Ustica Naples ferry

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.

Naples Guide

The Italian city of Naples is the largest city in southern Italy and is certainly one of the most beautiful, especially around the Bay of Naples. The city was founded by the Greeks and was later enlarged by the Romans all of which is reflected in the city's rich history and stunning architecture. Located to one side of Naples is Mount Vesuvius, and near to the bay are the picturesque islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, all of which are located close enough for day trips departing from Naples.

The centre of Naples is quite compact and is full of palaces, spectacular churches, monasteries, convents and castles and is the perfect place to stroll around and marvel at the spectacle. Popular attractions are the Duomo, which is an ancient cathedral that dates back to the late 13th century and early 14th century. Also of interest is the Palazzo Reale, the Teatro San Carlo and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, which is filled with some of the best archaeological exhibits in Italy. Finally, there is the Napoli Sotterranea which is a series of underground tunnels, stairs, rooms and halls that are right in the heart of the city.