Campanari

Campanari is an intermediate dive site off Ustica island in Sicily, where a rocky reef descends to 30 meters along the island's southern coast. The site is named for the bell-shaped rock formations that characterize the volcanic seabed, eroded into distinctive pillars and arches by millennia of wave action. These formations are draped in gorgonian fans and encrusting sponges, creating a colorful underwater garden. The sheltered southern exposure provides calmer conditions than the island's windward sites, allowing comfortable exploration of the swim-throughs between the rock pillars. Groupers are especially abundant thanks to Ustica's marine reserve protection, with some individuals reaching impressive sizes. Barracuda schools patrol the deeper water, and nudibranchs are found on virtually every encrusted surface. Campanari perfectly showcases Ustica's reputation as one of the Mediterranean's premier diving destinations.