A GUIDE TO THE BEST SNORKELLING SPOTS OF GREECE
Many rocky coves are found along the Athens Riviera, which extends south of the city to Cape Sounion. Lemos Cape, Megalo Kavouri, Charakas Beach and Cape Sounion itself offer some of the best snorkeling in the area.
Less than a 1-hour drive East of the capital, Nea Makri is the departing point for snorkeling trips that will take you to the Cape of Marathon and Schinias Bay area.
The largest Greek island, Crete, is home to numerous beaches that are great for water sports, particularly along its north shore, which is much more populated and accessible. Skinaria Beach, which lies right outside of Lefkogia village, offers some of the best snorkeling in Greece right now. Other great spots for snorkeling is Kolokytha Beach, not far from Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, Elafonissi Beach in Chania region, Chrissi Island, Matala Beach in the region of Heraclion, Vai Beach, Plakias Beach, Bali Beach and Frangokastello Beach.
The Ionian Islands are famous for their white sand and deep blue waters. Among them, the island of Zakynthos one of the only places in Europe where snorkelers have good chances of encountering sea turtles (loggerhead turtles). They are easily spotted in Laganas Beach, around Cameo Island and in Dafni Beach, and less frequently at Kalamaki Beach and Gerakas Beach. Tiny Marathonisi Island, known for its sea caves, is also a popular snorkeling tour if you are staying on Zakynthos south side.
There are innumerable coves and beaches to discover in Corfu. The best snorkeling in Corfu may be found at Avlaki Beach, Vouvalomantria Beach, and Vrachli Beach, which are located at the eastern point of the island and are tucked away on a peninsula covered in forest.
Foki Beach is a must-see destination in Kefalonia. It is among the top snorkeling locations in Greece due to the pine trees and tropical surroundings. While Ammoussa Beach and Agiofilli Beach are possibly the nicest places in Lefkada, the twin coves of Galazio Beach and Avlaki Beach on Paxos provide unmatched underwater activities.
Kolymbithres Beach on Paros is a premier snorkeling location. This island is thankfully uncrowded and calm. The beach itself turns out to be a collection of isolated bays arranged around the local granite rock formations. If you don’t like the first cove you find, you can make a quick excursion in search of a better one.
The sandy beach of Agios Prokopios in Naxos is a great draw for tourists, but snorkelers are better served by the rocky beaches that deliver incredible visibility. The best snorkeling chances are found along Naxos’ west shore. The ideal places to do these are either Aliko Beach or Abram Beach, both of which are close to Grotta Beach and are located outside of Apollonas village. Here, it is possible to observe the antiquity of the former Mycenaean city of Naxos submerged.
Rhodes has also a number of great snorkeling spots from which you can choose. Anthony Quinn Bay, right out of resort town Faliraki, (15 kilometres), Kallithea, Haraki Beach, St. Paul’s Bay Beach in Lindos far southeast and others.