Best Places for Scuba Diving near Athens
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city steeped in history, culture, and mythology. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. While Athens is renowned for its historical landmarks and vibrant culture, it also boasts some mesmerising dive sites!
Scuba diving is an adventurous underwater activity that allows participants to explore the depths of the ocean. Check out our complete guide to scuba diving article to learn more about the sport. Beneath the surface of the bustling city of Athens lies the hidden world of the Aegean Sea! There are different scuba diving sessions available from Athens for every level. You can join a discover scuba diving session as a complete beginner for your first dive, take part in a course to become a certified diver, or embark on a guided scuba dive if you already have your certification. Athens is home to a variety of captivating dive sites offering glimpses into Greece's rich marine biodiversity and fascinating underwater landscapes. In this article, we'll dive into the best scuba diving spots near Athens!
1. Nea Makri
The first ideal spot for scuba diving near Athens is Nea Makri, a coastal town located in the eastern part of Attica. Nea Makri is easily accessible from Athens, located approximately 35 kilometres (22 miles) northeast of the city. As well as boasting several beautiful beaches, Nea Makri is home to some unique dive sites, suitable for divers of every level. On a discovery scuba diving session in Nea Makri, you’ll uncover fascinating reefs, underwater caves, and colourful fish, diving to a maximum depth of 6-10 metres (20-33 feet). If you want to become a qualified diver, you can take part in a PADI open water diver course in Nea Makri, learning about the theory of scuba diving and successfully completing 4 dives around Marathonas and Schinias Bay. Once you complete this course, you can take it to the next level with a PADI advanced open water diver course in Nea Makri! If you already have your certification, a guided dive adventure in Nea Marki is also available, where you will experience some of the most interesting sites in the Mediterranean Sea, including Platourada Island, Dipsa Island and Marathon Cape.
2. Porto Rafti
Porto Rafti is another coastal town offering excellent diving opportunities. Nestled along the Athenian Riviera, Porto Rafti is situated approximately 38 kilometres (24 miles) east of Athens. The dive sites around Porto Rafti offer diverse underwater topography, with cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sandy bottoms to explore. If you want to get your diver certificate, a PADI open water diving course or a PADI advanced open water diving course are both available in Porto Rafti. There are over 20 different sites in the area where you can discover walls, reefs, caves, wrecks, crystal clear waters and beautiful seascapes full of marine life. You can also join an adventure dive in Porto Rafti for experienced scuba divers!
3. Agia Marine Beach
Agia Marine Beach is a popular destination situated on the island of Aegina, which is part of the Saronic Islands group in Greece. The beach is located approximately an hour’s drive away from Athens, and is easily accessible to the city by ferry. The picturesque beach boasts a vibrant sandy shorefront and shallow waters with excellent visibility. You can embark on a discovery scuba diving session at Agia Marine Beach as a beginner, diving from a boat to a maximum depth of 10 metres (33 feet). Experience the sensation of diving underwater and discover the colourful Mediterranean marine life in the area!
4. Piraeus
The next best place for scuba diving near Athens is Piraeus, a port city located southwest of Athens. Piraeus Port is the largest port in Greece and one of the largest in Europe. On a short boat ride from Piraeus, you can scuba dive in Athens Port, discovering the vibrant underwater world of the Aegean Sea. Nearby sites are home to underwater cliffs, rocky reefs and even some shipwrecks. A discover scuba diving session and a PADI open water diving course are both available in Piraeus for complete beginners!
5. Legrena
Legrena is another popular spot for scuba diving near Athens. It is a coastal village located in the Attica region, approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) southeast of Athens. Legrena is also close to Cape Sounion, a prominent headland famous for the Temple of Poseidon. The beautiful sandy Legrena Beach offers crystal-clear waters, providing excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling. On this unique adventure dive for certified divers in Legrena, you’ll swim underwater with massive tuna fish weighing up to 150 kg (331 lbs)! This fascinating diving excursion is suitable for beginners.
From fascinating rock formations to vibrant marine life, the best scuba diving spots near Athens offer unique opportunities to discover the vibrant biodiversity of the Aegean Sea. Whether you are an experienced or a novice scuba diver, you can experience the natural underwater beauty of Greece on a scuba diving session to suit your needs near the ancient city of Athens!
If you’re looking for more diving inspiration for your holiday, check out our list of the best places for scuba diving in Greece!