Marine Protected AreaGranite and lighthouse
Capo Testa
Moon-like rocks and clear coves on the Strait of Bonifacio
At a glance: Easy difficulty, access from shore and by boat. Recommended season: May – October. Seabed: smooth granite and sand.
What you will see
- The Valle della Luna and its wind-sculpted granite
- Cala Spinosa, small and deep, the fishiest spot
- Two opposite bays: one sheltered in any wind
- Boat trips towards La Maddalena and Lavezzi
Chance of an encounter*
The guide
Capo Testa is a granite headland joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, with two mirror-image bays (Rena di Ponente and Rena di Levante): whatever wind is blowing, one of the two is almost always sheltered. It is Sardinia’s northernmost point, facing the Strait of Bonifacio, with Corsica visible to the naked eye.
The best spot for a mask is Cala Spinosa, a narrow cove below the lighthouse where the bottom drops away quickly: sea breams, wrasse and octopuses move among the smooth boulders, and the water clarity is among the best in the area. You reach it via a short walk down — water shoes help.
In season, boat and sailing trips leave Santa Teresa Gallura for the La Maddalena archipelago and the Lavezzi islands, almost all with snorkelling stops. One warning: the Strait is a windy stretch of sea and the currents outside the coves should not be underestimated — stay inside the bays or go with an operator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best snorkelling spot at Capo Testa?
Cala Spinosa, the cove below the lighthouse: an immediately interesting seabed, smooth boulders and the best water clarity in the area.
Is there always a sheltered spot?
Almost always: the two opposite bays of the isthmus (Rena di Ponente and Rena di Levante) mean one of the two is sheltered in any wind.
Are the currents dangerous?
Outside the coves, yes: the Strait of Bonifacio is a windy stretch with currents not to be underestimated. Stay inside the bays or go out with an operator.
Learn more
Blog Useful reads for this area
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* The encounter percentages are indicative estimates, worked out by combining each species’ typical habitat with the characteristics of the spot. They are not survey data: whether the fish are actually there depends on the season, the weather, the time of day, sea conditions and, not least, a bit of luck. Always respect marine life and the rules of protected areas.