Relitto Cargo Armato - Portofino & Liguria

The Relitto Cargo Armato, or "Armed Cargo Wreck," off Portofino, is a proper Mediterranean history lesson at depth. We love this site because it’s not just a pile of metal; it’s a World War II casualty, sunk during a bombing raid. Descending, you can practically feel the past. The wreck sits upright, remarkably intact for its age, with its cargo holds accessible for cautious exploration. Inside, we’ve often found schools of silvery anchovies darting through the gloomy light shafts, and sometimes a grumpy conger eel peering from a pipe. This isn’t a colourful coral dive; it’s a moody, atmospheric experience best suited for divers who appreciate history and the quiet beauty of a wreck reclaimed by the sea. The deck itself is draped in thick carpets of yellow and red gorgonians, attracting sculpin and the occasional octopus. We’d suggest going in the morning; the water is usually calmer then, and the light filtering through the clear Ligurian sea really brings out the wreck's character. It’s a site that rewards careful, slow dives.

Location

Portofino & Liguria, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

44.261623, 9.384275

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Fondali Punta Sestri