Marine Nature Reserve of Ventotene Island

Province:
Latina, Latium Region (Italy)
Extension:
174,02 ha (1.73 Square Kilometer)
Municipality:
Ventotene
Park authority: Government Natural Reserve of Ventotene e Santo Stefano Islands

As you can see on the map, Ventotene and St Stefano Nature Reserve is divided in three main areas with different level of protection:
1 - Absolute (zone A)
2 - General (zone B)
3 - Partial (zone C)

        Click on Photos to see the photografies of the Reserve

This beautiful marine reserve was established in 1997 with three levels of protection. Zone A is totally protected, with diving allowed only for scientific purposes and for groups guided by authorized staff. The other two zones have lower levels of protection. Diving World Ventotene was Italy's first scuba-diving centre, opened in 1978. In 2000 it was bought by the charming Valentina Lombardo and Dario Santomauro,

supported by a dozen PADI dive masters and instructors, whose professionalism reflects their pride in working for this famous diving centre. The centre itself forms a part of the surprising architecture of the beautiful Roman harbor, located under the arches excavated out of the rock. Ventotene is a Mediterranean island off the coast of southern Latium. Many Palearctic-African migrants fly across the Saharan Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, sometimes in a nonstop 40-hour flight. Not surprisingly, land-bird migrants deposit enormous fat stores (40-50% of their body mass) to fuel the journey. In spring, many migrant migrant birds stopover on Italian islands, including Ventotene, to rest and refuel.

        Click on Photos to see the photografies of the Reserve

The island is a hilly, volcanic formation with steep cliffs, primarily covered by cultivated or fallow lands with not many large trees. The sea with its limpid crystal-clear waters, bed filled with rich and varied life, the volcanic rocks, the fragrant colourful Mediterranean vegetation, the birds that stop here on their long migratory journeys: these are the tranquil secrets of the splendid beauty of Ventotene and Santo Stefano landscapes.

Ventotene is small and it can all be visited entirely and easily on foot. The abandoned prison can be visited at Santo Stefano with a short boat ride. The true surprising beauty of Ventotene and Santo Stefano are, however, the blue, crystal clear underwater landscapes. The seabed around the two islands is rocky and just a short distance from the shore can drop a depht of 50 meters. Those who venture underwater will be constantly amazed by the wealth of life and the integrity of the marine ecosystem.