Ustica sape

The views of the island of Ustica were incomparable to any place I’ve ever visited


 

IMG_8226Hello Pietro,

I am so sorry it has taken me so long to write you since being back in the States. Things got busy as soon as I got back and I’ve been telling myself for months to sit down and write you!

I want to thank you for giving me the best experience of my trip to Italy. Ustica was, by far, my favorite place I visited throughout my entire trip. It was incredible to see the breathtaking land where my family once lived and even meet a distant La Barbera relative! The views of the island of Ustica were incomparable to any place I’ve ever visited.  The beautiful teal water just mesmerized me the entire time. I’ve never seen water so clear and beautiful.

I had no idea what to expect when we arrived, but I never imagined you would plan out our entire time there, especially with being able to feel like a local and experience so much of the culture. I think Courtney and I enjoyed the clear boat ride on our day of arrival the most.IMG_8165 Being able to go into caves, take in the views of two sides of the island at different times of day, and swimming in the beautiful Ustica coast was an experience we will never forget. Please thank your friend Salvatore Militello again for his generosity. Courtney and I are so grateful for the experience!

After our boat ride, we were grateful to relish in the Sicilian buffet at Hotel Ustica Punta Spalmatore. As if that weren’t enough, you filled our next day with a local cultural experience we can’t forget. We were so fortunate and honored to meet your friend Giovanni Palmisano, visit his small family vineyard, and learn how he (altro…)

Ustica: We “were made to feel like we were home”

When my husband first mentioned breaking from our group to visit Ustica, I was a little apprehensive. It wasn’t until we actually made our way from Palermo that I got excited about visit this Mediterranean Emerald Island. Once we stepped foot on Ustica my husband, Charles and I were made to feel like we were home. Our guide, Pietro and his wife treated us like long lost relatives.
Even though Ustica seems primitive it is far from it. While its natural beauty has been maintained, the comforts and luxuries of a larger distinction are still offered. You can walk the island in the morning see people gathering vegetables, capers (as Carmelina and her daughter Cristina), or gardening. In the afternoon, take a boat ride around the island and admire its crystal clear water, beautiful ancient caves, or just marvel at the sea life. If you like you can go fishing or diving in the same waters that have feed generations.
Unspoiled by urban development, the town square may offer a nice cup of espresso while your companion visits the local shops. You may prefer refreshing gelato as you converse with the friendly locals and later dine at a delightful restaurant overlooking the beautiful harbor. There are treasures to discover throughout this hidden gem that will keep you coming back for more.
Forever grateful,
Pamela Fallo Mississippi State U.S.A.
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Quando mio marito mi propose di staccarmi dal gruppo per visitare Ustica mi sentivo in apprensione. Ma ciò accadde fino a quando, partendo da Palermo, non la raggiunsi e rimasi proprio entusiasta nel visitare questa isola mediterranea color smeraldo. Una volta che io e mio Marito Charles abbiamo messo piede ad Ustica abbiamo avuto la sensazione di essere come a casa nostra. La nostra guida , Pietro e sua moglie ci hanno trattato come parenti che non si vedevano da molto tempo .
Anche se Ustica sembra primitiva è lontano da esserla. Mentre la sua naturale bellezza è stata mantenuta , il comfort e il lusso in gran parte sono ancora offerti . È possibile girare a piedi l’isola, al mattino vedere la gente raccogliere verdure, capperi (come Carmelina e la figlia Cristina) e fare giardinaggio . Nel pomeriggio , fare un giro in barca intorno all’isola ed ammirare le sue acque cristalline , splendide grotte antiche , o semplicemente ammirare la vita di mare. Se vi piace potete andare a pesca o fare immersioni nelle stesse acque che hanno dato da mangiare generazioni.
Incontaminata dallo sviluppo urbano , in piazza si può prendere una bella tazza di caffè espresso, mentre il tuo compagno visita i negozi locali. Se preferisci puoi prendere un rinfrescante gelato e parlare amichevolmente con la gente locale e poi cenare in un delizioso ristorante che si affaccia sul bellissimo porto. Ci sono tesori da scoprire in questa perla nascosta che vi invoglierà a ritornare di nuovo.
Sempre grata,
Pamela Fallo (Mississippi State U.S.A.)