Diving in the Amendolara Shoal, a submerged treasure

Did you know that there is a submerged island in Calabria that can be explored? Imagine crystal clear waters, seabeds full of colour and life, legendary scenarios according to which this land, now submerged in the sea, was once the mythical island of Ogygia, described in the Odyssey.

Can you already hear Homer's verses echoing in your ears? Then all you have to do is go and discover the Secca di Amendolara, a submerged treasure.

The Amendolara Shoal is located about 12 miles off the coast of Amendolara Marina, in the province of Cosenza. It is a vast submerged plateau, lying at a depth of only 20 metres below sea level, which is why it can be explored by divers.

Its history is ancient and shrouded in legend because, according to some historical documents, these are the remains of an ancient island called Monte Sardo, which emerged and was visible centuries ago but then sank due to erosion and geological changes in the seabed. Some scholars with a particular interest in mythology, studying the geographical position and geological characteristics, have established links between the Secca di Amendolara and the island of Ogygia, described in Homer's Odyssey, i.e. the place where the nymph Calypso held Ulysses captive for seven years, trying in vain to make him fall in love with her in exchange for immortality.

When viewed up close, the Amendolara Shoal is truly a paradise for those who love the sea and its wonderful world. Visitors are enchanted by the red coral colony, unique in the Ionian Sea. Thanks to its crystal clear waters and complex biodiversity, the Shoal is home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, offering a protected habitat to many endangered species and making it a point of scientific and tourist interest.

Those who have the privilege of exploring the seabed, among the rocks and inlets, can admire fish, black and red corals, crustaceans and many other marine species among the expanses of Posidonia. To protect this precious site, sustainable tourism projects, guided excursions and environmental education initiatives are often organised. If you wish to discover these enchanting underwater landscapes, you can contact associations that offer the opportunity to go on underwater explorations.

Among the many unique features of the Amendolara Shoal is that it is one of the few natural ecosystems for lobsters in Italy. Here, the crustaceans live in pristine waters, which is what makes them unique. With all the necessary precautions taken to ensure the repopulation of the colonies (the carapace must be at least 15 cm long, and it is forbidden to catch undersized specimens), the lobsters are caught and you can taste them in typical restaurants offering menus based on the freshest fish. The lobsters from the Amendolara Shoal are considered a delicacy, and it's easy to see why: their sweet flesh blends perfectly with the delicate natural flavour of the sea to create a unique taste. Try it for yourself.