Greece: 3 Wondrous Places to Dive in Greece

Three Interesting Scuba Diving Sites in Beautiful European Country of Greece

Aside from its gorgeous scenery, welcoming culture and historical interest, the European country of Greece is a haven for adventure seekers and scuba divers alike, drawing millions of tourists each year into her borders. In fact, given its postcard-perfect waters, abundant marine life, and captivating underwater landscapes, it’s no surprise that Greece ranks as a highly sought out dive destination for travelers looking for a Euro-splash.

Three Wondrous Spots to Explore Beneath the Waves in Greece:

Here are three wondrous spots for scuba divers, snorkellers and water lovers to spend their time exploring beneath the waves in the European country of Greece.

1. The Island of Zakynthos (Zante)

Being the third-biggest island in the Ionian Sea, the 407.6 km² arrowhead shaped landmass of Zakynthos contains mountainous plateaus and cliffs on the western half which cascade down to densely populated plains and sandy beaches on the east. As a well known summer getaway – particularly for the Brits – Zakynthos boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with rich marine life, including colorful fish, sponges, octopuses, and sea turtles. It also hides spectacular topography – striking rock formations, long winding tunnels, and caverns offering a breathtaking diving or snorkeling experience for all levels. While dives can be done all over the island, some of the more common sites are found on the south western side and the bulk of the island’s dive operators are housed on the south.

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos, in Laganas Bay, is a particularly popular place to explore the treasures of the underwater world. The park was established in 1999 for the protection of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus). The boundaries of The National Marine Park of Zakynthos extend from Marathia’s Cape to the beach of Gerakas, including the outback of the beaches of Limni Kerì, Laganas and Kalamaki and the Strofades, two small islands 50 nautical miles south of Zakynthos. Besides the occasional turtle or seal, you can also spot more common animals such as tropical fish, crustaceans and nudibranchs.

Wherever you go on the island of Zakynthos, water lovers are sure to find their calling as you’re never far from the ocean and an incredible array of dive sites.
 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dive Buddies 4 Life (@divebuddies4life)

2. The Underwater Museum in Alonissos

If you are a traveler thirsty for some history to pair alongside your diving adventures, look no further than the tiny limestone island of Alonissos. Located in the Aegean Sea, east of mainland Greece, Alonissos is 4.5 kilometers at its widest and 20 kilometers at its longest.

Peristera’s Underwater Museum is a first of its kind, launched in 2020. With a unique blend of history, archaeology, and art, this underwater museum allows divers to explore the ancient Peristera shipwreck as part of a larger effort to protect and preserve Greece’s underwater cultural heritage.

This classical-era shipwreck dates back to around 425 to 420 B.C., and was discovered in 1985 by fisherman Dimitris Mavrikis off the coast of the islet Peristera. The size of this ship ranks it as one of the largest commercial ships of the time, measuring 30 meters long and 10 meters wide.

The ship carried around 4,000 amphorae full of wines from the city of Mendi and Peparithos. Little is known regarding its sinking, however it is hypothesized that the ship either ran aground in stormy weather near the coast, or a fire broke out on deck. Regardless of its ill-fated demise, the vessel is considered to be of uttermost importance to Greek archaeology and is dubbed as “The Parthenon of Shipwrecks”.

The Alonissos Underwater Museum is open to recreational divers during the summer season, and for those who don’t dive there are also underwater cameras that stream the site in real-time. While the exposed parts of the wooden Peristera wreck have long since rotted away, the remaining cargo presents a fascinating seascape. Exploring the site, divers will encounter vast vistas of amphorae piled high above their heads. Many of these vase-like containers are intact and have become home to sea sponges and fish, adding color to the monochromatic pottery.

3. The Submerged City of Pavlopetri in Peloponnese

If you’re visiting mainland Greece, you can still enjoy some wondrous underwater adventures just off the coast of the Peloponnese. Home to the world’s oldest known submerged city, Pavlopetri is rumored to be the inspiration behind the legend of Atlantis. The city is roughly 5,000 years old and is considered a well-preserved Bronze Age settlement.

Pavlopetri was first discovered by Nicholas Flemming in 1967 and was mapped the following year. Theories as to its submersion include a powerful earthquake event occurring around 1,000 B.C., but this has helped keep this historic site well preserved – as agriculture and modern day infrastructure was never built over it.

The remains of Pavlopetri lie in the shallows of Vatika Bay off the coast of Laconia. The site is accessed from the beaches of Pounta in the southern Peloponnese, with Neapoli as the closest main city. Recreational diving is banned as a means to preserve this UNESCO-protected site, so the only way to enjoy this city is by snorkeling. But, the water is impeccably clear and the depth is generally not more than 3 meters, so it’s easy to explore the streets, foundations and deteriorated courtyards that were once the historic city of Pavlopetri. Of course, visitors must always do so with respect for the site’s archeological heritage.

Take the plunge in Greece

Ready to take the plunge into the watery wonders of the Mediterranean Sea? Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, these three incredible spots in Greece offer something exciting to explore for every adventurous traveler.

Have you ever visited mainland Greece or any of it’s encompassing islands? Have you had the chance to enjoy diving in this/these locations? If so which was your favourite?

Writers Note: This post may contain affiliate links. We will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you. See full disclosure and disclaimer policy here.