Marine Protected AreaCity + sea
Sella del Diavolo
Urban snorkelling below Cagliari’s landmark headland
At a glance: Easy difficulty, access from shore. Recommended season: May – October. Seabed: rock and small coves.
What you will see
- A few minutes from the Poetto beach
- Cala Fighera and its surprisingly clear water
- Octopuses, sea breams and morays among the rocks
- Perfect for a half-day outing
Chance of an encounter*
The guide
Few regional capitals offer decent snorkelling a bus ride from the centre: Cagliari does. The Sella del Diavolo headland separates the port from the Poetto beach and hides, on the Cala Mosca and Cala Fighera side, a lively and accessible stretch of rocky coast.
Cala Fighera is the favourite spot for snorkelling in the city: a narrow, sheltered cove where the rocky bottom is home to octopuses, sea breams and the odd moray, with water often far clearer than you would expect.
You get in from the shore and need neither boats nor guides: just a mask, fins and an eye on small-boat traffic in summer. Ideal as a first outing of the season, or for anyone visiting Cagliari who wants a taste of the sea without going far.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you snorkel at the Sella del Diavolo?
The best spot is Cala Fighera, a narrow sheltered cove reachable from shore; Cala Mosca also offers an easy entry.
Do you need a guide or a boat?
No: you get in from the shore and a mask, fins and a marker buoy are all you need. In summer keep an eye on small-boat traffic.
When is the best time to go?
From May to October; it is perfect as a first outing of the season or a taste of the sea fifteen minutes from central Cagliari.
Learn more
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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.