With inviting turquoise waters and cosmopolitan islands, Greece has been long a favourite European destination. Uncover the country’s allure and hop between its islands seamlessly with top ferry companies.
Embark on a voyage to Santorini to explore lava caves, volcanic hot springs and quaint traditional villages. Learn about seismic forces that shape the island’s natural hazards like lava eruptions and tsunamis.
Kyra Eleni Shipwreck
Ferries are the lifeblood of the Greek islands, connecting mainland Greece with dozens of inhabited island destinations. Despite the recent rise of high-speed catamarans, ferries remain the best option for island-hopping in Greece. And while ferry schedules can be frustrating to pin down (especially during the peak season), island-hopping is a fun, flexible way to experience the Greek islands.
While a few of these ferries can be quite old, many of them are still in excellent shape and offer modern comforts. And for adventurous scuba divers, the seabed around these ships offers more than just marine nature. Throughout the Mediterranean, Greece’s seabed is home to an array of modern wrecks that tell tales about the country’s inglorious military history.
One of the most famous shipwrecks in Greece is Queen Olga, a World War II destroyer that earned the nickname “the pride of the Greek fleet.” The Irish-built vessel served in over a hundred naval campaigns until German fighter planes bombed it in 1943, resulting in the loss of 72 passengers and the captain. Today, a portion of the ship’s cranes and bow protrude from the water, easily visible from a distance. The Belenis Tower Museum in Alinda displays memorabilia from the wreck.
The next wreck to explore is the Turkish freighter Kaptan Ismail Hakki, a sunken wreck that rests on the coast of Neapoli in Lakonia’s southeast Peloponnese. Despite being cut in half, this shipwreck is popular among beginner divers because it can be easily explored in shallow waters.
Patris Shipwreck
Paddling steamers were a revolutionary innovation in the Aegean Sea. They allowed the vessels to move without having to rely on Aeolus and his “weapons,” the winds. In 1868, Patris, a paddle steamer, was sailing towards the island of Syros when she hit a reef in foggy conditions and sank. Now, her iron skeleton rests in the crystal clear waters at depths between 30 and 54 meters near Kea. It is a fascinating reminder that no one can despise the power of the sea. She demands respect and always teaches the lesson that even the most modern ships may be destroyed by an oversight.
The wreck is located on a narrow, sloping shelf that runs north to south and drops down into much deeper water. As the divers descend, they can see rough boulders dotted with anemones and sponges. They also pick up shards of broken pottery. The explorers, led by the Kalymnian diving master Dimitrios Kontos, were trying to salvage as much of the ship as possible. Their work was dangerous. The men breathed compressed air that was piped down from the surface, and they spent only ten minutes at a time on the seabed.
Today, the wreck is a museum that combines history with the underwater wonders of the Aegean Sea. It is a joint project of the Industrial Museum of Hermoupolis, the National Research Foundation, the Greek Tax Office of Underwater Antiquities, and the UFR diving team.
Peristera Shipwreck
Until recently, you had to be an expert archaeological diver to visit a shipwreck. But Greece has relaxed restrictions to allow divers to examine historic sites, and the Peristera shipwreck will be open to the public as an underwater museum beginning this month. A certified guide will transport divers from Alonissos to the site, which lies 92 feet below water’s surface.
The wreck was a merchant ship from the classical period that carried thousands of ancient amphorae—two-handled jars used to hold wine—when it sank in the 5th century B.C. Over the centuries, sea creatures and sand have buried most of the wreck, but the cargo is still in pristine condition. The site has given archaeologists valuable insights into the classical world’s understanding of shipbuilding and naval engineering—far ahead of its time.
A visit to the Peristera shipwreck is a glimpse into Greek history and a reminder of how maritime travel has always been woven into the culture of the country. Ships and the sea are a main character in many of Greece’s famous myths, from Odysseus’s decade-long traversing of the ocean to Jason’s journey for the Golden Fleece. Yet, while it’s a wonder to visit these historic sites, these underwater time capsules face ongoing threats from human activities and natural deterioration. Protecting them requires balancing the desire to explore these sites with a commitment to preserve their past for future generations.
Alimina Plane
The last shipwreck on our list isn’t a ship at all; it’s a plane! In a tragic turn of events during World War II, this US Navy plane was shot down and sank near Iraklia Island. Its remains are now home to all kinds of sea life. Just be sure to dive carefully and follow all instructions from your guide before exploring this wreck.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting into diving, these shipwrecks in Greece are sure to make your next trip to the country a memorable one! So what are you waiting for? Book your ferry ticket now and start planning your next scuba adventure in Greece.
Taking a trip by ferry is a great way to explore the Sporades Islands, especially since these islands don’t see as much tourism as the more popular ones. With that being said, a ferry trip is also a convenient and affordable option for anyone who wants to experience Greece’s amazing underwater wonders. So don’t wait any longer – start booking your ferry tickets now! And don’t forget to sign up for the Miles+Bonus loyalty program to earn countless miles on your journeys! Enjoy free internet onboard as a Miles+Bonus member.