Italy
Background
While Italy has been a favourite destination for British tourists, it is not well known as a diving resort. However, with clear, warm water and good diving conditions, it offers an alternative to more popular Mediterranean destinations.
Underwater the scenery reflects the generally rocky coast with clefts, caverns and overhangs. The lack of strong tides means that ships wrecked around the coast do not suffer the level of destruction met in UK waters and there are a number of small, relatively well preserved wrecks around the coast, including warplanes from the Second World War.
The diving
It is possible to dive all around the coast of Italy as well as around the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
Genoa on the Portofino coast in the north west is a popular destination with divers attracted to the nature reserve at Santa Margherita.
Isola Del Giglio (Giglio Isle) is a popular dive spot on the west coast of Italy north of Rome. Spring is a particularly good time to visit with the chance to see moonfish, bream, barracuda and tuna. Sponges and corals adorn the rocky walls and there are a number of wrecks in the area. The island can be reached by ferry from Porto San Stefano on the mainland.
Naples and the Amalfi Peninsula on the west coast of Italy enjoy warm, clear waters with 20 - 30 metre visibility. Dives typically take place from boats in the many sheltered coves along the peninsula. On calm days, it is possible to make the 45 minute crossing to Capri. Underwater, the scenery is dominated by rocky crevices, walls and overhangs. The sheltered nature of the harbours and diving sites in Naples Bay means that diving can take place in most conditions.
South west of Naples lies the Cilento Peninsula, a series of coves and grottoes including the Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto) and the Grotta del Snague (Grotto of Blood), named for the streaks of red minerals in the walls. Further south west lies Calabria which offers similar diving opportunities to the Naples area but with fewer tourists. Many deserted coves can be reached only from the sea
Sicily has many companies offering diving holidays. There is limited fish life in the area due to heavy fishing, although some areas are now protected in marine reserves. At some times of year larger pelagic species, such as tuna, may be seen. There are numerous wrecks to offer, including the Capua, an Italian merchant ship sunk during the Second World War and now standing upright in 40 metres and the cargo ship Kent at 50 metres.
The Aeolian Islands north of Sicily have rocky shores, many only accessible from the sea. Relatively few tourists reach these isolated islands. Clear, well - stocked waters are obvious attractions for divers.
Ustica is a small island some 70 km north of Sicily. Well off the normal tourist beaten track, it boasts excellent visibility and spectacular caverns formed from volcanic rock. Protected by a marine reserve, there is much marine life including squid, lobster, octopus, shrimp, grouper, wrasse and barracuda.
The Ancona Shore and Conero Peninsula on Italy's Adriatic coast is characterised by relatively deep and cool water with rocky beaches. Very hot and humid in summer with large crowds of tourists, it nevertheless offers the chance for shore diving as well as boat diving on the off - shore wrecks. A popular wreck in the area is the cargo ship Photos that sank in 1962 near the Two Sisters pinnacles. The vessel is well broken but has been heavily colonised by corals and fans in the mild currents and nutrient heavy cool water. Water temperatures here are cooler than elsewhere in Italy and 7mm wetsuits or drysuits are recommended. The water can be cloudy after heavy rain owing to runoff from the Apennines.
The Tremiti Islands are an archipelago of 3 main islands off the west coats of Italy in the Adriatic Sea. The area around the islands is protected by a marine park and as a result boasts more fish and other marine life than elsewhere. There are numerous caves and grottoes to explore. The remoteness of the islands and the nature of the marine park mean that diving here needs planning well in advance.
Diving conditions and weather
Italy lies in a temperate zone with distinct differences between the south and the north. Summers are uniformly hot but winters are cold in the north and mild in the south. The months of July and August can be uncomfortably hot in the south.
Naples
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Avg Temperature °C |
9 |
9 |
12 |
13 |
19 |
23 |
25 |
26 |
21 |
18 |
13 |
10 |
| Avg Days of Rain |
7 |
5 |
6 |
8 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
6 |
8 |
6 |
Palermo, Sicily
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Avg Temperature °C |
12 |
12 |
13 |
15 |
19 |
23 |
25 |
26 |
24 |
20 |
16 |
13 |
| Avg Days of Rain |
8 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
5 |
9 |
7 |
Diving is typically undertaken between April and October. Water temperatures vary from 14°C in spring to 24°C in summer. Divers typically wear 5mm full wetsuits. The Adriatic coast will typically enjoy cooler water than elsewhere and an 8 mm wetsuit or a drysuit may be more appropriate.
For non-divers
Italy has a wealth of activities to interest non-divers, everything form the historic ruins to beaches and water sports.
Eating out in Italy is a pleasure with a variety of styles and prices. Cooking generally gets hotter and spicier towards the south.
Getting there
Italy can be reached by flights from the UK to many cities on the mainland. For northern Italy, airports in Genoa or Milan are good starting points. Destinations in the south are best reached through Rome or Naples.
Sicily can be reached by flights from the UK or from the Italian mainland. Ferries from Italy, Sardinia, Malta and Tunisia serve the port of Palermo.
The Aeolian Islands are served by hydrofoils and ferries from Naples or from Milazzo in Sicily. The sea can be rough enough in winter to cause the cancellation of some ferries.
Ustica is served by hydrofoil from Palermo.
Travel documents
UK citizens require only a passport.
Currency
The Euro.
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BSAC TRAVEL CLUB BOOKSHOP SELECTION
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Capo Galera Diving Center
Nautilus, Sardinia
Aquarius Dive Centre, Sardinia
Profundo Blu, Ustica
Mare Nostrum, Ustica
Grotta Giusti Caves, Tuscany by Gordon Mackie
The Aeolian Islands by Alison Boler
The Aeolian Islands by James Fulcher
Jewel of the Abruzzi
Cheap But Very Cheerful
Frutti di Mare
Sorrento's Deep Secrets
Levezzi & Beyond
Biggest Wreck in the Med
Sardinia
Ustica
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