Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Issue 04/2016 | Page 61

05 Villa Protiro – intact

Roman mosaic and
remains of a Roman
temple

06 Villa Protiro, detail

of the emblem of the
shield mosaic
© Pasquale Vassallo

PRACTICALITIES
WHEN
The best time to visit this part of
Italy is May to October. Water
temperature is 18–27oC.
HOW
Fly directly to Naples international
airport or change at Rome or
other large international airports.
The diving operator you select
can provide transfer to and from
Naples airport.
STAY/DIVE
Dive
Campi Flegrei Diving Centre
www.centrosubcampiflegrei.it/en

5 PORTUS JULIUS
Built by Agrippa in 37BC, Portus Julius helped protect
the ancient city from the menace of pirates led by
Sectus Pompeius. The harbour once served as the
arrival point for huge cargoes from throughout
the Mediterranean. Here, at two metres, highly
decorated surfaces appear on the brick walls. Visitors
can observe a decorated rosette, stairs, white-square
mosaics, brick columns with traces of original stucco,
doorsteps, dividing walls, and storage rooms full of
beautifully decorated pottery remains.
6 MISENO FISH FARMS
Just outside the MPA there are many other sites to
see and explore. One of these is a complex of fish
farms and Roman baths in Miseno. The buildings
here are in pretty good shape; some walls are still up
and it is possible to swim through arches along aisles,
going from room to room. SDOP

Stay
• Hotel La Tripergola
(www.latripergola.it) 3 stars
35/40 Euro per night including
breakfast
• Hotel Villa Luisa
(www.villaluisaresort.it) 4stars
45/50 Euro per night including
breakfast
TOPSIDE
This area is absolutely dripping
with historical, culinary, visual
and cultural offerings. Visit the
city of Naples for picturesque,
pastel coloured houses, streets,
restaurants and cafés overlooking
the bay.
The ancient history in the area
is fascinating. See the volcanic
sites of Pompei, Ercolano and the
still active Vesuvius. Pop down the
coast to pretty Sorrento or get a
boat over to fabulous Capri with its
high-end shopping and wonderful
natural beauty.
ENTRY
No visa requirement. Valid
passport with at least six months
validity permit required.