Diving in Greece: Sunken Cities, Ancient Wrecks and Sea Caves

Greece has the longest coastline in Europe, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Under the surface you will find something no other country can offer in the same way: ancient cities that slipped beneath the sea, shipwrecks loaded with amphorae, sea caves glowing blue, and volcanic walls. Here are the most memorable places to dive and snorkel in Greece – for beginners and certified divers alike.

1. The sunken city of Epidaurus – Peloponnese

At Palaia Epidavros, near the famous ancient theatre, the remains of ancient buildings, including a Roman villa, lie only a few metres under the surface. Shallow enough for snorkelling and first dives. Diving in the Peloponnese

2. Pavlopetri – the oldest submerged town

Opposite Elafonisos lies Pavlopetri, considered the oldest known submerged town in the world, about 5,000 years old, at a depth of 3–4 metres. It is a protected site: snorkel from the surface, follow the marked routes and never touch the ruins. More about Pavlopetri

3. Peristera – Greece’s first underwater museum

Off Alonissos lies the wreck of an Athenian merchant ship that sank around 425 BC with thousands of wine amphorae, at about 28 metres. Certified divers can visit it on guided dives in summer, and non-divers can explore it through a virtual tour on land. Diving in Alonissos

4. The Mytilini wreck and the reefs of Halkidiki

Halkidiki has more than twenty dive centres, very clear water, walls and caves – and the Mytilini, a motorship sunk in 1961 and one of the wrecks officially open to recreational divers. Diving in Halkidiki

5. The blue caves of Keri – Zakynthos

Under the cliffs of south-west Zakynthos, sea caves and arches glow in every shade of blue, inside the area of the National Marine Park. Perfect for both snorkelling and diving. Diving in the Ionian Islands

6. Volcanic Santorini and Milos – Cyclades

Dark volcanic walls under the caldera of Santorini, and sea caves and white rocks around Kleftiko on Milos. Naxos and Paros offer calm bays for beginners. Diving in the Cyclades

7. Caves and clear water in Crete

From the underwater caves around Chania to the very clear water of Skinaria near Plakias and the sunken remains at Elounda, Crete has something for every level. Diving in Crete

Good to know before you dive in Greece

• Since 2020, recreational diving is allowed along almost all of the Greek coast. Dives on underwater archaeological sites and wrecks older than 50 years are done with a guide from an authorised Greek dive centre.
• Ancient objects under the sea are protected – never touch, move or take anything.
• Beginners can join a try-dive with an instructor; certified divers should bring their card and logbook.
• Plan at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight home.
• The main season is from May to October.

We combine diving with the rest of your trip: transfers to the dive centre, hotels nearby, ferries and tours. See all our diving destinations in Greece or tell us your plans – we reply within 24 hours.