Oriented Nature Reserve

When you reach the island of Ustica, you’re greeted by lush vegetation and, especially in spring, vibrant flower colors contrasting with the practically black volcanic soil. The nature reserve encompasses nearly all the mountain peaks that have been reforested on the northern side of the island. Lower down, dry stone walls and terraces offer pleasant views to visitors already captivated by the colors of the sea and its seabed.

The entire extension of the Oriented Nature Reserve (RNO) covers 204.37 hectares, with 120 in zone A and 84.37 in zone B (one hectare equals 10,000 square meters). Management of the land reserve is entrusted to the Metropolitan City of Palermo and the Municipality of Ustica.

Most of Ustica Island is protected by the European Union: it’s an SCI (Site of Community Importance) and SPA (Special Protection Area). Below are listed the documents related to SITE ITA020010, part of the NATURA2000 Network, with the reasons for this designation and the main animal and plant species present.

Certain flora and fauna are fundamental to its reserve designation: the presence of Limonium bocconei, an endemic species with a range limited to Ustica, Favignana, Levanzo, and the Palermo area; various entities of the Crithmo-Limonietea class that give notable interest to the island’s rock formations. Also significant are areas covered by Mediterranean scrub with Mastic Tree, Thorny Broom, Buckthorn, and Tree Spurge, which are gradually repopulating the mountain slopes.