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THE SEA |
  
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| The relationship between the province and the sea is a strange and contradictory one, but nonetheless fascinating. There is a sense of unnatural indifference, but also a deep and spontaneous love. The province of Palermo has slightly less than 200 kilometres of coastline, from Balestrate to Pollina. Some parts have been spoilt by modern housing developments, but during the eighties a process of environmental recovery was launched, involving the whole shore. So Mondello, Palermo's most famous beach, is once again an attraction not only for bathing but also for water sports such as windsurfing and yachting. The nearby nature reserve of Capo Gallo is one of the most attractive spots on the coast. As well as excellent hotel facilities, the coast can boast the cleanest sea in Italy, with huge beaches of golden sand. Only one hour away by hydrofoil lies an absolute jewel, the island of Ustica with its own wild beauty, considered the capital of underwater swimmers all over the world. "The sea here is still unspoilt, it is difficult to find anything so beautiful. Perhaps only the island of Montecristo surpasses it"; these are the words of an expert, Jacques Mayol, the underwater record-holder. This beautiful, wild and unspoilt island, where summer never seems to end, offers the chance to make unique discoveries. The annual rieview of underwater activities is now much more than one of the most important events of its kind in the world, it is also an occasion for a great international debate on the safeguarding of the environment. This is a theme that is indissolubly linked with this island of volcanic origin, scorched by the sun yet almost miraculously green. All along its coastline there are many caves with wonderful light effects to be found nowhere else in the world. In 1987 the Ustica marine reserve was founded with the aim of preserving the unspoilt beauty of these places. We cannot leave the sea without some mention of the ports for pleasure craft. A tourist harbour is being prepared at Acquasanta which will have berths for about 600 boats; meanwhile the harbour area of the Cala can accomodate 200 medium size craft. About 10 kilometres from Palermo, on the northern side of Monte Pellegrino, lies the little harbour of Addaura. Other harbours are available at Cefalù, Fossa del Gallo, Mondello and many more.
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