When you think of epic dive spots, Europe might not be the first place that comes to mind—but it should be! From crystal-clear Mediterranean waters to eerie sunken cities, the continent is packed with incredible sites just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re into freediving, scuba, or looking for an all-inclusive diving getaway, we’ve got the ultimate list of the best places to dive in Europe. Bonus? We’ve included a few cheap diving destinations, so you can splurge on more dives!
1. Diving Canary Islands – Hands down one of the best places to dive in Europe. With year-round warm waters and volcanic underwater landscapes, freediving and scuba diving Canary Islands is a dream. Boasting massive schools of fish, curious rays, and the occassional hammerhead. With plenty of all-inclusive diving resorts, you can sleep, dive, eat, repeat.
2. Scuba & Freediving Malta – The iconic Blue Hole and eerie wreck of the Um El Faroud are a must! Get amongst the Gozo freediving community and the pumping Malta scuba diving scene for breathtaking caves, dramatic drop-offs, and historic wrecks.
3. Diving in Greece – Greece isn’t just about ancient ruins and olives (though both are excellent). Diving in Greece offers a mix of reefs, underwater caverns, and even archaeological dive sites where you can explore remnants of the past. For those who prefer a breath-hold, freedive Greece to glide through crevice’s, cracks and crystal waters worthy of the gods.
4. Diving in Turkey – Looking for cheap diving destinations with world-class dive sites? Head to Big Reef and Delikli Cave in Bodrum and in Kaş, Flying Fish Reef plane wreck and Dimitri Wreck. Plus, the local cuisine makes for delicious surface intervals.
5. Diving Italy – Most famous for pasta, but did you know Italy is home to epic dives? Head to Baia to immerse in a submerged Roman city, complete with mosaics and statues. Or check out the wrecks and marine parks off Sardinia. Not to mention Y40, the world’s deepest thermal pool!
6. UK Diving – Home to the wrecks of Scapa Flow in Scotland, the marine life of Lundy Island, and the dramatic walls of Cornwall’s coastline. Okay, so London itself isn’t exactly a dive destination, but Freediving London you’ll find a great dive community and top-notch instructors for freediving courses.
Europe’s dive season depends on where you’re heading. The Mediterranean is warm and welcoming from May to October, with the summer months offering the best visibility and calm waters. Spring and autumn can also be great times to visit, with fewer crowds and still-pleasant temperatures. Northern Europe, like the UK and Scandinavia, is best explored in late spring to early autumn when water temperatures are manageable, but drysuits are recommended for comfort. Winter diving can be rewarding too, especially for those interested in wreck diving or spotting unique cold-water marine life. If you’re chasing warmer waters year-round, scuba diving Canary Islands is a solid bet, with its subtropical climate ensuring excellent conditions even in the middle of winter!
From playful dolphins and monk seals in Greece to giant groupers and barracudas in Malta, Europe’s underwater world is teeming with life. You’ll find stunning coral formations in the Canary Islands, eerie deep-sea creatures in Norway, and even sea turtles gliding through Turkish waters. Schools of vibrant nudibranchs and octopuses make the Mediterranean a macro lover’s paradise, while the colder waters of the UK and Scandinavia offer sightings of seals, wolf fish, and even orcas for the lucky few. Some dive sites in Italy and France also boast encounters with elusive sunfish (Mola Mola) during the right season. Europe’s diverse marine life will keep you coming back for more!
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