Italy is the land of sun, sea, and diving. The waters that bathe Apennine peninsula have magnificent seabed to explore with a tank, mask, and fins. There are many unmissable stops along with the boat, rich in marine flora and that fauna are as rich and beautiful as other more exotic destinations.
1. Portofino
The Portofino reserve was established in 1999 with headquarters in Santa Margherita Ligure. This area is incredibly famous in the underwater environment for its diving sites and for the spectacular underwater stage in which you go to dive. Being a protected reserve there are many limitations for diving and we divide it into various areas the fact that, however, do not affect the beauty of underwater travel in this place rich in marine flora and fauna.
Punta Chiappa Levante, Grotta della Colombara, and the Lighthouse are three of the dive sites you should not miss.
Always in the protected marine area, it is possible to admire the Christ of the Abyss, in the Bay of San Fruttuoso. In the area, it is common to see groupers, amberjacks, snappers, corvine, and tuna.
2. Argentario and the Tuscan archipelago
The wonderful backdrops set on the slopes of the enchanting cliffs of Argentario and of all the islands that make up the Tuscan Archipelago are among the most spectacular destinations for diving in Italy.
In this wonderful location, you can dive in dream places, among which the islands of Giglio, Giannutri, and Capraia stand out, which offer various dive sites to visit. In these waters, between ravines, caves, and shoals, you can live a fascinating and unforgettable underwater experience.
The most famous diving sites in these islands are the Capo d’Uomo Shoal, Punta Finestra, the Scoglio del Corallo, and the Blue Grotto, near the Argentario promontory, the Punta Pennello shoal, the Nasim wrecks, and del Marsala, near the island of Giannutri and the wall of Le Scole, the Subielli, and Cala Cuba near the island of Giglio.
3. Sardinia
Sardinia is the second-largest island by extension, belonging to the Italian territory. Its waters are famous all over the world for its clarity and bright colors, so that this island is a popular stop for tourists from any nation. The sea that bathes Sardinia and being perfect for a relaxing holiday is also ideal for those who love diving in Italy. Starting from the north of Sardinia, it is possible to find many places in which you can make fascinating dives.
On the north-eastern coast, it is possible to dive in Santa Teresa di Gallura, at the Secca di Porto Leccio, whose seabed is rich in Posidonia and brightly colored corals. Also, north of the island of San Pietro, it is possible to immerse yourself in an underwater labyrinth off the coast of the island of Caprera, in the Maddalena Archipelago.
Famous all over the world is the Portone di Capofigari, near Golfo Aranci. In this place, it is possible to admire the famous red corals of Alghero, a feast for the eyes of any diver. In the south of Sardinia, however, near Villasimius, you can dive at the Secca di Santa Caterina, with canyons and caves inhabited by damselfish besides the presence of red corals and gorgonians.
4. The Gulf of Naples
Going further south, reaching Campania, you can make equally fascinating dives in the islands of the Gulf of Naples: Ischia, Procida, and Capri in particular.
Do not miss diving in the marine park of Baia included in the larger Natural Park of Campi Flegrei. The waters of this protected reserve preserve a marvel that cannot be found elsewhere: the remains of an ancient Roman city. Mosaics, traces of frescoes, sculptures, road layouts, and columns immersed in perfect condition, the dream of any diver.
5. Aeolian Islands
In front of Milazzo, we find the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands, one of the 50 sites included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List in the section relating to naturalistic heritage.
It makes this Sicilian archipelago up of 7 islands, one more beautiful than the other: Lipari, Panarea, Alicudi, Filicudi, Salina, and two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano.
All the islands are characterized by a wild and uncontaminated nature that attracts thousands of tourists every year. In this area, there are countless diving spots, and each island offers sites with particular and equally fascinating characteristics.