Ustica

This website represents an ongoing effort to translate, record and link genealogic information for the families of Ustica, Italy, and their descendants in America.

Welcome to Ustica.org. You'll find all things Usticesi here. Perhaps you want to plan a vacation or learn more about your families past and heritage. It's all here! You can even make contact with the island at the offical town site or the Centro Studi page, or make contact with the descendants of Ustciesi in America at the San Bartolomeo Society website or the Usticese Society of California page. Enjoy your trip through the site!

Ustica Lines Srl., set up in 1993, is a fast sea transport company, starting its first activity with 2 regular passenger lines, one between Napels, Ustica, the Island of Favignana and Trapani, the second one linking Kelibia (Tunisia) with Pantelleria and Trapani. The Head Office of the Company is in Trapani. In 1995 start a new route between the islands of Lampedusa and Linosa with the hydrofoil “SPARGI”. In 1996 is added a new annual route: Trapani- Egadi islands. For this service two hydrofoils are purchased the “LINOSA” and “CALAROSSA” and a new building “EDUARDO M” is launched in June. The speed and comfort of the hydrofoil “EDUARDO M” renders it a leader in the hydrofoil field. Moreover, it is the only hydrofoil in the world built according to the new HSC (High Speed Craft) Code and offers a level of safety never reached before by any other high speed craft. In the same year, the company becomes a joint-stock company. In March 1999 the hydrofoil “ADRIANA M” is launched, the fleet’s flagship and twinsister of the “EDUARDO M”, employed on the route Trapani. Egadi islands, increasing considerably the number of departures and passengers.

The tiny volcanic island of Ustìca - measuring just 3.3 sq miles - is an oasis of peace and tranquility one and a half hours by hydrofoil from Palermo (two and a half hours by ferry). Unspoilt by tourism, its magnificent sea beds are protected as a natural marine reserve, capturing an abundance of life in its clear turquoise waters. this can be best experienced on the aquarium boat with its glass bottom or by taking a local boat round the island visiting the numerous grottos along the coast. It is not surprisingly, a paradise for scuba divers and snorkellers.