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Snorkeling In Greece – Best Greek Islands For Snorkeling

Greece is famed for its many hundreds of islands, azure seas, and incredible beaches, but people still ask.. “is Greece good for snorkeling?”

Yes, there is more to Greece than everything you see above water. With over 10,000 miles of coastline, Greek waters are teeming with fascinating sea life, offering some of the most fascinating snorkeling in the Mediterranean.

Spoilt with unparalleled visibility and warm waters, Greece’s seas are perfect for underwater exploration. The best time to snorkel in Greece is during the summer when you will be treated to warm climates and active Greek marine life.

With that information in hand, here are some of the best snorkeling spots in Greece.

 

 

Crete

Best greek island for snorkeling

Greece’s largest island boasts the best snorkeling in Greece.

Although there are so many Crete snorkeling options to choose from, the Elounda and Skinaria areas both lead in terms of underwater experience. Skinaria Beach offers rugged underwater reefs and crystal clear waters, perfect for exploration. Whereas Elounda and beaches nestled along the Spinalonga Peninsula are famed for beautiful marine sites.

Snorkeling Crete can also be done further south; Chrissi Island offers shallow, warm waters, which are home to abundant sea life, including octopi and parrotfish.

If you enjoy snorkeling around sea wreckages, an unmissable spot is Falasarna. This site is home to a WWII shipwreck, which can be explored from close to the water’s surface.

The Ionian Islands

Perched between Greece and Italy, the Ionian Islands are popular for their white beaches and turquoise waters. However, beyond that, many of these islands also offer adventurous travelers the chance to spot unusual sea life while snorkeling Greece.

Zakynthos

One of the most popular islands in Greece, Zakynthos offers visitors the chance to snorkel through sea caves, around incredible coves, and along the coastline of one of Europe’s most outstanding beaches, Navagio Beach.

Snorkeling in Zakynthos also offers the unique opportunity to see loggerhead sea turtles. The turtles nest on the southern beaches between May and October, with hatchlings emerging around 90 days after nesting. If you manage to arrive in the early morning, you may witness the incredible migration of the new hatchlings to the sea. The best beaches for sea turtle spotting are Gerakas Beach, Laganas Beach, Cameo Island, and Dafni Beach.

Corfu

Corfu is an excellent spot for snorkeling, with countless coves, reefs, and beaches. You can opt to go out alone or join a day-long boat tour. The best places on the island are Afionas Beach, Avlaki Beach, Paleokastritsa Beach, and Vrachli Beach.

Kefalonia

Whilst Argostoli Harbour is a brilliant place to catch a glimpse of sea turtles, the best Kefalonia snorkeling choice is at Foki Beach. Known for its sheltered cove, surrounded by pine tree forest, Foki Beach boasts thriving marine life. If you’re lucky, you may catch Mediterranean monk seals while snorkeling in Greece.

Paxos

An underwater paradise with unique snorkeling opportunities, Paxos is a great place to snorkel. The waters at Marmari Beach are full of sea flora and fauna.

For a truly different experience, it is possible to follow the coastline to see the Erimitis cliffs, the Ortholitos (pyramid emerging from the sea), and the Tripitos stone arch.

The Dodecanese Islands

Rhodes

An archipelago of more than 150 islands scattered through the southeastern Aegean, the Dodecanese Islands offer the best snorkeling in Greece. With reefs, caves, and wrecks to explore, the best spot for snorkeling in the Dodecanese is Rhodes.

The largest and most populous island, Rhodes, is full of spectacular snorkel spots. The stunning cove, Anthony Quinn Bay, is said to be one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. However, the areas of Kallithea, Haraki Beach, and St. Paul’s Bay Beach also offer the opportunity for great underwater adventures.

The Sporades Islands

Alonissos

A small archipelago of islands in the Aegean, the stunning Sporades are known for lush green forests and sloping mountains reaching the sea. However, these islands are also home to plenty of snorkeling opportunities.

The best island in the Sporades for snorkeling is Alonissos. Having escaped mass tourism, the waters around Alonissos remain primarily untouched by beachgoers. However, Alonissos is home to the largest marine park in Europe for those who enjoy exploring beneath the surface. You may even be lucky enough to spot dolphins or rare monk seals on your trip.

The Cyclades

Arguably the most well-known Greek island group, the Cyclades are famous for white and blue architecture, barren landscapes, and beautiful sandy bays. These beautiful islands also boast some incredible snorkeling spots. Here are the best islands in the Cyclades for snorkeling.

Paros

This well-known destination boasts a world-class snorkeling spot at Kolymbithres Beach. With many secluded coves lining the shore, you can spend a whole day hopping from cove to cove, snorkeling Paros admiring the abundant sea life.

Naxos

Naxos is a beautiful Cycladic island that draws tourists throughout the summer months for snorkeling opportunities.

On the island’s west, the beaches of Aliko, Abram, and Grotta offer beautiful snorkeling Greece experiences. Whereas in the east, snorkelers frequent the crystal clear coves of Lionas and Azalas. You could even have the chance to glimpse the remains of an underwater ancient Mycenaean city.

Mykonos

Famous for its cosmopolitan vibe and lively nightlife, Mykonos is as vibrant below as it is above the sea.

Snorkeling in Mykonos is best done at one of the island’s most popular party spots, Paradise Beach, which also has excellent snorkel sites. However, for a quieter adventure, try a snorkeling tour which brings you around the best spots on the island.

The North Aegean Islands

Thassos

A scattering of islands off the coast of Turkey, the North Aegean islands are one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. While the islands boast many beautiful beaches and incredible history, the island of Thassos is famed for its spectacular snorkeling.

Lying far up in the North Aegean, Thassos is a stunning island. By far, the best snorkeling location on the island is Aliki, an area consisting of three beaches (Aliki Beach 1, 2, and 3). The second and third beaches are the best for snorkeling, with crystal clear waters and an unbelievable underwater landscape.

Now that you know all the best islands for snorkeling in Greece, we hope you have a wonderful time snorkeling Greece this summer. 

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