Alonissos, Sporades, Greece

Peristera Ancient Wreck

The Peristera Wreck off Alonissos in the Northern Sporades is one of the most significant ancient shipwrecks in the Mediterranean and the first underwater archaeological site in Greece officially opened to recreational divers, in 2020 after extensive conservation work. The merchant vessel sank in the late 5th century BC carrying a cargo of approximately 4,000 amphorae of wine from the islands of Chios and Mende, and the cargo mound, more than 25 metres long, lies at depths between 22 and 30 metres on a sandy slope. Diving is permitted only with licensed local operators holding a special permit, in small groups under direct guide supervision, with strict prohibitions on touching anything, photography for commercial use or finning improperly above the cargo. Marine life around the amphora mound is rich, with octopus sheltering inside the jar necks and dusky grouper, Mediterranean moray, scorpionfish and damselfish on the surrounding rocks. The site lies within the National Marine Park of Alonissos.