Planning to go scuba diving this summer but need some help deciding where to go? Here’s a quick look at some of the best dive sites in Europe and what makes them so special.
The Med’s very best dive sites
Sardinia
Not only is it glamorous and picturesque, but Sardinia is also widely regarded as one of the best scuba diving locations in the Mediterranean, with an exciting assortment of hidden underwater caves and several wrecks.
What To Expect:
A wide array of marine life, including red coral, barracuda, slipper lobsters, nudibranchs, moray eels, and octopus, with pinna nobilis fan mussels that are said to be the largest in the world.
Most Popular Dive Sites:
The Grotta del Nero network of caves and the marine protected areas in the Archipelago of the Maddalena.
Wreckages To Explore:
Near Capo Sant’Elia lies the Romagna, an 1899 tanker that was hit by a mine in 1943. The Relitto dei Vetri cargo ship sank carrying glass and now provides a dazzling underwater light show.
Croatia
The Croatian Adriatic peninsula in the East Mediterranean has over one thousand islands, which, combined with its reefs and rocks, secret coves and caves, sparkling clear waters, and high visibility, make it one of Europe’s most incredible scuba diving destinations. Combined with the country’s fascinating history, this is one place you’ll find it hard to drag yourself away from.
What To Expect:
Nudibranchs and seahorses, lobster, octopus, spider crabs, and scorpion fish, as well as underwater landscapes of vibrant corals and sponge-covered limestone cliffs.
Most Popular Dive Sites:
The Bisevo Grotto or Blue Grotto, just off Vis Island, offers a stunning variety of marine life. Some of the best scuba diving locations can be found in the Istrian Peninsula and at the ‘Katedrala’ or Cathedral cave system near Premuda island. You can also try diving with dolphins at Bol, just off Brac Island.
Wreckages To Explore:
Near Premuda, there are wrecks from both World Wars, including a B-17 bomber. Just off the Dubrovnik coast lies the Taranto, a merchant vessel that sank in 1943, and two of the tractors it was carrying.
Mallorca
Not only is Mallorca incredibly popular with tourists and cyclists, it’s also one of the best scuba diving destinations in the West Mediterranean, with magnificent caves and visibility of up to 40 meters.
What To Expect:
Rich marine life, including seagrass meadows, giant nudibranchs, barracudas, eels, cardinal fish, swallowtail sea-perches, and several species of seahorses.
Most Popular Dive Sites:
One of the best scuba diving locations is the El Toro underwater nature reserve. Near Palma are several magnificent caves, and in the southwest, Punta Cala Figuera is home to overgrown rock shelters and colorful sponges.
Wreckages To Explore:
There are several sunken cargo ships near the port of Palma and four small wrecks at Isla del Sec.
Corsica
Enjoying some of the cleanest and calmest waters in the Mediterranean, Corsica boasts highly protected marine waters alongside a unique heritage, blending French and Italian culture. Visit some of them while on your Yacht charter Corsica and create unforgettable memories.
What To Expect:
Moray eels, bonitos, sea turtles, eagle rays, lobsters, scorpionfish, stingrays, sea bass, tuna, devil rays, and groupers, as well as gorgonian fans, yellow sponges and golden sea daisies.
Most Popular Dive Sites:
Capo Rosso has stunning rock formations, walls, and rocky peaks. The Lavezzi Marine Reserve has breathtaking underwater mountains and canyons, and at Merouville, three rocky plateaus are inhabited by groupers so tame they can be stroked.
Wreckages To Explore:
North of Calvi, at a depth of 27 meters, lies the wreckage of a B-17 Bomber shot down in 1944, and at Porto Vecchio is the small freighter Pecorella, which sank in 1965.
Ionian Islands
This archipelago of islands is located on Greece’s west coast, with beautiful beaches, natural bays, picturesque scenery, and traditional villages.
What To Expect:
Large rocks, caves, reefs and tunnels, unique flora and fauna, and a diversity of marine life including grouper and sea bass.
Most Popular Dive Sites:
Some of the best scuba diving locations are to be found in Corfu, Lefkada and Zakynthos, where the marine park provides a safe place for sea life to thrive.
Wreckages To Explore:
Near Corfu lies the HMS Regulus, which sank in 1945, while at Kefalonia, you’ll find the submarine HMS Perseus, now an artificial reef.
Want to explore some of Europe’s best dive sites in style this summer? Why not consider going by sailboat, giving you the freedom to dive at your leisure and travel between sites in the most enjoyable way possible. With so many beautiful sailing yachts for charter, you’ll be spoilt for choice as you take in the vibrant sea life of the Mediterranean.
Featured Image by joakant from Pixabay