Clear water, shipwrecks, and abundant marine life … these are the main reasons why you should consider a diving or snorkeling vacation in Greece.

But it’s easier said than done, as there are plenty of amazing places to choose. To make your life a bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the best Greek islands to consider for a snorkeling (or diving) holiday.

Sporades Islands: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos

>>book your accommodation in Skiathos Town, Skopelos Town, and Alonnisos Old Town.

The Greek seabed is one of the richest in shipwrecks, dating back as far as the 5th century B.C. The area around Skopelos, Alonissos, and the Marine park have the second-largest concentration of ancient and Middle Ages shipwrecks in the entire world.

The most famous shipwreck was found off the coast of Peristera island across Alonissos. It is probably the largest Classical age trade vessel known. It may have been an Athenian vessel carrying a cargo of wine amphorae from Macedonia to Skopelos and Alonissos, areas famous for their wines, which were exported across the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Those who choose to dive here can see sponges, corals, multi-colored fish amphorae shards, caves, and shipwrecks.

On the other hand, Skiathos offers clear waters with plenty of marine life, but no shipwrecks.

Ionian Islands: Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkas, Zante

>>book your accommodation in Corfu Town, Argostoli (Kefalonia) , Lefkada Town, and Zakynthos Town.

Corfu is very popular for diving and there are several diving centers on the island. You can see reefs and shipwrecks, as well as caves with open roofs. The shipwrecks include ancient vessels as well as ships sunk in World War II.

The sea around Kefalonia offers some of the best diving spots in Europe. Beautiful caves and interesting shipwrecks along with sheer walls complete the underwater scenery.

The sea around Lefkas is teeming with marine wildlife (octopus, barracuda, grouper, sea bream, and lobster) as well as reefs, caves, and caverns. Around Zante, you can see the same interesting wildlife around reefs and caves.

Crete

>>book your accommodation in Heraklio Town

Western Crete is famous for the rock formations which also go underwater. Here divers can see caverns, gaps, and reefs that shelter abundant marine wildlife such as octopus and grouper. On the south coast, divers can see sponges, lobsters, cuttlefish, and barracuda among other species.

The Cyclades: Mykonos, Naxos, Paros,Santorini

>>book your accommodation in Mykonos City, Parikia (Paros), and Fira (Santorini).

The Cyclades offer an incredible array of scuba diving spots and since it’s very easy and cheap to get to these islands, these areas are very popular among tourists.

The diving spots around Mykonos are mostly based in the south coast beach resorts. This is where the good reefs and caves are.

Around Naxos, there are some interesting diving spots, including the Mermaid’s Cave, the wreck of a British bomber sunk in World War II, and the wreck of a cargo ship.

The Cathedral dive is the most impressive diving spot near Paros while in Santorini you can find superb dive spots near the caldera.

Booking.com

The Dodecanese: Kos, Rhodes

>>book your accommodation in Kos Town and Rhodes Town

Although there are many islands in the group, there are relatively a small number of diving centers. Most of them can be found in Kos and Rhodes.

Kalithea, off the northeast coast of Rhodes, is one of the major diving spots in the area. Plenty of marine life is teaming around the reefs and the rock formations. Off the coast, at Plimri there are shipwrecks to explore.

Most of the diving spots in Kos are located off the coast of Kos Town. The limestone caves are teeming with marine wildlife.

The north-eastern Aegean islands: Lesvos, Samos, Thassos

>>book your accommodation in Mytilini (Lesvos) and Samos

Lesvos offers a wealth of dive spots. In the northeast part of the island, at Palios, there are excellent reefs teaming with plants and marine wildlife.

Diving in Samos is a relatively new activity so the island’s coast offers almost virgin diving conditions. The clear water is teeming with colorful fish and other marine wildlife.

One of the most interesting diving spots in Thassos is Volcano Tears which offers interesting underwater lava formations.

How to get to the Greek islands

Ferries connect the islands with the mainland, as well as to each other. By the middle of May the number of ferries one each route increases and you are able to book the tickets online .

Where to stay on the Greek islands

Affordable hotels are available on each island. If you plan your vacation during the peak travel season, it’s a good idea to book the room ahead of time. Cheaper alternatives, such as hostels, are also available on some bigger islands.

Note: the article includes links that may qualify as affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission.