Things to do in Ustica

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Italy

Pompeii Archaeological Park

The Pompeii Archaeological Park is located on the shores of the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, with Mount Vesuvius as its backdrop. In 79 CE, the sudden eruption of the volcano buried the entire town under ash and pumice, inadvertently preserving its streets, houses, shops, and frescoes—freezing the daily life of an ancient Roman town at the moment of disaster. Beyond the ruins, the site also features poignant casts of victims: cavities left by decomposed bodies in hardened ash were filled with plaster by archaeologists, recreating their final moments, with a group of such casts displayed in the Garden of the Fugitives. The tour typically begins at the Porta Marina in the west, where the Temple of Venus, the patron goddess of Pompeii, stands on a high platform to the right of the entrance. Along the main street, visitors can see the rectangular Basilica with its recognizable column remnants and frescoes, followed by the ancient Temple of Apollo nearby. Further ahead lies the central forum, where the columns of the Temple of Jupiter frame the silhouette of Mount Vesuvius in the distance—a classic photo spot. The stone-paved streets outside the forum still bear deep ruts from ancient cart wheels. To the south are the Large Theatre and the covered Odeon, the latter once used for musical performances, with the Temple of Isis reflecting Egyptian influence nearby. Heading north to an intersection, the Stabian Baths offer a glimpse into ancient Romans' passion for bathing. Further east, the House of the Venus in the Shell features a small garden surrounded by a colonnade, with the famous fresco of Venus reclining in a shell still adorning the garden wall. At the southeastern end of the town stands the Amphitheatre, built around 2,000 years ago and capable of seating 20,000 spectators—one of the earliest surviving stone Roman amphitheatres, offering panoramic views from the upper seats. The House of the Faun in the northwest occupies almost an entire block; its excavated Alexander Mosaic is now housed in Naples' National Archaeological Museum. Nearby, the House of the Tragic Poet displays the famous "Beware of the Dog" mosaic at its entrance, with interior frescoes depicting mythological and theatrical scenes. The vast site offers limited shade, so allocate at least half a day for exploration, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water. Those interested in seeing the original Alexander Mosaic and other artifacts can pair their visit with the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Orca Diving Ustica

Ustica

No. 11 of Night Attractions in Italy

Sicily

Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean and is a large island in Italy. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides and has a warm climate. Over the past 3,000 years, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans have left their mark here, creating layers of historical sights. The Ancient Theatre of Taormina is built on a cliff, facing the azure bay of the Ionian Sea, and is still used for open-air performances today. The Cattedrale di Monreale embodies a fusion of Arab-Norman-Byzantine architectural styles, with large areas of golden mosaic murals covering the interior walls and rows of pointed arches in the cloister featuring Islamic influences. The Arab-Norman architecture of Palermo, along with Cefalu and the Cattedrale di Monreale, is listed as a World Heritage Site, and the old markets in the city retain an atmosphere that blends Arab-style souks with the local vibe of Southern Europe. The natural scenery is equally rich. Mt Etna is one of the highest active volcanoes in Europe, with volcanic activity continuing to this day. The volcanic soil at the foot of the mountain nurtures high-quality pistachios in the Bronte region and distinctive volcanic wines. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento preserves one of the few groups of ancient Greek temples outside of Greece, where Doric temples like the Temple of Concordia, Agrigento stand in rows under the sun. The long coastline connects golden beaches and rugged cliffs, giving this island both a sense of historical depth and a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere.

Diving Center Ustica

Evasioni Blu Diving Ustica

Escursioni Ciprea Ustica

No. 16 of Night Attractions in Italy

Positano

Positano is a cliffside town on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. The entire town faces the sea, built into the mountainside, with colorful houses cascading from the cliff top down to the seaside. This "vertical" town layout is its distinctive feature. There are few roads in the town; instead, there are winding stone steps and narrow alleys, dotted with handicraft shops, galleries, and lemon-themed boutiques along the way. The town's landmark is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, whose iconic colorful dome often appears in classic images of Positano. The terrace in front of the church offers a panoramic view of the pier and the Mediterranean Sea. Walking down from the church to the seaside, you will find the main beach, Positano Spiaggia. This crescent-shaped beach connects the colorful buildings on the cliff with the blue sea. Alternatively, you can follow the coastal path to the slightly more distant Fornillo Beach, which is quieter.

No. 17 of Night Attractions in Italy

Capri

Capri is located near the southern entrance of the Bay of Naples, facing the Sorrento Peninsula across the sea. The island is divided into two areas: Capri in the east and Anacapri in the west, featuring many white stone houses, winding pedestrian streets, and viewing platforms. Capri's Piazza Unberto I is the main hub of activity, with a concentration of cafes and shops nearby. Natural attractions include theBlue Grotto, Mount Solaro, and the Faraglioni rock formations, which can be explored by boat, cable car, or on foot. The island has a mild climate and lush vegetation, making it perfect for taking in the view, walking, and relaxing on vacation.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Naples metropolitan area

Naples National Archaeological Museum

The Naples National Archaeological Museum houses a vast collection of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, such as the world's largest single-piece ancient Greek sculpture, the Farnese bull, and the standard version of the statue of Heracles. Its collection of ancient Roman artifacts is unparalleled in Europe. It houses numerous treasures from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, including exquisite mosaic frescoes and murals, vividly showcasing the daily life of ancient Romans. It serves as a window into the history and culture of Pompeii.