15 Best Places to Snorkel in Europe
Discover the 15 best places to snorkel in Europe for the ultimate underwater adventure.
Explore Europe’s underwater beauty by snorkeling in the best spots around the continent. You don’t have to travel to Asia or the Caribbean to enjoy vibrant aquatic plants and marine life – you can enjoy all the same beauty and magic in Europe.
Go below the surface of Europe’s history and charm and discover the underwater world brimming with beauty. From the media terrain and beyond Europe is full of places for snorkeling lovers!
NOTE: As you explore the underwater world, remember to protect the delicate ecosystem by adhering to respectful snorkeling practices.
Below are the 15 best places to snorkel in Europe and fall in love with the beauty beneath Europe’s old towns!
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15 Best Places to Snorkel in Europe
Blue Lagoon, Malta
The Blue Lagoon in Malta earns its place as one of Europe’s best snorkeling destinations due to its clear blue waters, intricate underwater rock formations, and lively marine inhabitants. Snorkelers are enchanted by clear snorkeling conditions that showcase a world of vibrant fish, sea urchins, and hidden caves.
Easily accessible from the northern Maltese town of Ċirkewwa via a short ferry ride to Comino Island, the Blue Lagoon offers both novice and experienced snorkelers a captivating experience. Alternatively, boat tours from various points in Malta provide guided snorkeling opportunities and access to this aquatic wonder.
Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonisi Beach in Crete is easily one of the best places to snorkel in Europe due to its breathtaking turquoise waters, vibrant corals, and diverse marine life.
The beach’s unique pink sands and shallow lagoon make it an ideal spot for snorkelers of all levels. Snorkeling at Elafonisi reveals an underwater world teeming with colorful fish, sea cucumbers, and intricate rock formations.
To reach this paradise, you must drive or take a bus to Elafonisi, which is located on the southwestern tip of the island of Crete. Local tours and rental services often provide snorkeling gear and guidance, enhancing the experience.
Lavezzi Islands, Corsica, France
The Lavezzi Islands in Corsica, France, stand out among Europe’s finest snorkeling destinations for their captivating underwater world, featuring clear waters, diverse marine species, and stunning rock formations. Snorkelers are treated to an array of colorful fish, sea urchins, and unique Mediterranean flora and fauna.
Accessible by boat, the Lavezzi Islands are a short trip from Bonifacio, a picturesque town in southern Corsica. Travelers can reach Bonifacio by flying into Figari-Sud Corse Airport and then taking a ferry or boat tour to the islands. Guided snorkeling tours are often available, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
Makarska Riviera, Tučepi, Croatia
The Makarska Riviera, particularly Tučepi, Croatia, ranks as one of the best places to snorkel in Europe. With its stunning Adriatic coastline, abundant marine life, and underwater caves it is a truly spectacular place to snorkle. What makes it unique is its combination of diverse aquatic species, clear waters, and captivating geological formations. Snorkelers can witness colorful fish, octopuses, and even seahorses, all within a short distance from the shore.
To reach Tučepi, travelers can fly into Split Airport, then take a scenic drive or bus ride along the Dalmatian coast. Once there, explore the charming town’s snorkeling spots directly from the pebbled beaches or join a guided tour for an enhanced experience.
Larnaca, Cyprus
Larnaca in Cyprus is a standout European snorkeling destination, famous for its warm Mediterranean waters, rich marine biodiversity, and captivating shipwreck sites.
What sets it apart is the famous Zenobia wreck, an enormous ferry resting on the seabed, now an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Snorkelers can encounter diverse fish species, and corals, and even explore the ship’s interior.
To reach Larnaca, fly into Larnaca International Airport, conveniently located near the city. Snorkeling opportunities abound along Larnaca’s coastline, particularly around the Zenobia wreck site.
Whether snorkeling above the sunken vessel or discovering the coastal beauty, Larnaca offers a unique and accessible underwater adventure that combines history and marine exploration in a stunning Cypriot setting.
Cala Macarelleta, Menorca, Spain
One of Europe’s best places to snorkel is Cala Macarelleta in Menorca, Spain! With its captivating turquoise waters, stunning underwater caves, and abundant marine life it offers a unique blend of vibrant Mediterranean colors and hidden rock formations.
Snorkelers are treated to an array of marine species, including colorful fish and sea creatures, against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs.
To access Cala Macarelleta, travelers can fly into Menorca Airport, then drive or take a scenic boat trip to the southern coast. From the parking area, a short hike leads to the cove, where snorkelers can explore the clear waters directly from the beach or venture into the enchanting underwater caves.
Parc National des Calanques, France
Parc National des Calanques in France is easily one of the best places to snorkel in Europe with its limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and diverse marine ecosystems.
Its uniqueness lies in the dramatic coastal landscape, providing a stunning backdrop for snorkeling amidst clear Mediterranean waters. Snorkelers can encounter a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and vibrant corals, while exploring the tranquil bays.
To reach Parc National des Calanques, travelers can fly into Marseille Provence Airport, then drive or take public transportation to Cassis or other coastal towns near the park. Guided snorkeling tours and boat excursions are available, offering an immersive experience into the park’s marine treasures.
This is also one of the top places for a Mediterranean Cruise!
Costa Brava, Spain
Costa Brava in Spain earns a top spot among Europe’s snorkeling destinations. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of hidden coves, rock formations, and abundant marine life in the Mediterranean waters. Snorkelers can explore vibrant underwater ecosystems, encounter colorful fish, and discover submerged archaeological sites.
To access Costa Brava, travelers can fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport, followed by a scenic drive or public transportation to coastal towns like Tossa de Mar or Lloret de Mar. Snorkeling opportunities abound along Costa Brava’s coastline, particularly around rocky outcrops and marine reserves.
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, Costa Brava promises an amazing underwater journey amongst Spain’s breathtaking coastal beauty.
Azores, Portugal
The Azores is one of the most unique places to snorkel in Europe with its ecosystem complete with marine species like dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish. Snorkelers can explore underwater caves, lava formations, and vibrant coral reefs.
To reach the Azores, travelers can fly into João Paulo II Airport on São Miguel Island. Guided snorkeling tours and boat excursions are available across the Azores archipelago, providing a chance to discover the rich marine life in the Atlantic.
Cala Coticcio, Italy
Cala Coticcio is one of the best places to snorkel in Europe due to its secluded beauty, crystalline waters, and abundant marine life.
Set against rugged cliffs and lush Mediterranean vegetation, snorkelers can witness vibrant marine species, swim through underwater rock formations, and explore hidden caves.
To access Cala Coticcio, travelers can fly into Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in Sardinia, then take a combination of ferry and hiking trails to reach the beach. The journey rewards adventurers with stunning coastal vistas and a serene snorkeling haven.
Blue Lagoon, Corfu, Greece
The Blue Lagoon in Corfu ranks among Europe’s finest snorkeling destinations due to its mesmerizing turquoise waters, abundant marine life, and limestone formations.
It attracts visitors from around the world due to its underwater colors, inviting both beginner and experienced snorkelers to explore its clear depths. Snorkelers can encounter schools of fish, sea anemones, and even seahorses, all within a short distance from the shore.
To reach the Blue Lagoon, travelers can fly into Corfu International Airport, then take a ferry or boat tour from popular coastal towns like Paleokastritsa or Agios Stefanos. Guided snorkeling tours enhance the experience, providing insights into the local marine ecosystem.
Lake Silfra, Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Lake Silfra in Thingvellir National Park, Iceland, ranks among Europe’s most exceptional snorkeling spots due to its otherworldly underwater visibility, geological significance, and the opportunity to snorkel between two tectonic plates.
Situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Lake Silfra offers snorkelers a chance to glide through crystal-clear glacial waters while straddling the North American and Eurasian continents.
To access Lake Silfra, travelers can fly into Keflavík International Airport, then drive or take a tour to Thingvellir National Park. Guided snorkeling tours provide drysuits for warmth and safety, allowing adventurers to immerse themselves in the stunning underwater realm of this geological wonder.
Amorgos Island, Greece
Snorkling on Amorgos Island you can explore vibrant underwater caves, rocky reefs, and swim alongside schools of colorful fish. To reach Amorgos, travelers can fly into Athens International Airport, then take a ferry or hydrofoil to the island.
Once there, snorkeling opportunities abound along its coastline, particularly around Agia Anna Beach and other scenic spots.
Embrace the tranquil charm of Amorgos as you discover the enchanting allure beneath its waves, and experience a truly immersive encounter with Greece’s natural aquatic treasures.
Lagos, Portugal
Lagos is one of the best places to snorkel in Europe with its rugged coastline, hidden grottoes, and remarkable underwater biodiversity.
With its mesmerizing sea caves and rock formations that create a captivating backdrop for snorkeling adventures it is one of the most unique places to enjoy the underwater world of Europe.
To reach Lagos, travelers can fly into Faro Airport, then take a train or drive along the scenic Algarve coast. Snorkeling opportunities are plentiful around Lagos’ beaches and nearby coves, with Ponta da Piedade being a highlight.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, Lagos promises an immersive and enchanting encounter with Portugal’s coastal beauty and marine treasures.
Kleftiko, Milos, Greece
Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty and rich history of Kleftiko, where Greece’s coastal wonders reveal an underwater world like no other.
This snorkeling hotspot has an intriguing historical significance of the caves, once a hideout for pirates, here you can explore hidden grottoes, swim through natural arches, and encounter a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fish and octopuses.
To reach Kleftiko, travelers can fly into Milos Island National Airport, followed by a boat tour or water taxi from Adamas port. Guided snorkeling excursions enhance the experience, providing insights into both the natural and historical aspects of this remarkable site.
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