Shopping in Ustica Island - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

When planning shopping, remember that most shops close at 7 pm. Don’t forget about siesta, which lasts from one to three o’clock. You won't be able to have shopping on Sunday because only large supermarkets work on this day. The trade is paused in the last two weeks of August. Italians prefer to swim and sunbathe, so they close all the shops. The dead season is called Ferragosto.

Sales are called sconti or saldi here. There is not a wide range of brand clothes on the island. If you want to buy brand perfume or a jacket, you go to Palermo. Ustica is a place, where you can find different souvenirs. One of the traditional Italian gifts for your friend or family is a Pinocchio doll. You can buy it in any size, from a keychain or magnet to a big toy in human growth. Pinocchio is something like a hero in Italy, that’s why this toy is very popular among tourists and locals. Puppets are also very popular here. If you visit Lipari on New Year holidays, you will find Befana or Epifania doll in the local shops. It acts as Santa and brings gifts for children.

If you want to bring something useful, think about local olive oil. It is considered to be a symbol of Italian cuisine. Try to choose Olio extravergine, it is a high-quality product. Oil is sold in souvenir packages, bottles and even jerrycans. Balsamic vinegar is one more souvenir, you can bring to your mum or a friend. Vinegar is usually added to salads, its price depends on the ageing. It is better to buy 5-year-old vinegar. Moreover, pay your attention to pesto sauce, which popular in Italian cuisine. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Be sure to bring a pack of pasta from Ustica. Italians have created pasta and they still create new shapes, tastes and colours of it. You can find colourful, large, small, long, round and flat pasta in the local shops. In short, there is a product at any taste. Pasta is a perfect souvenir. It is not an expensive traditionally Italian gift. Dried tomatoes are a unique delicacy in Italy. Don’t pass by Mortadella and Ventricina sausages. The most delicious Italian desserts are almond cookies, Amaretti biscuits, tiramisu and chocolate pyramids. Coffee addicts should certainly buy coffee here. Illy and Lavazza are the most popular producers in Italy. You can also buy a coffee machine on the island. Italians love coffee, so be sure that you will get a high-quality product Popular hard drinks are Grappa, Limoncello and Chianti wine. Almond Amaretto Disaronno also deserves your attention.

As a souvenir, you can bring small statues, made of hardened lava, or handmade crafts, made of shells. You should definitely pay your attention to local scarfs. Scarfs have been an indispensable attribute of a well-dressed Italian for several centuries. So, you will easily find this accessory on the island. Many tourists bring different kitchen utensils from Ustica. Cups and salt-sellers can be found everywhere on the island. Some tourists also buy lace and jewellery with precious and semi-precious stones on the Island.