Ferry from Ustica to Palermo

Ustica Guide

The small Italian island of Ustica lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea, around 50 km to the north of Capo Gallo. It forms part of the Aeolic island chain and its land is actually the tip of a submerged volcano. The island's landscape is characterised by black volcanic rock with dashes of pink and red hibiscus flowers and green cacti. Located around the island's shores are many little grottoes and the island's waters are protected within the Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica (the Island of Ustica Protected Marine Area). The waters are kept naturally clear by the Atlantic currents and are, as a consequence, full of coral and fish. This makes the island popular with scuba divers and one of the best dive spots on the island is the Grotta del Gamberi, on the island's southern tip where there are many shipwrecks to see there. Also popular with scuba divers is Secca di Colobara on the northern coast where lots of sponges can be seen in crystal clear waters.

Both hydrofoils and conventional ferries use the port with services departing to Palermo's Stazione Marittima. The crossing takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes by ferry and around 1 hour by hydrofoil.

Palermo Guide

The city of Palermo is located on the Italian island of Sicily and lies on the island's north west coast and has a large and strategically important natural port, next to the Monte Pellegrino. The city is typically Mediterranean and can trace its history back to the 8th century and is today known for its Norman buildings, fabulous palaces and the hustle and bustle of its markets. Palermo's historic centre is the Quattro Canti district, which means 'Four Corners' and is where a number of the city's most spectacular attractions can be found. These include the Royal Palace and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The cathedral's sheer size and lovely architecture really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Also popular in the city is the medieval Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi and the 12th century Castello della Zisa. For visitors who enjoy the performing arts there is also the Teatro Massimo which is a recently refurbished theatre that puts on regular performances.

Ferries from the city's port depart to Genoa, Civitavecchia, Naples and Tunisia.