Strait of Messina

This narrow channel between Sicily and the Italian mainland was the most dangerous passage in the mythological sea. On one cliff clung Scylla, a six-headed monster who snatched sailors from passing ships. Below the opposite shore, Charybdis swallowed and regurgitated the sea three times a day, creating a whirlpool that could drag down entire ships. Odysseus had to choose between the two, and chose Scylla, losing six men but saving his ship.