Tremiti islands

Crystal clear sea water, unpolluted nature, a great variety of depths with amazing marine flora and fauna (rich in

marine organisms such as molluscs, crustacean, echinoderms and numerous species of fish: giant mullets,

sea breams, gilthead, rock salmon, etc.), in addition to the interesting history make the Tremiti Islands a tourist stop

that cannot be missed by lovers of the sea. 

They include: 

S. Domino island, the largest and most touristic one, covered by a luxuriant pine grove of d'Aleppo pine; S. Nicola island which is the administrative, historical and religious centre; Caprara island, whose name is derived by the caper plants or more likely to the presence of wild goats; the faraway and uninhabited Pianosa and some rocks among which it is worth mentioning Cretaccio and la Vecchia.

The marvellous Cala delle Arene (Sands cove), Cala degli Inglesi (the English cove), Cala Matano (Matano cove), on the island of S. Domino can be easily reached and are the ideal place to spend the entire day sunbathing and diving into the crystal and colourful waters. It is possible, by tender or boat, to leave the most crowded areas and reach the wonderful coves surrounding the islands.

The places offer a good opportunity to admire the many beautiful coastal formations modelled by the waves, such as rocks (Scoglio dell' Elefante), stacks (I Pagliai), natural arches (l'Architiello) and the grottoes. It is very interesting to visit the many grottoes: the Grotta delle Viole with its precipitous cliffs; the Grotta delle Rondinelle; the Grotta del Sale where the smuggled salt was concealed; the Grotta del Bue Marino about 70 mt long that once served as shelter for the monk seal, with the overhanging cliff Ripa dei Falconi, that is said to be the nesting place of the Falcon of the Queen, the peregring falcon and the albatrosses. The latter, according to the legend, represent the embodyment of the warriors of Diomede, who was buried here after returning from the war of Troy. At night, when the darkness reins it is possible to hear their singing which, like cries and laments, is said to be the warriors' crying for the loss of their hero.

On S. Domino island there are some Diving Centers that organize guided tours both along the most interesting sea depths surrounding the islands and the place where the statue of Padre Pio was plunged (it was created by the sculptor Mimmo Norcia, in October 1998 and settled on the depths close to the

Scoglietti of Caprara island, at a depth of 10mts). 

The Tremiti Islands however are not only sea. A visit to S. Nicola means a journey into the past, reliving the old times by looking at the grand walls of the Fortress, the history of a warrior abbey, always fighting the dalmatian and saracen corsars. The Medieval Cloister, the Renaissance cloister and the

Church of S. Maria a mare with its wooden Polyptych and the Cross on a table represent only some of the wonderful architectural works on S. Nicola Island.

The summer is enlivened by many events, among which it is worth mentioning: the festival of

confectionery and typical pastries and a medieval parade in S. Nicola. Among the most interesting

religious festivities there are the patronal festival "Assunzione della Beata Vergine Maria" (the

Assumption of the Virgin Mary), celebrated on 15 and 16 August. On this occasion, the image of the

Virgin Mary paraded on the island with in a procession along the streets, and on the sea onboard of a

specially ornated fishboat around the islands. In those days, the island's inhabitants organize other

events, like a giant fry-up of bluefish in the main square and the tree of planty.