Ustica (Sicily)

View of Ustica

Wonderful rocky coast of the island of Ustica

Faraglioni, Ustica

Ustica is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea about 70 km north of the Sicilian city of Palermo. Administratively it is part of the province of Palermo, Sicily. The island was created as a result of undersea volcanic eruptions, the last eruption being about 150,000 years ago, and is an open air museum for lovers of vulcanology. The slow and steady impact of the sea on the coast has shaped irregularly inlets, coves and caves. In 1986 the area around the island was proclaimed as a marine reserve to protect the rich marine flora and fauna. The rugged coast; the deep, very clear waters; the presence of a large variety of fish all make the island very attractive for diving. That’s the main reason that thousands of tourists visit this island every year.

Sicily Highlights

Culture
Ortigia
Descending a Secret Underground Stairwell Toward Sicily’s Jewish Past

For Yom Kippur, a writer reflects on the hidden-in-plain-sight Jewish history of Syracuse and the remarkable 1987 discovery that helped bring it back to the surface.

Travel
milan linate
Milan’s Linate Airport Pioneers Facial Recognition Technology on Italian Turf

The airport security facial recognition technology dubbed “FaceBoarding” debuted in Italy at Milan’s Linate Airport earlier this month, marking a new frontier in Italian travel expediency. 

Culture
Salemi
Turin Who? This Small Sicilian Town Still Proudly Calls Itself the First Capital of Italy

Salemi is ranked as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. But residents seem prouder of one Risorgimento episode in which their town’s role often gets glossed over.

Travel
Demand for goats from Alicudi has now outpaced the supply
Will the Great Italian Goat Giveaway Really Go Ahead?

Alicudi, a tiny island in the Aeolian archipelago, has been in the headlines recently for its goat giveaway scheme, but the demand for cuddly “capre” has now outpaced the supply. We’ve flagged five welfare-minded farms worth visiting if you aren’t quite ready to raise a “kid.”

Inspired Stays
Pool at Nèroli Bio Relais
Néroli Bio Relais: Organic Elegance in the Catania Countryside

This converted 18th century oil-making monastery has the sustainability clout and calm of an average agriturismo, but with an extra touch of elegance.

What you can't miss in Sicily

Where is Ustica

Top Experiences in Sicily

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Properties for sale in Sicily

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Independent villa in Noto. Ref 03/s 0
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Recipes From Sicily

Recipes
Oranges at a market
This Pasta With Oranges Has Subtle Tastes of American Breakfast (But Won’t Send Italians Into a Tizzy)

Featuring orange juice and crisp Italian “bacon,” this savory-sweet pasta dish has a breakfast-for-dinner sort of flavor profile.

Recipes
Sicilian chicken couscous Francine
This Sicilian Chicken With Couscous Tastes Best When You Use the “Brick Trick”

Saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves — combined with dried fruit and tomatoes — make this Sicilian dish incredibly flavorful. But what you really want to get right is the chicken crust.

Recipes
pappardelle with ragu
Sicilian Sciabbó: Pork Ragù with Hints of Chocolate

This wintry pork ragù from the Sicilian province of Enna gets its richness from chocolate, but a touch of cinnamon and a dash of dessert wine make it extra aromatic.

Recipes
pasta
Chestnut Pasta alla Palermitana

Pasta shouldn’t wait for guests; guests should wait for it! 
 

Recipes
mini di virgini, photo by Ellen Silverman.jpg
Virgin Cakes: Cassatine di Vergini

Almondy shortbread domes filled with custard and topped with icing, these classic Sicilian sweets were first created in the 1800s at the Monastero di Santa Maria dell Vergini in Palermo.

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What others are saying about Sicily

@jedward4 asks:

Hello,

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@fran.harrison20 asks:

Good morning

I am looking for someone to help me with tracing my Sicilian ancestors (Messina, circa 1815!) and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with professional genealogists in the area and could possibly recommend anyone please?

Many thanks

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@sharon_5 asks:

We have bought a house in Sicily and i have been told we need to replace our roof tiles because of a law coming in.  i have searched the internet and cant find a law, so wondered if anyone could help me.  Could it be that we have asbestos roof tiles?  

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