Discovering the black coral forest in Scilla

Did you know that there is a very rare species of black coral? To admire it, you have to go deeper than fifty metres, in the absolute silence of the seabed full of life and colour.

And do you know where the largest forest of black coral in the world can be found? In Calabria, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, precisely off the coast of Scilla.

The beautiful town in the province of Reggio Calabria, famous for its picturesque Chianalea district, guards an underwater treasure in its waters. On the rocky seabed of this stretch of the Costa Viola, there are thirty thousand colonies of black coral, an incredible spectacle but not within everyone's reach, given the depth.

The corals were identified and filmed by an underwater robot that explored the seabed and also identified many marine species that are unusual for this stretch of sea. We are in one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Mediterranean, with an incredibly colourful view that recalls the atmosphere of tropical seas. The scientific name for black coral is Antipathes subpinnata; it has slimmer branches than the more common red coral. Seen from a distance, the colonies look like white bushes, this is because of the tiny six-tentacled polyps that cover the black skeleton and cling to the branches for food.

The Calabrian forest of black coral is the largest in the world, a treasure to be protected for its uniqueness, and Scilla's seabed is a true paradise for divers. If you dream of diving, here you can take the course, get your licence and participate in the dives.

Its underwater views are spectacular, but Scilla will surprise you with its timeless atmosphere where history and myth meet. Don't miss a romantic stroll through the seaside village of Chianalea, where the fishermen's houses touch the water.

The scent will lead you to one of the many restaurants where you can experience the thrill of eating right by the sea, but for a less demanding meal a must in these parts is the swordfish sandwich. If relaxation is the goal of your holiday, the Marina Grande beach awaits you. Crystal-clear sea, authentic flavours, breathtaking views and then the traces of an ancient history.

Perched on the promontory, there is the Ruffo Castle offering a spectacular view over the Strait of Messina, with its load of charm and suggestions rooted in Greek mythology and telling of a beautiful nymph transformed into a sea monster.