Formicoli

Formicoli is a rocky reef system located between Riaci and Torre Marino on the Calabrian coast, about 300 metres offshore, where a series of rocks break the surface. These exposed rocks are said to be the remnants of an ancient Roman port. Underwater, the formation extends seaward as a ridge of rocks and reefs sitting on sand at 18 metres, with the outer Formicoli reef reaching 27–30 metres depth at its furthest extent.

The reef terrain is characterised by thousands of burrows and crevices formed among stacked and submerged rocks, creating a dense, sheltered habitat across a rocky bottom. A tunnel runs through the rocks; divers who enter it should avoid touching the walls and must not exhale beneath the vault, as air bubbles trapped there will kill the encrusting organisms clinging to the rock.

Groupers and white bream are resident throughout the reef, and brown meagres are reliably present between October and November. The countless burrows hold animals in almost every recess, making this a well-known spot for spearfishers as well as recreational divers.