Did you know that several European countries are among the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the world?
This is really impressive, especially considering the distance from the tropical seas.
However, Europe has some really amazing spots that won’t disappoint you, even if you have very big expectations.
You will probably say that the Red Sea, the Caribbean, the Great Barrier Reef or the Maldives are the best, and we won’t try to persuade you in the opposite.
But what about Greece?
With the right choice of places you won’t believe how amazing Greece could be.
Here are 7 reasons why the country is the best scuba diving and snorkeling spot in Europe.
1. Clear and transparent waters
When it comes to diving and snorkeling, Greece is one of the best places in the world outside the tropics.
The coastal deep-blue waters are incredibly transparent.
Under good weather conditions the underwater visibility is usually between 30 and 40 meters, which is really impressive.
The best part of the year, of course, is the summer season, especially July, when the combination between wind, temperature and light is most favorable.
2. Great choice of places
Compared to most of the other top diving and snorkeling destinations in the world, Greece offers an amazing variety of places to practice your favourite sport.
With its 13,676 km, the coastline of Greece is longer than that of Brazil, Argentina of Mexico.
In addition, the country offers nearly 6,000 big and small islands to choose from.
The large number of islands, bays and peninsulas creates practically the perfect diving and snorkeling environment.
You could choose between popular places like Zakynthos, Crete, Paxos, Antipaxos and Santorini or some less known corner, which is remote from crowded tourist areas and large cities.
3. Favorable weather conditions
Greece is considered one of the countries with the best climate in the world.
Summers begin earlier than anywhere else in Europe and last until the end of October, especially in the southern parts of the country.
Its long and hot summer season is the best time to explore the underwater life of Greece.
You will be able to combine your favourite sport with enjoying the great weather, cloudless skies, high temperatures and endless sunshine.
Of course, you could dive or practice snorkeling all year round, if you want.
If you have the needed equipment to protect you from the colder water, winters could be a good alternative too.
4. Rich marine life
Greece is located in the Eastern Mediterranean, which has a bigger diversity of marine life.
The large number of small and sheltered bays along its thousands of kilometers long coastline offers a great environment for thousands of species of sea creatures.
Divers could enjoy here an amazing variety of species of fish, sea mammals and many others.
Sea turtles and dolphins are among the most incredible animals to see in the coastal waters of Greece.
Another advantage is that you don’t need to search a lot to find something really interesting because the warm Greek waters are full of life.
5. Rich underwater history
Greece and its thousands of islands have been inhabited since ancient times.
As a land of seafarers, this part of Europe is a place to find numerous sunken vessels.
Probably the only other place in the world to offers such a rich variety of underwater remains of sunken ships is the Caribbean.
Here you could find not only ships but also numerous statues, old anchors, crockery and even underwater remains of ancient cities (Pavlopetri)!
6. Excellent place for beginners
The shallow coastal waters of Greece offer some of the best conditions in the world for beginners, who have never dived before.
In the country, especially on the islands, one could find a bigger number of scuba diving instructors than anywhere else in Europe.
This is very important because in contrast to snorkeling, scuba diving is more dangerous and risky and people must be very well prepared before practicing this underwater sport.
7. Local people could take you to amazing places
If you want to find a secluded place to dive, Greece is the best choice. Locals are usually very proud of their country, and they could help you find some secret wild spot where few tourists go.
Of course, this could happen everywhere but Greece is really different because many locals have boats.
For you maybe is a bit confusing to read about wild and untouched places in a country which attracts more than 20 million people per year.
However, don’t forget that most of these people visit the most popular destinations, while the rest of Greece remains really quiet.
8. Not just diving and snorkeling
Even if you want to visit the country mainly because of its underwater world, you probably won’t spend the entire time under the sea surface.
In Greece you will be able to touch one of the richest cultures in the world.
You’ll have the chance to visit historical monuments you couldn’t even imagine, and you’ll enjoy the Greek food, which is considered the best in the world, together by the French and Italian.
