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Halkidiki is a stunning region in Northern Greece, famous among locals and gaining popularity with overseas visitors every year.
Its distinct shape is what draws the eye (imagine three legs) and its location near the second-largest city of Thessaloniki, makes it easily accessible if you are flying into the country.
It offers a diverse range of experiences, from pristine beaches (the number one reason people visit) to cultural sites and experiences.
Among the many attractions, scuba diving stands out as one of the top activities for visitors, both beginners and experienced divers who want to experience the Mediterranean waters.
This guide will go over some of the best places to dive in Halkidiki, provide some first-hand details from my experience with dive centers, and other tips for making the most of your underwater adventures.
The short answer, very
The three peninsulas—Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos—each offer a unique vibe, catering to different types of travelers and experiences. If time allows, it is definitely possible to check out all three legs.
It helps to think of the three legs of Halkidiki as three children.
- Kassandra is the youngest child. It is most developed and rebellious so to speak, with bustling resorts, vibrant nightlife, and family-friendly beaches. Here is where you will find endless entertainment opportunities, with lots of beach bar parties and nightclubs, and a lively atmosphere, complete with lots of festivals during the summer.
- Sithonia is the wild middle child, offering a quieter, more rugged landscape perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. The further north you move, the more secluded coves you will find. Sithonia is also covered in pine trees, a great advantage during the hot summer months, offering shaded areas near the coastline.
- Athos, is the old-soul, eldest child. The easternmost peninsula is home to the monastic state of Mount Athos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its religious significance and untouched beauty (note: only men can visit the monastic community, and a special permit is required). Athos is a self-governed part of the Greek state, with 20 monasteries, and over 2000 monks calling it home. Unless you are a man and request a permit to visit Athos, you will only be able to visit the top northern part of the peninsula, up until the town of Ouranoupoli.
Why scuba dive in Halkidiki?
If you are into scuba diving, or considering your first dive experience, chances are you don’t need convincing.
Diving is a portal into a new world, with every spot having something to offer visitors.
But it is important to note the advantages that Halkidiki has for visitors as well.
- Water Conditions: The water temperature in Halkidiki during the diving season (May to October) ranges from 20°C to 28°C, making it ideal for diving. The visibility is excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater scenery.
- Marine Life: Expect to encounter a variety of marine species, including octopuses, groupers, cuttlefish, and scorpionfish, as well as dolphins and sea turtles. , and colorful schools of fish. The rocky seabeds and underwater caves provide shelter for a diverse array of sea life.
- Year-Round Diving Opportunities: Due to the water temperatures, you can dive in Halkidiki all year round.
- Safe and Accessible: Overall, you will not have to worry about currents or rough seas here. This makes for a safe and enjoyable destination for divers of all levels, but especially if you are just starting out. The coastline of the region also makes for easily accessible dive sites, either from the shore or a short boat ride.
- Variety of Dive Sites: One of the top reasons to pick Halkidiki for scuba diving is the wealth of options. From wreck diving to reefs and underwater caves, there is something for every skill level and interest.
- Affordability: Greece, and Halkidiki specifically is still an affordable travel destination. That means you can extend your holiday or number of dives, and see more of the area, all within budget!
One more reason that applies to all of Greece and not just Halkidiki is that diving in general, was heavily regulated and restricted until 2006! That’s right!
The fear (which is not entirely unfounded) was that divers could find and take archaeological findings and other rare treasures from the sea floor. Greece being a country where you will find ruins everywhere you dig, this is still entirely possible. However, the regulations created fear and hostility towards recreational diving. Whatmore, visitors on yacht charters, were prohibited from using their diving equipment, forcing many to seek more welcoming countries (and laws) elsewhere, notably the Red Sea.
Since then, the Greek government has revised its stance and even sought to combine diving in places of archaeological interest (such as the case of Peristera Wreck in Alonissos, the first underwater museum in Greece).
What to Pack for a Scuba Diving Trip to Halkidiki
If you are just about to embark on your first dive certificate or experience, you might be wondering about what to pack.
First things first, you don’t need to bring any gear. All dive centers will have good quality equipment that you can try. You might want to bring some personal items however, like your mask and snorkel. Do make sure your mask is for diving specifically though.
The rest of the items are standard beach day stuff. Lightweight clothing for changing, one or two swimsuits so you can change, sunscreen (that you put early in the day and not before a dive so your eyes don’t sting), a towel and a hat.
A small hack and item that we like it bring is a small container of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo heavily diluted with water. It works as an anti-fog for the mask, instead of using saliva.
Getting Around Halkidiki
When it comes to exploring Halkidiki, there is no way around it. You’ll need a car. That is if you want to see anything outside a few main towns and be able to visit the numerous beaches and dive centers. Renting a car is the most suitable (or better essential) option.
For car rentals, I recommend browsing through Discover Cars. They allow you to quickly check all major and local providers in the area, for better prices.
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Dive Centers in Halkidiki: Where to Get Started
If you’re ready to take the plunge, Halkidiki has several dive centers that offer everything from beginner courses to advanced dives. Here’s a list of some of the top dive centers in the region
Dive Centers in Kassandra
- Dive Club Kassandra (Kassandra)
- Location: Kriopigi, Kassandra
- Contact: Website, +30(0)6976519041
- Description: Offers PADI-certified courses, daily dive trips, and equipment rental.
- A “Discovery” dive costs 80 euro, and a package of 4 dives, is 160 euro. (for certified divers)
- Blue Diving Center (Kassandra)
- Location: Nea Potidea, Kassandra
- Contact: Website, +30 6974 727396
- Description: Offers PADI-certified courses, daily dive trips with a range of different luxury boat vessels, and equipment rental.
- A “Discovery” dive costs 80 euro, and a package of 4 dives, is 230 euro. (for certified divers)
- Sea World Scuba Diving Center (Kassandra)
- Location: Sani, Kassandra
- Contact: Website, +30(0)6976519041
- Description: The largest dive center in operation in the Thessaloniki area, SeaWorld operates inside the 5* Sani Resort with modern equipment and is also a PADI authorized Youth Training Center.
- Diving Center Sredetz (Kassandra)
- Location: Pefkochori, Kassandra
- Contact: Website, +30 6999584472
- Description: Another option further south, that offers all certified courses, dive excursions, and equipment rental.
- A “Discovery” dive costs 80 euro, and a package of 4 dives, is 180 euro. (for certified divers)
- Triton Scuba Diving Center (Kassandra)
- Location: Paliouri, Kassandra
- Contact: Website, +306939220628
- Description: All PADI courses, training and scuba experiences, including wreck and night diving
- A “Discovery” dive costs 80 euro, and a package of 4 dives, is 190 euro (for certified divers)
Dive Centers in Sithonia
Nemo Scuba Diving
- Location: Metamorfosi, Sithonia
- Contact: Website, ++359878703571
- Description: Nemo Scuba Diving offers a range of PADI courses, including beginner to advanced certifications. They specialize in guided dives to local sites, including caves and reefs. They also offer instructor courses and technical diving.
- Pricing: A “Discovery” dive costs 70 euros, and a package of 2 boat dives is 95 euros (for certified divers).
Shark Fin Scuba Diving
- Location: Schinia, Sithonia
- Contact: Website, +6939058899
- Description: Shark Fin Scuba Diving offers a variety of PADI courses and dive packages tailored to both beginners and experienced divers. The center is known for its friendly staff and extensive knowledge of the local dive sites.
Atlantis Diving Center
- Location: Nikiti, Sithonia
- Contact: Website, +359876853173
- Description: Atlantis Diving Center caters to beginners and pros, with daily excursions and boat tours to a variety of dive centers in the area. They also offer technical and advanced courses for divers that want to push their skills.
- Pricing: A “Discovery” dive costs 75 euros, and a package of 4 dives is 136 euros (for certified divers with equipment rental or 96 if you have your own equipment).
Nikiti Diving Center
- Location: Nikiti, Sithonia
- Contact: Website, 6931380035
- Description: Nikiti Diving Center provides PADI courses, guided dives, and equipment rentals. They cater to divers of all levels and offer specialized dives, including wreck and night dives.
- Pricing: A “Discovery” dive costs 70 euros, and a package of 4 shore dives is 120 euros (for certified divers).
Ocean Diving Center
- Location: Lagomandra, Sithonia
- Contact: Website, 6940440192
- Description: Ocean Diving Center offers PADI certifications and guided dives to various underwater sites in Sithonia. They focus on small groups and providing a safe, enjoyable diving experience.
Nomad Diving School
- Location: Neos Marmaras, Sithonia
- Contact: Website, +30 6976904453
- Description: Nomad Diving School offers a full range of PADI courses and guided dives to unique locations around the area.
Aqualand Diving Center
- Location: Platania, Sithonia
- Contact: Website, +6947074900
- Description: Aqualand Diving Center offers a variety of diving experiences, from beginner courses to advanced dives. They provide personalized instruction and are known for their in-depth knowledge of Sithonia’s underwater landscape.
- Pricing: A “Discovery” dive costs 80 euros, and a package of 4 dives is 230 euros (for certified divers).
Azure Diving Center
- Location: Porto Koufo, Sithonia
- Contact: Website, +30 6947580058
- Description: Azure Diving Center provides comprehensive PADI courses and guided dives to some of the best dive sites in Sithonia. They are also specialized in diving for individuals with disabilities.
- Pricing: A “Discovery” dive costs 75 euros, and a package of 4 dives is 190 euros (for certified divers).
Dive Centers in Athos
Ouranoupoli Scuba Diving
- Location: Stageira, Athos
- Contact: +30 2377 071710
- Description: Ouranoupoli Scuba Diving offers a range of diving courses and experiences, including PADI certifications. The website is currently unavailable.
Athos Scuba Diving
- Location: Eagles Palace Hotel, Ouranoupoli, Athos
- Contact: Website, 6947074901
- Description: Athos Scuba Diving provides comprehensive diving services, including PADI courses and guided dives. The center is well-known for its experienced instructors and intimate knowledge of the dive sites in the Athos region, including wrecks and underwater caves.
Spotlight on Scuba Dive Athos: My Recommended Dive Center
Among the many dive centers in Halkidiki, Scuba Dive Athos was my choice and top recommendation. Located in the Athos peninsula, near Ouranoupoli, this was the first dive center I went to for my Open Water certification, and then a year later, the Advanced Open Water certification.
- Personal Experience: My experience with Scuba Dive Athos was nothing short of fantastic. The team is professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about diving. They take the time to understand each diver’s needs and tailor the dives accordingly. I must mention our instructor, Niki, by name, for her incredible patience, professionalism and ability to ease us from absolute beginners to comfortable expanding our limits.
- Services Offered:
- Courses: From beginners to advanced divers, they offer a range of PADI-certified courses.
- Guided Dives: Since getting the certifications, I have tried various other dive centers with various instructors. Niki still stands out as a caring and fun instructor, so you can continue to advance your skills, with safety taken care of at all times.
- Equipment Rental: They provide high-quality, well-maintained gear for all divers.
- Dive Sites: Some of the memorable dive sites include rock formations at Drenia, Dias, and Grand Canyon.
The location is also beautiful, inside the luxurious 5* star Eagles Palace Hotel, and if you schedule multiple dives, the beach is right there for you to swim and relax.
Where to stay near Scuba Dive Athos
There are plenty of accommodation options near Ouranoupoli, Nea Roda or even Ammouliani island. The small island across Skala, is a perfect getaway, with frequent daily ferry rides.
- Luxury Stay:
- Eagles Palace (Athos Peninsula): If you want to be right next to your dive center and also indulge in some luxury, Eagles Palace boasts a lot of amenities, a private beach and beautiful gardens.
- Budget-Friendly:
- Archodiko Toliadi Boutique Apartments and Suites: Super centrally located, within a short distance from all tavernas and shops and with small, clean rooms.
- Pension Irini: Another great option, that we chose for one of our stays. The rooms were spacious and clean, with everything needed for a short stay.
How Long to Stay: For a diving-focused trip, I recommend staying at least 3-4 days in one location, so you can schedule various dives, and include downtime or general sightseeing in the area as well.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Greece
- Emergency: Dial 112 for all emergencies. For police, dial 100. For ambulance 166. For fire dial 199.
- Language: English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Common phrases to learn are “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Yia” (Hello and Bye – informal), and “Efharisto” (Thank you).
- Water: Tap water is safe in Athens, mainland Greece and a small number of islands. Always ask beforehand.
- Driving: Right-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Islands: There are a lot of islands, spread out around the country. Start with a map or ferry service to get an idea of travel times. Ferry Scanner is the best for ferry bookings to the Greek islands.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Public Transport: For Athens, use the Athens Metro. If you are not renting a car, use Trains (Hellenic Train) or KTEL (Public Buses) services.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. I recommend Aegean Airlines and its rewards program.
- Taxi: Always use a taxi app, instead of flagging down a taxi from the road. Use FREE Now (formerly BEAT).
- Culture: A siesta nap is still common in less touristy areas. This also means businesses will close between 2 PM – 5 PM. Except for hospitality businesses, everything is closed on Sundays.
