Grotta delle Monete

Located along the Catania coastline, near Diving, is the Grotta delle Monete. This unique site gets its name from Anomia Ephippium, also known as the ‘Chip Shell’ mussel, which colonizes the volcanic rock of this cave. These mussels attach to the rocks, creating a shimmering effect resembling scattered silver coins. The dive begins in a bay below Diving, at approximately 6 meters depth. The path leads through a landslide area filled with large boulders called ‘Cutilisci.’ The maximum depth reached is 25 meters, where divers can encounter groups of Saraghes (Diplodus), Salpes (Sarpa Salpa), and occasional Epinephelinae groupers. The seabed is home to various small nudibranchs like Flabellina affinis (pink Flabellina) and Cratena peregrina (the Pilgrim Nudibranch). A return ascent takes divers back to the entrance of the Grotta delle Monete, situated at 6 meters depth. This entrance is characterized by two communicating chambers connected by a small archway adorned with numerous Astroides calycularis (orange Madreporites) and Parazoanthus axinellae (sea margaritas).