Grotta della Pastizza

Just a few hundred meters from the harbor reveals a charming bay, dominated by a majestic cave rising out of the water named Grotta della Pastizza.

In the middle of the bay rises a small rock, whose shape resembles a delicate pastry that is lovingly called "Pastizza" in the Sicilian dialect - hence the name.

But the true splendor of this place is encountered beneath the water's surface, both in daylight and at night.

All around the rock, the landscape is adorned with fascinating Neptune grass (Posidonia) , where seahorses (Syngnathidae) and spiny lobsters (Maja squinado) frolic.

Especially at night, you can also find the luminous wonder anemones (Alicia mirabilis) here.

The steep wall next to the entrance of the Grotta della Pastizza offers a densely populated habitat rich in sponges, corals, and a variety of nudibranchs (Nudibranchia), which impress with their colorful diversity. In addition, grouper families often stop by here, happily posing for the camera. 

For cave lovers, this place also becomes a true paradise.

Four caves extend down to 12m deep, and each has its own charm.

 
Those who choose to dive here at night will be rewarded with an even greater diversity of species: octopuses, and sea hares (Aplysia) prefer to venture out of their hiding spots only in the dark.