Lipari, Sicily, Italy

Punta Castagna

Punta Castagna is one of the signature dives of Lipari, on the island's northwest coast in the Aeolian archipelago. Volcanic activity has shaped the wall in vertical bands of pumice and obsidian that descend in steps from a shallow plateau near 12 metres to about 40 metres on a rocky and sandy bottom. The geology, with light-coloured pumice and dark obsidian intrusions, gives the site a striking visual contrast that sets it apart from other Mediterranean walls. The deeper portions support yellow Eunicella cavolini fans, red gorgonian (Paramuricea clavata) patches, orange Astroides calycularis on shaded faces, yellow Parazoanthus axinellae and a variety of sponges. Resident species include dusky groupers, moray eels, octopus, scorpionfish, brown meagre and large schools of damselfish; amberjack and barracuda often pass through. Visibility regularly exceeds 25 metres in summer. Currents are typically moderate. The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Punta Castagna is one of the best examples of how volcanism shapes the seabed.