The 3rd International GRAB-IT workshop will be held at two diffrent locations in the Island: the Conference Centre and the Marine Protected Area Lecture Room.
More info will be given when the final Programme will be issued.
Transportation and How to Reach Ustica Island
Ustica is a small island north of Palermo and is reached by sea from Palermo. The usual route is Palermo → Ustica, operated by Liberty Lines (fast hydrofoils) and Siremar / Caronte & Tourist (ferry services). Official operator pages and the Ustica marine reserve website confirm that Ustica is reached directly from Palermo by hydrofoil or ferry.
1. Arrival in Palermo
Most international and domestic visitors arrive at Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO). From the airport, travelers can reach Palermo city by train, bus, or taxi. The airport’s official website states that the railway station is located directly underneath the terminal, and airport ground transport services are available from the arrivals area.
2. Transfer from Palermo Airport to Palermo Port
To continue to Ustica, passengers must go from Palermo Airport to the Port of Palermo / hydrofoil terminal area. In practice, the simplest options are:
- Taxi, for a direct transfer;
- Train or bus to central Palermo, followed by a short walk or taxi transfer from Piazza Politeama to the port area.
Liberty Lines indicates its Palermo ticket office at Palermo Marina Yachting – Molo Trapezoidale, which is the key reference point for hydrofoil departures.
3. Ferry / Hydrofoil from Palermo to Ustica
There are two main types of sea connections:
- Hydrofoil / fast vessel: quicker crossing, generally about 1.5 hours;
- Conventional ferry: slower but often better suited for bulky luggage and rougher sea conditions, typically around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Travel websites and operator information indicate that the Palermo–Ustica connection runs year-round, but frequency varies depending on the season and operating conditions.
4. Booking
Participants are strongly advised to book sea tickets in advance, especially in high season or around conference dates. Timetables and fares should always be checked on the operators’ official websites:
- Liberty Lines for fast hydrofoils
- Siremar / Caronte & Tourist for ferry servicesÂ
5. Important travel advice
Sea crossings to Ustica can be affected by weather and sea conditions. Liberty Lines notes that, when cancellations are foreseen in advance, passengers who left their contact details may be contacted directly, and departure updates are published through official channels. For this reason, it is wise to:
- arrive in Palermo with enough connection time;
- avoid very tight same-day air/sea transfers when possible;
- check the ferry/hydrofoil status shortly before departure.Â
6. Suggested route for participants
A practical itinerary is:
Palermo Airport → Palermo Port / Hydrofoil Terminal → Ustica Island.
For most guests, this is the most convenient and standard way to reach the island.
7. Useful note for conference guests
Because Ustica is an island destination, participants are encouraged to:
- check ferry times before finalizing flights,
- arrive in Palermo with a comfortable margin,
- consider an overnight stay in Palermo if flight arrival times do not match sea departures.
Reccommended Hotels and B & B
Clelia Hotel & Apartments ***
A special discount is offred for workshop participants (10% for 2 nights and 15% for 3 nights on rack tariffs). You should use the discount code GRABIT directly when booking on the hotel website.
email: info@hotelclelia.it
www.hotelclelia.it www.bbcasacleliaustica.it
SOGNI NEL BLU
HOSPITALITY – FOOD – TOURIST SERVICES
VIA DELLA VITTORIA 9/11 90051 – USTICA (Italy)
tel. + 39 3387414970
Special rate for GRABIT: 119€ Doppia/DUS B&B
Le Terrazze sul Mare Ustica
Via C. Colombo, 3 – 90051 Ustica (Pa)
Cell. 3389066477 – 3394294992
Email: info@leterrazzeustica.it
Web site: www.leterrazzeustica.it
La prenotazione potrà essere effettuata direttamente dal nostro sito e verrà confermata con l’invio di una caparra mentre il saldo sarà all’arrivo. Il congressista potrà cancellare gratuitamente la prenotazione entro 3 settimane dall’arrivo ed avere così diritto al rimborso dell’importo inviato.
OTHER ACCOMODATION
Ustica has plenty of B&B available usually for a minimum 3-days stay. Booking.com and Airbnb are the best option to secure these. Before booking, check distance from vilagge centre. Public transportation is limited, though there are many cheap taxi services. If in the main viallge, all will be at walking distance.