Tremiti, Apulia, Italy

Cala Matano

Cala Matano is a sheltered cove on the eastern coast of San Domino in the Tremiti Islands, regarded as one of the easiest and most accessible dives of the archipelago. The seabed slopes gently from shore rocks to a sandy and rocky base around 20–25 metres, with patches of Posidonia oceanica meadow and scattered limestone boulders. The shelter from prevailing winds, the modest depth and minimal current make Cala Matano ideal for beginner divers, training and for first dives in the protected waters of the Tremiti MPA. Encrusting orange Astroides calycularis, yellow Parazoanthus axinellae and small Eunicella fans cover the boulders. Common sightings include octopus, moray eels, scorpionfish, painted comber, salema and damselfish schools, ornate wrasses and sea breams; juveniles of many species use the cove as a nursery. Visibility is typically 12–20 metres. Boat access from the harbour of Tremiti.