Greece
THE COUNTRY
Greece consists of the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula and about 2,000 islands, of which about 150 are inhabited. With good weather and some of the cleanest waters in the Mediterranean, Greece is an increasingly attractive diving location.
THE DIVING
The Greek Department of Underwater Archaeology has relaxed their attitude to sports diving in recent years thus allowing access to numerous sites and the opportunity to dive relatively unexplored sites to view ancient artefacts hidden beneath the sea. These sites and the ancient artefacts they contain must be respected for their archaeological heritage by all divers visiting the locations. However, diving is still regulated and advice should be taken before attempting to dive without a guide and care must be taken to avoid damaging archaeological sites.
As well as a wide range of sea creatures, Greece boasts colourful underwater scenery, caves and wrecks.
Diving centres are located on the mainland and on a number of islands. The Aegean Sea can have strong winds making boat trips uncomfortable while the Ionian Sea resort of Corfu usually experiences much lighter winds although slightly colder water.
MAINLAND
Halkidiki. Lying on the mainland just 60 minutes drive from the international airport at Thessaloniki, Halkidiki offers access to recently opened up areas of the seabed. Colourful sites with clear water and a profusion of sealife including nudibranch, moray eel, octopus and lobster. Shipwreck sites include the MYTILINI, a 36 metre ship sunk in 1961 in 22 metres of water.
CRETE
Greece’s largest island and the most heavily visited. Most resorts lie along the north coast with relatively undeveloped villages on the west coast and inland. Crete also boasts the impressive Minoan ruins at Knossos and Phaestos, well worth a visit for even the most dedicated diver. There are dive centres at the capital Heraklion and Hania.
A number of new sites have recently been opened up on the west coast, including some with amphora lying in only a few metres of water.
Heraklion. Heraklion is the island’s capital with numerous shops, bars and restaurants but is busy and suffers from noise and pollution. However, divers will enjoy an abundance of interesting dive sites in this area.
Hania. Towards the western end of the island lies the quieter resort of Hania with long sandy beaches and a picturesque harbour. Diving here takes place around the smaller islands of Lazareta and Thodorou.
Agios Nikolaos. West of Hearaklion on the north coast lies the town of Agios Nikolaos which is home to the Crete Underwtaer Cerntre, a BSAC School.
RHODES
Rhodes has an interesting history and, like Crete, has much to interest non - divers. The first diving school was established on the island in 1982 and there has recently been a proliferation as new schools exploited the relaxation of regulations for sport diving. The most popular site for diving in Rhodes is Kalithea Bay on the north east coast.
MYKONOS
A well established tourist island, made famous in the 1970s when it gained a relaxed, back packing reputation. It has remained a popular, although relatively expensive, destination. A diving school is established in Paradise Beach on the south coast about 3 miles from Mykonos Town.
KOS
Kos offers a variety of unusual dive sites including unusual rock formations with caves and tunnels, gentle drift dives and the opportunity to dive through bubbles rising from a volcano.
KALYMNOS
The smaller island of Kalymnos is accessible from Kos. Famous for its sponge diving history, it boasts dramatic mountain scenery, a picturesque and lively port, clean beaches and plentiful reasonably - priced accommodation. Dive sites included caverns, cliff faces and a number of wrecks including the 2,000 tonne Saint George, a pre Second World War cargo ship. The island hosted the first Kalymnos Diving Festival in September 2004 with diving, exhibitions, films, talks and demonstrations and practical lessons in helmet and sponge diving. The second Kalymnos Diving Festival will be held between 4 - 11 September 2005.
CORFU
Another well known tourist destination, Corfu has sandy beaches, clean seas and a variety of accommodation options. Diving can be undertaken from Ipsos on the east coast.
ZANTE
Diving takes place from St Nicholas Beach on the south east coast and offers drops offs, caverns reefs as well as the chance to see Loggerhead Turtles.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Climate. Greece enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters between mid - October and February, followed by hot dry summers. Land temperatures range from 10 to 30°C with sea temperatures between 15 - 30°C.
When to Go. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit, the weather has warmed up and the crowds have not yet arrived. However, diving is still relatively undeveloped in the country and you are unlikely to find diving groups fighting for prime sites at any time of year.
Getting There. There are 16 international airports in Greece with many of the larger islands having direct air links to the UK. However, many flights to these resorts are confined to peak season charter traffic. There is a good network of ferries for those interested in island hopping.
Entry Requirements. Full UK passport.
Currency. The Euro.
Where to Stay. Greece is still a relatively cheap destination and offers a wide range of reasonably priced holiday accommodation.
Non Divers. Greece is a well-established tourist location and non - divers will find plenty to do with water sports, archaeological sites, sun bathing or just relaxing and enjoying Greek hospitality in a local taverna.
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BSAC TRAVEL CLUB BOOKSHOP SELECTION
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Aquatic World
Crete Underwater Center
Big Blue Diving School
Crete Underwater Centre by Steve Wilkinson
Diving Crete, September, 2006 by Charles Stirling
Teenage Heaven, Kassiopi, Corfu by Alison Boler
Naxos, Summer 2006 by Stephen Davies
Paros, 2006 by Charles Stirling
Good Morning, Crete
In Need of Protection
Crete
Kalymnos
Delos, Mykonos
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