Diving into Ancient Mediterranean: Explore Sunken Cities, Wrecks, and Archaeological Treasures Accessible to All

Dive into ancient history in the heart of Mediterranean depths

The Mediterranean is not only a haven of biodiversity and sublime landscapes; it is also an incredible underwater museum! Ancient shipwrecks, amphoras laden with history, buried cities, or enigmatic monuments lie beneath its waters, inviting divers and enthusiasts to explore the remains of vanished civilizations. More and more of these treasures are now accessible for diving, with or without tanks, whether you are a novice, an expert, or simply curious. Embark on an overview from Israel, Greece, Egypt, Spain, Turkey to Croatia, and discover the great archaeological sites of the Mediterranean!

A dive into Antiquity, between thrill and emotion

Stumbling upon an amphora neck, gazing upon a piece of pottery, or swimming among almost intact mosaics provides an incomparable thrill. Some sites, true witnesses of dramatic shipwrecks or sunken cities, allow you to walk in the footsteps of ancient merchants, sailors, and builders. Throughout the Mediterranean basin — known to the Egyptians as the ‘Great Green’ — the sea served as a link for trade, the transport of wine, oil, and monumental stones intended to erect temples and palaces. The action of time, earthquakes, and rising waters have cast ports or cities into oblivion, some of whose remains now reappear under the light of our lamps.

Many of these sites have preserved only a few remnants, but others offer a full immersion into the life of Antiquity. All make palpable the grandeur and buried secrets of lost civilizations.

From the Greek islands to the Israeli coasts: journey to the greatest accessible ancient sites

Greece: Alonissos and the Peristera shipwreck, an open-air museum

In recent years, Greece has been focusing on valuing its exceptional underwater heritage. The island of Alonissos, in the Sporades archipelago, thus hosts the first underwater museum accessible to divers. The Peristera shipwreck, a Greek shipwreck from the 5th century BC, lies 30 meters deep, with its cargo of more than 4000 amphoras perfectly preserved. Discovered by a fisherman in 1985, the wreck — estimated at 126 tons — has overturned certainties about the maritime capabilities of the time.

Today, only three authorized clubs supervise visits, by prior authorization and in small groups, to ensure the site’s preservation. Overwhelmed by emotion as described by Nikoletta Efstathiou, a PADI instructor at the Triton Dive Center, you will admire this ‘carpet of amphoras’ that has become a refuge for local marine fauna. The visit is also available in a virtual version at the Knowledge Awareness Center of Alonissos.

To know (Alonissos)

• Advanced Open Water level required (+ mandatory refresher dive)
• Authorized clubs: Seacolours Dive Center, Triton Dive Center, Ikion Diving Center
• Price: 90 € per dive (15 € equipment rental)

Out of the water, the Alonissos marine reserve promises seal and hiking among pine trees and olive groves.