Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On Water
On the coast, sport goes beyond posing on packed beaches. Sardinia's cobalt waters and Si-
cily's Aeolian Islands claim some of Italy's best diving. Windsurfers flock to Sardinia, Si-
cily and the northern lakes, while adrenalin junkies ride rapids from Piedmont to Calabria.
Diving
Diving is one of Italy's most popular summer pursuits, and there are hundreds of schools
offering courses, dives for all levels and equipment hire.
Most diving schools open seasonally, typically from about June to October. If possible,
avoid August, when the Italian coast is besieged by holidaymakers and peak-season prices.
Information is available from local tourist offices and online in Italian at
DiveItaly (
Top Dive Sites
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Aeolian Islands, Sicily
A volcanic ridge with warm waters encompassing the islands of Vulcano, Lipari,
Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Alicudi and Filicudi. Dive in sea grottoes around the remains of old volcanoes.
»
Capri, Ischia & Procida, Campania
These three islands in the Bay of Naples offer exceptional diving
amid sun-struck sea caves.
»
Cinque Terre marine reserve, Liguria
One of the few places to dive in the north of the country. Dives
head out of Riomaggiore and Santa Margherita.
»
Capo Caccia, Sardinia
The dive site for Sardinia's coral divers, Capo Caccia also features the largest un-
derwater grotto in the Mediterranean.
»
Isole Tremiti, Puglia
These wind-eroded islands off Puglia's Gargano Promontory are pock-marked with
huge sea caves.
»
Pantelleria, Sicily
A spectacular volcanic seabed surrounds the black lava island of Pantelleria.
»
Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddelena
The Maddalena marine park boasts translucent waters
and diving around 60 islets.
»
Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano, Tuscany
Europe's largest marine park encompasses the Tuscan ar-
chipelago and the island of Elba.
»
Punta Campanella marine reserve, Campania
Vivid marine life flourishing among underwater grottoes
and ancient ruins. Dives head out from Marina del Cantone.
