The strait of Messina (in ancient times, strait of Scilla and Cariddi) is a stretch of sea that links the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, divides Calabria and Sicily and touches the cities of Reggio Calabria and Messina, with its narrowest part – approx. 3.14 km - between Villa San Giovanni and Messina.
The strait, which has a funnel shape with the stem facing north, is famous for its impetuous currents, which are due to a permanent difference in water levels between the two seas – about 27/28cm – which compensates roughly every 6 hrs.
The chemical and hydrodynamic characteristics of the water make the strait a biodiversity reserve. The sea floors are particularly colourful, thanks to the presence of anemone, brain coral and coral, and provide a habitat for grouper, snapper, white seabream, amberjack, damselfish and, in winter, john dory. The Messina strait is also a transit point for many migratory species, including tuna, bonito, Mediterranean spearfish, swordfish and several types of Cetacea.
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