Palermo’s coastline stretches for about 60 km from Punta Matese up to most of the Gulf but the area for scuba diving extends its borders westwards and eastwards. On the west, Capo Gallo Isola delle Femmine MPA including the pretty village of Sferracavallo. The seabed offers fabulous sceneries for its step structure: a slope at 18 m descending to 35 m gives life to an abrupt break and ends on a sandy plain. Vertical walls, canyons and reefs surround the little isle. In the nearby of the Gulf the seabed of Punta Priola and Arenella are of limestone and very rugged, with alternate fractures and reefs covered by lush benthic life. On the east, Porticello, a fishing village renowned for its abundant marine fauna and the most popular dive sites with several itineraries through biodiversity.
The diving season is open almost all year round. Water temperatures reach a minimum of 14 C° in winter and a maximum of 25-28 C° in July and August, which are the busiest months as it is high season for national tourists.
Therefore, scuba diving is much more appreciated in low season, such as May and June, but even better in September and October, since summer temperatures are likely to be prolonged.
A scuba dive vacation in Palermo is a great solution for those who want to combine cultural experiences with gorgeous diving.
Palermo City is directly connected with international flights (its airport is about 30 km far) and by sea, (the city overlooks it). You can lodge in the centre of the town to experience its monumental, historical and cultural life, as well as shopping and good food and at the same time reach all dive sites.
On the west side, Isola delle Femmine (which is out of Palermo’s borders) and Sferracavallo, which are the gateways of the Marine Protected Area can be reached by car (along the A29 motorway –Trapani direction) or by train (from the airport as well as from the main station in Palermo). Bus services are as well available.
Dive sites in Arenella and Punta Priola are easily reached from town by bus, taxi or by foot, depending where you are lodging.
Porticello is about 30 km far on the east side and reachable by bus or by train from the main station in Palermo, and by car or taxi (along the A29 motorway – Messina/Catania direction).
This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Mare Nostrum Diving Palermo, Evasioni Blu Diving. Disclaimer
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