Diving in Alonissos & the Sporades – the Peristera Underwater Museum

Off the island of Alonissos, in the National Marine Park of Alonissos and the Northern Sporades, lies the wreck of Peristera – an Athenian merchant ship that sank around 425 BC with thousands of wine amphorae. It is Greece’s first underwater museum, open to recreational divers on guided visits during the summer. Around it, the clear water and protected coves of the marine park make Alonissos one of the finest places to dive and snorkel in the Aegean.

Underwater highlights

The Peristera wreck

Off the islet of Peristera, east of Alonissos

One of the most important wrecks of the Classical era: a merchant ship of around 425 BC whose cargo of thousands of amphorae, with wine from Peparithos (Skopelos) and Mendi in Halkidiki, still lies on the sea bed at about 28 metres. Visits are organised by dive centres, with experienced guides.

Ancient wreckCertified divers

The marine park

Alonissos and the Northern Sporades

Clear water, sea caves such as the Blue Cave, and rich marine life in one of the largest marine protected areas of the Mediterranean.

CavesSnorkelling

For non-divers

Alonissos

A virtual "dive" on land, with modern XR technology, lets everyone explore the wreck of Peristera without getting wet.

Families

A clear-water cove on Alonissos, in the National Marine Park — Alonissos cove – photo: Catlemur, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dive centres on Alonissos

Tell us your dates and your diving level, and we will check availability with a dive centre on the island – including visits to the Peristera wreck – and arrange your transfers, ferry and hotel.

Alonissos Seacolours Dive Center

Patitiri, Alonissos

Dives and courses around Alonissos and the marine park.

Alonissos Triton Dive Center

Patitiri, Alonissos

PADI and SSI courses and dives, mostly in the marine park, including the Two Brothers wreck and the Blue Cave.

Dive centre services, seasons and the opening dates of the underwater museum can change; we confirm everything before your trip.

Getting there

Alonissos is reached by ferry from Volos (and via Skiathos and Skopelos). We arrange your transfer from Athens to Volos port and your ferry tickets.

Transfer Athens airport – Volos port Thessaly guide Pelion trails Ferries Plan a tailor-made trip

Frequently asked questions

Can I dive the Peristera wreck?

Yes, certified recreational divers can visit it on guided dives organised by dive centres during the summer season. The wreck lies at about 28 metres, so you need the right certification and experience.

Can non-divers see the wreck?

Yes – a virtual tour on land lets everyone explore the wreck and its amphorae.

When is the season?

The underwater museum is open to visitors in the summer season; dive centres generally operate from May to October.

How do I get to Alonissos?

By ferry from Volos, which is about 3½ hours by road from Athens. We arrange your transfer and ferry tickets.

Tell us your dates, your diving level and certification, and we will reply within 24 hours.

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Header photo: Patitiri, Alonissos – Alexander Manusevich, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.