Located at the center of the Ionians and directly connected to the Greek mainland, the island of Lefkas is wonderfully charming, with its coastal retreats and scenic fishing villages. Far away from the bustling tourist attractions and popular resorts mainland Greece has to offer, this area does have something in common – its diving is fantastic. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the many scenic dive sites of Lefkas.
The Caves - Greece Dive Sites
Located near Ammousa Bay, about 10 minutes from Vassilike, the caves are spectacular, with undulating rock formations and big boulders strewn along the bottom nearby. You’ll find the first one at a depth of just 8 meters; descend through it, and you’ll eventually make your way down to 15 meters. There are six caves in all, which lead back into the rocks for an average distance of eight to ten meters. Visibility is usually about 20 meters, making for some excellent photos.
The Canyon - Greece Dive Sites
Dark blue, mysterious, and absolutely stunning, the canyon is a site with a pair of walls that begin at a depth of 13 meters. At the end of the canyon, a large cave opening appears at a depth of 32 meters; one can swim through it for a distance of 30 meters and emerge on the other side at a depth of 24 meters. Filled with eels and fish, and offering a third section where you can drop all the way to a depth of 40 meters, this site is absolutely amazing; it’s one you’ll daydream about long after the dive concludes.
Kastri - Greece Dive Sites
A fantastically colorful site that’s suitable for all divers, Kastri features beautiful rock gardens covered in sponges and soft corals, with lovely little gullies in between. Lots of fish and invertebrates can be found here; wrasse, tuna, and barracuda are just a few of the species you might encounter. This multi-level site offers depths between 8 and 20 meters, and features visibility at about 20 meters most of the time.
The Lighthouse - Greece Dive Sites
A lonesome-looking lighthouse perched on Cape Ducato at Lefkas Island’s southernmost point gives this site its name. Featuring a stunning wall where large lobsters and moray eels are abundant, it is home to many different types of fish including sea bream by the hundreds. This magnificent site offers maximum depth at 40 meters, and strong currents pose a challenge. Visibility is exceptional, averaging 30 meters.
The Wall - Greece Dive Sites
Roaming fish pursued by barracudas, a cave overflowing with thousands of shrimp, and colorful sponges and corals make this site one well worth exploring. Featuring maximum depth at 25 meters and offering visibility at about 20 meters most of the time, the wall is a stunning site that seems vast and endless even though it’s located just about 10 minutes from port.
Trahilos Bay - Greece Dive Sites
An excellent site for all divers, and fantastic at night as well as during daylight hours, Trahilos Bay is home to a huge number of octopuses, all of which make their homes in pinnacles that rise up from the seabed to brush the surface. Loaded with fish and featuring a white sandy bottom that amplifies the light from the surface, this site features maximum depth at 14 meters, and offers visibility at 20 meters or better most of the time.
There are a number of fine tour operators that frequent Lefkas, and the island is easily accessible by air, boat, or the suspension bridge that links it to mainland Greece. Local accommodations are available, and the island’s hospitality is second to none. Visit just once, and you’ll quickly come to recognize just how spectacular this place is – both above and below the surface.