CALETTA ACQUARIO | We initially stopped here for a drink after spending a few hours sunbathing nearby. The experience was so enjoyable we decided to stay for the sunset. The vibe was very laid-back and beachy.

IL FARAGLIONE | We came here for dinner one evening (be sure to reserve ahead of time), and it was absolutely buzzing. Great views over the harbor and decent food; just note that it was a little too crowded for my taste.

4. Try a Granita at Café Centrale

If there’s a beating heart of Ustica, it’s Café Centrale. No trip to Ustica is complete without a daily visit here. It’s practically the island’s living room, where you can arrive for breakfast, return for coffee, and somehow find yourself back again for aperitivo. Plus, it’s the ideal place for some people-watching!

One thing you’ll notice is how quickly the benches lining the square in front of Café Centrale fill up. Like many Sicilian villages untouched by mass tourism, the older generation loves to gather, chat, and observe the daily happenings of the town. You’ve never truly felt judged until you’ve walked past a group of Sicilian grandmas.

SICILIAN SPECIALITY | Be sure to order a Granita (a frozen dessert with a sorbet-like consistency) with a brioche! The café also serves delicious gelato, which you can enjoy inside a brioche (as shown above).

5. Take a Boat Tour Around Ustica (The Best Way to See Hidden Coves)

While planning our Ustica itinerary, I came across various places that didn’t seem accessible from the island itself, most notably Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Verde, and Grotta delle Barche. Therefore, we decided to book a half-day boat tour!

As mentioned earlier, Ustica is primarily for local tourism. You won’t find flashy boat tours like those on the Aeolian or Egadi islands. Instead, boat tours here involve climbing into a rubber boat and zooming around the island with several swimming stops along the way.

We splurged on a private tour with the same person we rented our electric bicycles from, Da Gaetano. Private tours start at €100 per boat; if you’re open to sharing the experience, you can find a tour for as little as €25 per person.

TIP | Be sure to bring a dry bag for your electronics. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking an anti-motion sickness pill before the adventure as the ride can be quite 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 bikes for the duration of our stay. Cycling the full loop of the island takes about 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. The roads are rolling and steep, so the electric assist is invaluable, especially in summer.

When renting a bicycle, make sure to get a lock and check the lights on your bike. In some parts of the island, it can get quite dark as there are no streetlights.

7. Swim in Crystaline Water and Hidden Coves

Ustica’s beaches are wilder than many expect, with pebbles, rocky platforms, and minimal “lido culture.” If you’re planning a beach holiday on the island, make sure to bring snorkeling gear and water shoes. Trust me on this—your feet will thank you.

The island offers a variety of beaches. Simply hop on your bike and start cycling; I guarantee that within five minutes, you’ll discover a beach with the most crystalline waters you’ve ever seen. That was certainly my experience!

My favorite spot was Cala Santoro, often referred to as Cala Acquario, a small black sand cove located within the Marine Protected Area. I also enjoyed Cala Sidoti for its easy entry. Both coves are excellent for snorkeling in Ustica.

By the third day of our stay, I craved a bit more comfort, so we headed to Spiagga del Faro, 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 busier, and as the day progresses, the vibe shifts to a more relaxed beach aperitivo scene.

TIP | For those seeking a bit more adventure, try wading into the Piscina Naturale di Punta Cavazzi, a sheltered seawater pool sitting right below Punta Cavazzi lighthouse. Accessing the pool requires a bit of wading through smaller pools and climbing over slippery rocks. Be extremely cautious of the tide, as there’s no lifeguard around 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 favorite places to visit in Ustica, particularly because it’s an operational lighthouse! Built in the late 1800s, it watches over the southwest coast.

Although the lighthouse itself is not open for visitors, there’s an abundance of activities around this rocky outcrop. We spent an entire day in this part of the island. In the morning, we sunbathed and swam in the natural pools (Piscina Naturale di Punta Cavazzi); this beach is usually quite tranquil since it requires a short walk to reach.

For lunch, we grabbed a quick bite at Il Faro Solarium and ended up lounging in their beach chairs for half a day. As evening fell, it was aperitivo time, and we decided to check out La Rosa dei Venti, which was so delightful we returned the next day. Reservations for aperitivo are required!

9. Hop on Island Time

The true beauty of Ustica is that it’s impossible to experience FOMO. The island is simply too small and totally unaffected by the outside world, let alone any trends that other islands might follow to draw more visitors. It’s one of the first places that allowed my overstimulated brain to relax.

If you plan to visit Ustica, be sure to set your internal clock to island time. When compared to Ustica, mainland Sicily is in fast forward mode. Expect lazy days at the beach, where the most pressing question will be: “Is it time for lunch? Or should I take one more dip in the water?”

It’s important to note that island time is integral to Ustica’s essence. Service can be leisurely, and opening hours may be flexible.

10. Try the Local Specialties

Ustica is not a place for white tablecloth dining, and that is undeniably part of its charm. Here, you’ll find classic Sicilian comfort food, often featuring the day’s catch, along with flavors that permeate the area, such as capers, eggplant, olive oil, and sun-ripened tomatoes. It’s worth mentioning that vegetarians might find limited options in many places, as fish is a staple in many dishes.

When exploring Ustica, we typically opt for a light lunch at Il Faro Solarium or the beach pavilion at Caletta Acquario near Cala Santoro. If you’re in town, it’s just as easy to grab a panino at one of the local bakeries.

Aperitivo in summer is a must in Italy; if you want to try some typical Palermitan street food-style dishes, head to Ailanto for aperitivo. During dinner, everyone returns to Ustica town; reservations are essential for both aperitivo and dinner in July and especially in August.

These are the places we tried and would happily revisit: Il Faraglione for dinner by the port, Rosso di Sera Ristorante Ustica for a long lunch with seafood, Trattoria Il Terrazzino for classic dishes in the town center, Basilicò for dinner in the historic quarter, and Carrube in una Scatola for coffee and a light snack.

Mini Ustica Itineraries

PRACTICAL | The first boat to Ustica leaves from Palermo at 7:00 AM, and the last boat departs for Palermo at 6:00 PM during high season. The crossing takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the boat. Check the latest ferry schedules and purchase tickets in advance.

Ustica as a Day Trip from Palermo

Take a morning ferry or hydrofoil to Ustica, and head straight into the sea for a swim or snorkeling at Cala Sidoti or Cala Santoro. Afterward, embark on a half-day boat tour to see sea caves like Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Verde, then return to town. Wrap up with aperitivo before catching the last boat back to Palermo.

Ustica in 2 Days

Day 1: Start with granita for breakfast, spend the day at Cala Sidoti or Cala Santoro, followed by aperitivo at Ailanto and a reserved dinner in town. Alternatively, spend half the day on a boat tour to visit various sea caves, then unwind at the beach in the afternoon.
Day 2: Take an e-bike loop around the island, hike up to the Falconiera viewpoint, and spend the afternoon at the Punta Cavazzi lighthouse, enjoying a swim in the natural pool.

Ustica in 3–4 Days

Day 1: Enjoy granita in the morning, rent a bicycle, and go beach hopping, have aperitivo at La Rosa dei Venti, and dinner in town.
Day 2: Take a boat tour and explore caves, then enjoy sunset at Ailanto Park and dinner in town.
Day 3: Hike to viewpoints, complete an e-bike loop of the island, and relax at the natural pools near the Punta Cavazzi lighthouse.

Where to Stay in Ustica

RECOMMENDATION: Le Terrazze sul mare

Le Terrazze sul Mare is a charming, low-key base in Ustica, offering magnificent sea views over Cala Santa Maria and the harbor, just a short walk from both. It features apartment-style accommodations with a panoramic terrace and a small seasonal pool. It books up quickly!

GREAT VIEWS: Residence Stella Marina

Residence Stella Marina is a waterfront residence just steps from Ustica’s port. The highlight is the panoramic solarium terrace and a rooftop-style hydromassage tub, perfect for unwinding after a long swim.

APARTMENT WITH A VIEW: Casa Azzurra

Casa Azzurra con Vista Mare is a self-contained apartment located on Via Tre Mulini, just a short walk from Ustica town and the harbor. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a simple, standalone base with a kitchen, particularly if you prefer a slower, swim-focused itinerary in Ustica.

Practical Tips for Visiting Ustica

MEAL TIMES | Lunch is typically served from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, after which many kitchens close until dinner service. Dinner generally begins around 8:00 PM and often skews closer to 9:00 PM in the summer.

RESERVATIONS | In July and especially August, it’s necessary to reserve dinner in town since everyone returns there at night, and seating is limited. Lunch is easier to keep spontaneous, particularly if you’re fine with a quick panino at a lido or in town.

SEASONALITY | Ustica is highly seasonal, with the most lively period in the summer when Sicilians holiday here. Outside peak months, many businesses might reduce their hours or close, so be sure to confirm the availability of tours, rentals, and restaurants.

WHAT TO BRING | Many swimming spots are rocky or pebbly, so it’s wise to pack water shoes and not expect full-service beach clubs everywhere. If you like to jump in frequently, bring your own snorkel mask to enhance the island experience.

Map of Things to Do in Ustica, Sicily

This map contains all the sights covered in this guide to Ustica. The top attractions in Ustica are marked with a red dot, restaurants with a yellow dot, and recommended hotels in purple. Click on this interactive Google map for better navigation.

FAQ: Things to Do in Ustica

How many days do you need in Ustica?

For a quick overview, I’d suggest spending at least 2 days to snorkel, embark on a boat tour, and enjoy a leisurely evening in town. With 3 days, you can add a hike to a viewpoint and a swim at the lighthouse without feeling rushed. We often stay for a minimum of three days to really disconnect.

Do you need a car or scooter in Ustica?

The short answer is no. While you will need some form of transport to get around the island, you don’t need a car or scooter. Renting an e-bike is the best way to explore Ustica.

Is Ustica worth visiting if you don’t scuba dive?

Absolutely! Snorkeling in Ustica is genuinely excellent, and you can see a myriad of marine life straight from the shore. I’m PADI certified and still find myself snorkeling more often. You’ll also enjoy boat tours, stunning viewpoints, and a truly authentic island experience.

Is Ustica a good day trip?

Yes, particularly if you focus on the sea and keep your itinerary tight. The hydrofoil from Palermo takes about 1.5 hours, allowing time to swim, take a short boat tour, and return to Palermo for dinner.

What’s the best time to visit Ustica?

For swimming and a lively atmosphere, aim for July and August, with August being the busiest month. For warmer water and a little more space, September is a sweet spot, and it’s also popular with divers.

How to take the ferry from Palermo to Ustica

Boats leave from the Port of Palermo and are mainly operated by Liberty Lines (fast hydrofoil) and Siremar (slower ferry). In summer, book your tickets in advance and consider choosing an early departure if you plan a day trip, as schedules may vary.