Right now, with the weather picking up, a lot of you will likely be suffering from a severe case of wanderlust and will be dreaming about sunnier climes and stunning scenery. I know I am.
If you’re looking to enjoy somewhere sunny and inviting, might I be so bold as to suggest Greece?
Greece may have had its troubles over the years, but it has finally turned a corner and is once again proving to be a hugely popular holiday destination for tourists from all over the globe.
If you are looking to visit Greece, you simply must don your snorkel and flippers and enjoy a spot of deep-sea diving.
Greece is home to some of the most diverse marine life on the planet, and for as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go diving there.
While doing my research, I came across plenty of awesome spots to visit.
Here’s a look at se7en of the best places to go diving in Greece.
The Anna II Wreckage
Located just off of Mykonos, you will find the hugely popular diving spot of the wreckage of the Anna II ship.
Mykonos has a reputation for being somewhat of a party island, but don’t let that fool you, because it also has plenty of peaceful and tranquil diving spots.
The Anna II wreckage lies 82 feet deep, and considering it’s a wreck, it’s in surprisingly good condition.
The former cargo ship, which sadly sunk just off of Mykonos is the perfect diving spot for people that are looking for something a little different. Don’t worry if wrecks aren’t your thing, though, because you’ll also find plenty of reefs and sea sponges in the surrounding area.
This is one of the most exciting diving spots you could wish for, and it is also nice and tranquil and is well aware from the party scene, so you won’t need to worry about dodging drunken holidaymakers.
Nea Kameni
Nea Kameni is located in Santorini, and because it is a volcanic island, the underwater diving spots here are amongst the most exciting that you could ever wish for.
If you liked the sound of exploring a shipwreck and want to keep your wreckage exploring options open you will also find that Nea Kameni has you covered here, thanks to the wreckage of the Santa Maria.
Located 59 feet below the surface, this passenger ship is now home to a diverse array of marine life, who have claimed it as their own.
The spot is perfect for divers of all abilities and if you do want something different, you’ll also find plenty of underwater lava formations and sea caves to explore.
Who knows, you might even find Nemo or Dory?
Schinaria
The third offering I have for you today is the stunning diving location of Schinaria, in Crete.
This is the perfect spot for scuba divers of varying abilities as you’ll find an abundance of marine life here, as well as some very interesting rock formations due to the volcanic activity in the area many moons ago.
With stunning sunshine for much of the year, as well as crystal clear waters and the amazing sandy beach of Schinaria Beach, this is the perfect getaway for divers looking to experience all that the area has to offer in their own secluded piece of paradise.
I know that it’s definitely on my to-visit list in the near future.
Mirmigi Reef
Now, while doing research for this article, I must confess that Mirmigi Reef, located in Lesvos, was somewhere that I’d never heard of before.
Situated just off of the Northwest Lesvos coast, Mirmigi Reef is actually very popular in the diving community, due largely to its interesting underwater lava rock volcanic formations and the sheer abundance of wildlife in the area.
What I like about the sound of Mirmigi Reef, is the fact that it seems perfect for novices just as myself, as the reef itself begins at a depth of just 16 feet, or 5 metres. Even I wouldn’t get into trouble at depths that shallow.
The great thing, though, is that it gets progressively deeper, the more experienced you are, the deeper under the crystal clear waters you can dive.
As there is no current, that, coupled with the transparency of the water makes it a great diving spot.
Elephant’s Cave
Taking you back to Crete, up next I have Elephant’s Cave.
I don’t want to disappoint you, but you won’t find any live elephants here, at least, I hope not.
What you will find, though, is a stunning underwater cave complete with red and white stalagmites and stalactites and the fossilized remains of a now extinct species of elephant, complete with vertebrae, teeth, and one tusk.
If you’re a history buff like me, you’ll be in your element here.
Paleokastritsa
Paleokatritsa is a beautiful diving location in Corfu that is renowned for its golden sandy beaches, its blue skies, and its shimmering clear turquoise hued waters.
Every single year, countless divers from all corners of the globe flock here to head under the water and see what the stunning reefs have to offer.
Complete with a scenic underwater archway, and coral reefs which are up to 131 feet in depth, you can expect to see a diverse selection of marine life here.
Chios
Finally, I present to you, the island of Chios.
Chios, not chaos, is a beautiful island siting proudly on the Aegean Sea a mere four miles away from Turkey.
Because of its prime location, it enjoys very hot sunshine and the waters feel incredibly warm and inviting.
It’s impossible for me to name just one diving spot in Chios because, by all accounts, the entire island is a prime diving spot and has everything a diver could want.
From coral reefs and underwater lava formations, to deep sea caves and wreckages, Chios really does have it all.
I hope this article managed to stoke your interest for Greece. Until we’re all able to resume our wanderings, stay safe, stay calm and stay healthy.