Palermo - Sicily, Italy

Levanzo to Ustica - 62 nm. After cruising in the Egadi Islands, your Sicily sailing itinerary takes you on a rewarding open-water passage northeast to Ustica. Like Pantelleria Island, it's sometimes called the Black Pearl because of its basaltic volcanic rocks and beautiful black-sand beaches. From seaward the island really does seem to look black, though vegetation thriving in the fertile soil tends to offset the effect. The island's waters are designated as a marine preserve. The sea life is abundant. This is one of the premiere scuba diving sites in the Mediterranean Sea. In the typical northwesterly breeze, you'll be on a fast beam reach all the way, enjoying Mediterranean sailing at its very best.

Mooring: No moorings are available. Anchor off the pier outside the island's only harbor at the town of Ustica.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do: The main town, Ustica, perches above the harbor and surrounding bay. It can be reached via a single road or stairs built into the slopes. As you enter the hamlet, you can't help but notice that the exteriors of the modest homes are painted in beautiful murals depicting the island's landscape as well as portraits of loved ones and other artistic renderings. A striking feature of the skyline is the stone Tower of St. Mary, which houses the island's Archaeological Museum and its collection of Neolithic artifacts and other finds from the archaeological dig at Capo Falconiera. Nearby are the ruins of a Bourbon fortress. Myriad caves penetrate the coast, many of which can be explored on foot, by dinghy, on a guided tour with a local fisherman. A guided tour of the marine park is highly recommended. On the east side of the island are the Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Verde, and Grotta delle Barche, all of which are excellent for snorkeling. Scuba diving is also a major attraction at Ustica.
Facilities: Fuel and water are available at Ustica Cala San Maria.

Ustica to Palermo - 34 nm. The sailing is splendid on the passage back to Palermo. The typical northwest winds will be off your starboard quarter, ideal for a fast downwind sail. As you arrive back at the base by 5:00 P.M. to check out the boat, you'll bask in the sheer delights of the past week on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Mooring: No moorings or yacht anchorage is available in this busy port. The base in Palermo is a modern, full-service marina with all amenities.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do: The attractions of Palermo are extensive. You could literally spend three or four days exploring the city and not see everything. Not to be missed is the Cappella Palatina (Palatine Chapel), in the Palazzo del Normanni, where you can admire some of the most beautiful mosaics in the world. They focus on Biblical scenes. The church of Santa Maria dell'Ammiragilo is a Norman-style building constructed in 1142, just one of many historic edifices you'll find all over the city. The Regional Archaeology Museum provides a detailed look at the history of the city and the region and contains exhibits of prehistoric art. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the displays in the International Marionettes Museum. It includes roughly 3,500 puppets, marionettes, and hand puppets from all over the globe. The Sicilian Regional Gallery has a wide variety of paintings dating back to 1000 A.D. And, of course, Palermo is a lively city for nightlife with all kinds of nightclubs featuring live music and dancing. Some of the best restaurants in Italy are in Palermo and shouldn't be missed. Five-star hotels offer accommodations in complete luxury.
Facilities: All facilities for yachts are available. All services for travelers are available, including car rentals, taxicabs, banking, and high-speed Internet access.