Diving in Northern Sardinia: the hidden treasures in the sea of Gallura

For diving enthusiasts, Northern Sardinia offers new adventures every day: diving through long canyons amidst huge granite boulders, deep reefs, and mysterious shipwrecks.

Beyond sunbathing and refreshing swims, Gallura has much more to offer. Whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner, a seaside holiday in this part of the island is also perfect for those who love the underwater world. If you want to discover the stunning seabeds that surround these coasts, you are reading the right blog.

Castelsardo

Not far from Resort Le Dune, near the characteristic village of Castelsardo, the Treazzi and Frigiano reefs await you at 14 and 35 metres deep, where you can admire their beautiful rocky walls, covered in Posidonia and yellow gorgonians. About five miles north lies the Summa reef, or Castelsardo reef, a deep cavity shaped like a tower with a diameter of about 300 metres. Of particular interest is the eastern side of this reef, where two caves can be found, one at 30 metres and the other at 38, both characterised by their remarkable beauty and natural lighting.

Diving in Northern Sardinia: the hidden treasures in the sea of Gallura

Costa Paradiso and Isola Rossa

Moving further east, between Costa Paradiso and Isola Rossa, near the Hotel Marinedda and Torreruja, there are plenty of attractions for both experienced divers and amateurs. For example, the Viking reef is highly appreciated by underwater photography lovers, but also by less experienced divers due to its shallow starting depths. Another site is Stazzu, where several caves, not far from each other, resemble the “stazzi galluresi,” the typical rural houses of Gallura shepherds. Also worth visiting are the Gorgonian Canyon, Gavino’s Den, and the famous Niedda cave.

Swimming amongst the beautiful red rocks of Isola Rossa, you can also spot the Mediterranean alcyonarian, a rare species of coral that can be found in shallow depths around these parts.

Santa Teresa Gallura

Not far from Resort Valle dell’Erica, in front of the Capo Testa peninsula, specifically in the Bocche di Bonifacio, lies the Devil’s reef, an underwater world teeming with life. Here, lobsters, moray eels, sea bream, saddled bream, white cod, amberjacks, and many other species move freely. For those who enjoy observing marine life, don’t miss the Grouper reef near the French island of Lavezzi, where you can swim among a sea of groupers! For those looking to bring home a unique memory, be sure to look out for the “false black coral.” This coral is not black like the true “black coral” of tropical seas but yellow. This rare gem can be found both in Santa Teresa Gallura and in Mortoriotto, as well as in the reefs between Tavolara and Molara. It is said that the longest and most prominent example of this coral can be found in one of the reefs off Santa Teresa Gallura, where it rises majestically like a golden branch among black paramuricea, according to visitors. For enthusiasts, there’s also the Angelika Wreck, a Greek cargo ship that ran aground in 1982 off the beach of Marmorata, another stunning beach in Northern Sardinia. Angelika is not particularly difficult to explore, as its most impressive parts can already be admired at depths between 10 and 20 metres. Among these is the stern castle, where the portholes allow light to penetrate, creating stunning plays of light.

Diving in Northern Sardinia: the hidden treasures in the sea of Gallura

The La Maddalena Archipelago

The itinerary concludes in the La Maddalena Archipelago, an undisputed emerald-coloured paradise, where, among one beautiful islet after another, you will find the Razzoli, Budelli, and the unmissable Washington reefs. The latter awaits you near the island of Spargi, one of the Mediterranean’s most stunning wonders. The Washington reef encapsulates all the main features of Sardinian seabeds, with its massive granite boulders, canyons, and red gorgonians.


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