Greece opens underwater archaeological sites to scuba divers

·

Greece is going all out to attract visitors this summer.

Once-stringent scuba diving regulations for Greek waters were recently lifted, eliminating diving depth limits and allowing diving at archaeological sites and sunken ships in the seas around Greece.

This latest loosening of restrictions follows the passing of a 2019 bill in Parliament easing scuba diving laws, and is part of larger group of incentives to encourage the return of international tourists to Greece following the worldwide coronavirus lockdown.

Prior to the passage of the bill, scuba divers could only enter archaeological sites when accompanied by qualified underwater divers, who are typically hard to come by.

Now, scuba divers are understandably expected to flock to Greece’s many sunken ships, as the 2019 bill allows for unescorted visits to shipwrecks that are older than 50 years.

In 2019, the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, a department of Greece’s Ministry of Culture, along with the Ministry of Tourism, designated four ancient shipwrecks to become Greece’s first underwater museums in a bid to expand underwater-heritage marketing.

The first two Underwater Archaeological Parks in the nation are scheduled to open to visitors by this summer. The two parks are located on the islet of Sapientza, opposite Methoni town and in Navarino Bay in the Pylos area of southwestern Messinia.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Fans and members rally behind Labi Haliti as Sydney Olympic climbs the ladder

Sydney Olympic FC’s commanding 3-0 win over NWS Spirit FC has not only kept the team’s momentum alive in the 2025 season.

How families celebrated a rare unified Easter

For the first time in eight years, all branches of Christianity—Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox—celebrated Easter on the same weekend.

George Mastrocostas pushes ahead with project amid Gold Coast housing surge

As the Gold Coast races to meet a looming population milestone of one million residents by 2045, George Mastrocostas is pushing ahead.

Tina Stefanou explores Melbourne’s urban fringe in immersive ACCA exhibition

Artist Tina Stefanou’s latest exhibition, You Can’t See Speed, now showing at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA).

Sydney man Zacharias Giatras granted bail after Rockdale crash leaves man critical

Zacharias Giatras, a 19-year-old plumbing apprentice, has been granted bail after being charged over a serious crash in Sydney’s south.

You May Also Like

Oakleigh Grammar student Noah Peoples wins prestigious Swannie Award

Oakleigh Grammar student Noah Peoples was presented with a prestigious Swannie Award at the Debating Awards night on October 7.

Dr Dimitrios Salampasis named 2021 Blockchain Educator of the Year

The award recognises the important work of educators who are dedicated to the improvement of blockchain awareness and knowledge.

Melbourne’s Cretan community pays tribute to the music of Kostas Mountakis

The Cretan community of Melbourne organised a tribute concert in honour of great Cretan artist, Kostas Mountakis, on Saturday, February 20.