Protected marine area
for adventure lovers
he Plemmirio, the heart of the Mediterranean, was an important crossroads for civilisations such as the Carthaginians, Romans and Greeks that have all left interesting archaeological artefacts from different historical eras, from amphorae found on the seabed to more recent finds from the world wars. The sea in this area of Sicily offers a fascinating and varied underwater seascape with interesting backdrops for diving enthusiasts and also for swimmers.
The Protected Marine Area of Plemmirio is full of underwater caves where you can admire beautiful corals, sponges, squills and many species of fish but also vast meadows of Posidonia where, if you pay careful attention, you can see the Pinna nobilis, the largest shell of the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean maquis characterises the flora of the Plemmirio, extending from the sea to the mountain. The area alternates rocky areas with the dry subtropical climate of the Mediterranean basin with a craggy vegetation characterised by the dwarf palm, a protected species that covers the whole area.
The marine fauna abounds in fish with fantastic colours and shapes. The most common species are tuna, greater amberjacks and sharks but the protected area is also rich in beautiful cetaceans such as dolphins, whales and sperm whales that you may be lucky enough to encounter, thus experiencing the thrill of swimming alongside these wonderful marine mammals.
The Maddelena Peninsula is an excellent spot for observing migrating passerines but also seabirds and is popular with birdwatchers. The commonest land animals in the area are the wolf, the weasel, the wild rabbit, the green lizard and the Sicilian lizard.
