Northern Greece for clear Aegean reefs, calm coves, wrecks, and pine-fringed beach days
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 36 sources
Top species linked to approved dive spots in Halkidiki and Thassos.
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Last updated: April 26, 2026 • 36 sources
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Overview
Halkidiki and Thassos are best planned as a land-based northern Greece water trip: dive Kassandra wrecks and Sithonia walls, snorkel Ammouliani, Diaporos, and Thassos coves, then build dry days around Mount Athos cruises, Petralona Cave, and mountain villages. The underwater style is Mediterranean rather than tropical: excellent clarity, rocky reefs, Posidonia meadows, octopus, nudibranchs, groupers, amberjack, and occasional dolphins or monk seals. Halkidiki is the easier training and day-boat hub from Thessaloniki, while Thassos adds island atmosphere, marble beaches, and boat-access snorkel bays. The sweet spot is June and September to early October, when water is comfortable, operators are active, and the July-August heat and crowds ease.
Ammouliani operators report frequent visibility of 25 m to 30 m, and many Halkidiki sites are sheltered by bays and coves.
The Mitilini wreck near Kassandra rests around 20 m, making it a signature guided dive for certified divers when the operator schedule and sea state line up.
Ammouliani, Diaporos, Drenia, Aliki, Psili Ammos, and Thassos boat bays give non-divers clear shallow water while divers book local reefs or wrecks.
Mount Athos cruises, Petralona Cave, Sithonia villages, Thassos mountain roads, Giola Lagoon, and Thessaloniki or Kavala day trips make dry days feel planned, not like filler.
22 linked spots
Best time to go
May to October
Active operators, good visibility, comfortable air, and water ranging roughly from warming early summer to 24°C or warmer in early autumn.
Main caution: Peak holiday weeks feel busier and book faster.
