Greece is the country, to which one can't help but surrender! A combination of historical architectural monuments, amazing landscapes of the coastlines, crystal-clear sea, hot and humid summer on the countries mainland and dry summer on the islands won't leave anyone indifferent. The islands Samos (Greek Σάμος) and Thasos (Greek Θάσος) located in the Aegean Sea are the best options for divers with any level of training. The rocky dive spot named Petra (Greek Πέτρα) with several reefs nearby incites a special interest for diving. If you dive near Thasos, you could get close to the hardened lava under the water, and on the island of Santorini (Greek Σαντορίνη) you can see the famous underwater volcano. Remember that in Greece you can't dive on your own anywhere: there is a number of places, where archaeological excavations are carried out and diving is prohibited.
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Practically all the large islands in Greece offer interesting spots for diving. The islands of Lesbos (Greek Λέσβος), Samos (Greek Σάμος) and Thasos (Greek Θάσος) in the Aegean Sea are considered the best places for diving. You can find a lot of impressive rocky reefs not far from Lesbos and take photos of the underwater lava materials in the coastal waters of Thasos. Santorini (Greek Σαντορίνη), the surrounding areas of Crete (Greek Κρήτη) and Chalkidiki (Greek Χαλκιδική), where you can explore the underwater caves, are popular among divers. The islands of Mykonos (Greek Μύκονος) and Dragonisi (Greek Δραγονήσι) offer exciting cave diving.
More than 180 diving centres, which offer training through various programs and organize submersion for divers with any level of training, work in Greece. You can dive from shore or set off for a dive spot by boat; try cave diving, which is well developed in this country, and make a fascinating journey through the local wreck spots.
At the beginning of spring, the air temperature lingers around 20 °C, and the water temperature is 17 °C. Periods of rain are expected in March and April. The weather in May becomes almost like in the summer: it gets hotter, and the water warms up to 22-23 °C.
From the middle of June to the end of August the weather in Greece is at its hottest — the temperature can reach 40 °C in the shade. Still all beaches and spots are overcrowded because this time is considered a peak season. However, the water temperature does not exceed 25 °C.
The weather remains warm and fine until the end of October, the temperature decreases to about 26-27 °С, and at this time staying in Greece is most comfortable. In November it gets rainy, the temperature drops by several degrees more.
Winter in Greece is mild but quite rainy and windy. The water temperature doesn't go below 16 °С, that's why winter months are also suitable for diving. The air temperature during this period is about +18-19 °C.
Panormo, the area in the north of Crete (Greek Κρήτη), is hugely popular among divers — the Venetian cemetery of anchors is situated there, and the scenery is spectacular. Be sure to enjoy the underwater lava landscapes in Thasos (Greek Θάσος), the Great reef wall that is not far from Chios (Greek Χίος) and the complex system of the underwater caves near Mykonos (Greek Μύκονος). Spare some time to visit the local underwater national parks — Zakynthos (Greek Ζάκυνθος) and Alonnisos (Greek Αλόννησος), and then set off for the turtle island Marathonisi (Greek Μαραθονήσι) to admire the magnificent sea turtles.
The healthcare in the country is provided on a quite high level, both in terms of qualification of doctors and the technical equipment. Ambulance crews operate in all large public places, including near the most popular places of interest. Russian-speaking doctors are quite often met. However, living conditions of patients in the state hospitals leave much to be desired. The crime rate in Greece is quite low in comparison with other countries of the European Union.
In Greece a lot of trouble to divers can be caused by sea urchins, because their spines are quite poisonous and inflict long-healing wounds, as well as by poisonous arawanas, jellyfish, rays and vividly coloured eels. Avoid getting in contact with these sea animals.
Greece pleases its guests also gastronomically: meals are large, do not contain a lot of salt and pepper and are largely Europeanized. You can't leave this sunny country without tasting souvlaki — grilled pieces of meat on wooden skewers, pataki — chargrilled lamb chops, and moussaka — a juicy bake with minced meat and eggplants. And, well, there is no Greece without wine! Be sure to taste Assyrtiko, the best Greek wine origin from Santorini, and retsina, unusual wine with pine notes. The information about drinking water in Greece is contradictory because the situation differs in different regions. You'd better be on the safe side and give preference bottled water.
2020
