wreck

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Relitto dell aereo

The Relitto dell’aereo, or "plane wreck," is more than just a historical relic; it’s a proper artificial reef, thriving on the Mediterranean seabed just off Portofino. We’ve always found this particular wreck to be a good reminder of how quickly the sea reclaims things. You’re descending onto the remains of a World War II transport plane, a German Junkers JU 52, which came down here in 1944. It’s broken into three main sections: the fuselage, surprisingly intact, with the cockpit still discernible, and then the two wings lying separately. What we love most about this dive is the way the Mediterranean’s particular brand of soft coral and gorgonians has utterly encrusted the metal. Look closely and you’ll spot moray eels peeking from crevices and octopus tucked into dark corners. Schools of damselfish often hover above the wreckage, shimmering in the sunlight that filters down. This site is brilliant for photographers, especially when the visibility is good, which it often is in late spring and early autumn. We’d suggest a dive in the morning, before the boat traffic picks up, for the best light and calmest conditions. It’s a relatively shallow dive, suitable for Open Water divers, and always a fascinating peek into both history and marine colonisation.