Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Diving & Snorkelling
Ustica
Divers from all over the world come to Ustica between May and October to explore its
magnificent underwater sites.
Highlights include the underwater archaeological trail off Punta Cavazzi, where artefacts
including anchors and Roman amphorae can be admired. Other popular dive sites are the
Scoglio del Medico, an outcrop of basalt riddled with caves and gorges that plunge to great
depths; and Secca di Colombara, a magnificent rainbow-coloured display of sponges and
gorgonias.
Ustica's western shores are home to a protected marine reserve, the Riserva Naturale
Marina, which is divided into three zones. Zone A extends along the west flank of the is-
land from Cala Sidoti to Caletta and as far as 350m offshore (marked with special yellow
buoys): you can swim within its boundaries at designated spots, but fishing and boating are
prohibited. Two of the island's most beautiful natural grottoes - the Grotta Segreta (Secret
Grotto) and the Grotta Rosata (Pink Grotto) - are located here.
Zone B extends beyond Zone A from Punta Cavazzi to Punta Omo Morto; swimming
and underwater photography are permitted within its boundaries, as is hook-and-line fish-
ing. Zone C applies to the rest of the coast; swimming and boating are allowed and national
fishing regulations apply. Always check your itinerary with a dive centre or the Marine Na-
tional Park headquarters before you dive.
There are plenty of dive centres that offer dive itineraries and hire equipment. Among
them, Diving Center Ustica (
Click here
)
stands out: it's the only operator managed and
staffed entirely by local residents.
Aeolian Islands
There are good dives off most of the Aeolian Islands, but the best are in Lipari. Our favour-
ites are: Punta Castagna, a spectacular dive with a 10m white pumice platform interrupted
by multicoloured channels; Secca del Bagno, a breathtaking collection of colourful walls
that are swathed with schools of technicolour fish; Pietra Menalda, with octopuses, eel,
groupers and other sea critters; Pietra del Bagno, circumnavigating the Bagno rock, while
witnessing colourful surfaces and sea life; and La Parete dei Gabbiani, a black-and-white
