Diving

Diving — Greek seas are well known for their rugged terrain and amazing sea life. Undersea caves, great reefs, ancient sunken towns, famous shipwrecks make up an invisible world, yet pulsating and alive. The entrancing iridescence of the sunlight, diffracted by the crystal-clear waters, the sense of peace and eternity prevailing beneath the surface of the sea, the reduction in human weight lending a sensation of flight and freedom, all make diving an exhilarating experience.

There is a diving club at Porto Rafti (Athina Diving Center: www.athinadiving.gr), just a stone’s throw from Athens, and the waters there are safe for a first underwater exploration as they are not particularly deep. One can dive from dry land, in the area of the so-called Erotospilia, and also from a boat at more interesting places, as one can sail out towards Agia Marina and the surrounding islets. Another worthy diving center is Aqua Divers Club (www.aquadiversclub.gr) at Saronida — located just a 45-minute drive south of Athens.

Also within close reach of Athens lies the island of Salamina (a short ferry ride from the Athenian port of Piraeus), where scuba diving is allowed in the marine archaeological site. Southern Evia has a wonderful rocky seabed and is a place favored by amateur fishermen as there are many octopuses. A very high-standard diving center is located in Chania, Crete – the second largest city on that island (Chania Diving Center: www.chaniadiving.gr).

The island of Crete (a 10-hour ferry boat ride or 50 minute flight from Athens) is one of Greece’s key diving destinations. The Aegean Sea and the Libyan Sea are two very different worlds. The waters in Kalatha and Palaiochora in south-western Crete are extremely fascinating. Apokoronas in Chania, Chora Sfakion, Platanias in western Crete, Kissamos and Gramvousa even further to the west all provide wonderful diving experiences. The Northern Sporades islands are a scuba diver’s heaven. Explorers are enchanted by the magnificent seabed, vivid colors and crystal-clear waters.