5 incredible diving spots in Greece
Greece, this multi-faceted country, is brimming with treasures that go far beyond its famous landmarks. Its brilliant blue waters are home to underwater wonders that we’ve explored for you. Discover breathtaking diving sites: snorkeling spots to see sunken sites on the Peloponnese, the underwater museum at Alonissos, the wreck tour on Milos, the underwater caves on the island of Rhodes, the underwater canyons of Faneromeni. Or the underwater caves of Paros, home to some surprising shipwrecks, not to mention the submerged archaeological sites of the Cyclades. Focus on a timeless aquatic journey with these 5 diving spots and archaeological sites in Greece.
1. Peloponnese Snorkeling Spots
To get you started, we’ve unearthed some sunken gems in the Peloponnese. This is a region rich in snorkeling sites where ancient ruins lie dormant beneath the waves.
Palaia Epidavros (Ancient Epidaurus) and the area around the secret paradise island ofElafonissos (Pavlopetri site) offer an incredible spectacle of underwater sites.
Because you’re swimming, amazed, above ruins that are the foundations of Roman houses. For the record, the port of ancient Epidaurus was a departure point for people heading to the temple of Asclepius to consult the priests at the site of Epidaurus.
Our tip for finding the ruins of ancient Epidaurus: Go to the beach at the “Cantina de Mike Beach”, then turn left for 200 metres. The ruins are about 30 metres offshore.
2. The Alonissos Underwater Museum and the Milos Wreck Tour
Now it’s on to Alonissos, nestled in the Sporades near Skopelos, to discover a veritable underwater museum. It’s a unique place where relics of the past come to life: the Underwater Museum, the first of its kind in Greece! It protects the remains of one of the largest known ancient shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea (between 425 and 420 BC). This site is described as the
Parthenon of shipwrecks
according to National Geographic*.
Interested? Discover diving in the Alonissos Marine Park with an English-speaking instructor.
Then test Milos, where the Wreck Trail awaits you for a thrilling exploration. Choose your boat and set sail! Or why not opt for a snorkeling cruise around Milos and Poliegos, or Kleftiko and its magnificent turquoise waters? Dive into the underwater grotto and discover its spectacular architecture, shaped by its volcanic origins.
Then hunt for submerged boats scattered through the gallery of canyons and caves. You’ll also be delighted by its countless hot springs. And don’t forget to stop off at one of the beaches accessible only by boat, for an unforgettable sunset.
3. Rhodes Underwater Caves
On Rhodes, the island of the Colossus, get ready for a picturesque adventure in the underwater caves of Saint-Paul. The good news is that beginners can take their first dive here! In fact, you can reach them from tunnels hidden beneath the rocks. By the way, do you know Cleobulus ? He was one of the 7 sages of ancient Greece. His tomb is one of the most beautiful diving sites in Greece, in the underwater grotto of Lindos. Whether you’re just discovering scuba diving or going on an excursion for experienced divers (in French), this breathtakingly beautiful world will captivate your dreams when you return to Rhodes for the night.
4. The wrecks of the Paros Caves
The underwater caves of Paros, rich in shipwrecks, promise an exciting adventure in the Cyclades, close to Amorgos, you know, the island of the cult film The Big Blue? Come and explore :
- The Cavern on the island of Paros, on the islet of Panteronisi, imposes its immensity on you at a depth of over 30 metres, and yet it gives off a magnificent light;
- And the underwater canyons of Faneromeni are a must-see for any diver. This Antiparos site offers crystal-clear waters and large canyons. A plethora of underwater species cross your path between the Greco-Roman amphorae and the sublime white rock. So let yourself be tempted by a discovery dive if you’re a beginner, or an adventure dive for certified divers.
5. Santorini’s volcanic seabed
The illustrious blue-and-white landscapes of this magnificent island mingle with the glowing ochre colors of its volcanic soil.
Are you a beginner? It’s perfect! Come and dive in accessible and sublime depths. And make sure you do it out of season, as the Santorini Caldera is very popular. Diving clubs welcome you to the south of the island for dream expeditions! Like Santorini Dive Center, which offers a discovery diving session from the Caldera beach or an adventure dive for certified divers to discover Santorini’s wrecks and marine life.
More dive sites in Greece :
- On vacation in Corfu ;
- Zakynthos, Greece;
- Paxos ;
- Lesbos, Mytilene;
- Lefkada (Lefkada);
- Ios in Greece.
Pack your bags and immerse yourself in Greece’s underwater treasures. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, these 5 diving spots and underwater archaeological sites in Greece offer an unrivalled festival of discovery and adventure!
To plan your diving trip and find out more about these exceptional sites, click on Living in Athens to discover Greece differently and underwater!
Source :*Greece: discovering the first underwater museum | National Geographic
Stéphanie G.