It is not necessarily necessary to go to Polynesia or the Maldives to find the most beautiful diving spots in the world. Europe also has very high quality diving spots with remarkable diversity, whether in Corsica, Croatia or even in Malta. Because discovering a country also involves exploring its seabed, Petit Futé has concocted a selection of the best European diving sites to allow you to carry out your most beautiful expeditions to conquer wildlife and marine flora! What give you ideas for your future vacation.


Corsica: Scandola Nature Reserve

 

From the Capu Rossu peninsula to the northern limit of the Galeria municipality, this nature reserve, listed as World Heritage by Unesco, benefits from astonishing and very varied reliefs, exceptional biodiversity and above all '' remarkable visibility (even at 40 meters). A magical place, almost spared from any pollution. If it is not allowed to dive within the natural reserve, it is still possible to approach its borders, and thus to marvel at fish such as dentate, castagnole, corb and among the flora, the gorgonian, well attached to the rock walls. To explore preferably between June and September.

Malta and Gozo

 

The clarity of the water, the ideal temperature, as well as the richness of the underwater heritage and the sensational landscapes have forged the reputation of the archipelago of Malta and Gozo, considered as one of the best destinations for diving in the Mediterranean. Beautiful immersions, accessible at all levels, under titanic arches, along steep drop-offs or caves large like cathedrals. It is also in Malta that you can dive into the heart of wrecks that awaken all curiosities. The great interest of Malta and Gozo for diving is that it can be enjoyed all year round.

Italy: Elba Island

 

Elba will surprise you with the wide variety of fish, micro-organisms, algae, corals, and the transparency of its waters. Distributed throughout the country, the dive centers guide you in particular to the wreck of the Elviscot (former cargo ship), the Junker 52 (aircraft of the Second World War), or even to the protected natural area of ​​Scoglietto. The latter has a wall which sinks down to 25 m deep and which reserves divers many surprises. Rocks, caves, dry lands, the island of Elba is a true marine paradise, with various forms of life.

Croatia: Kornati National Park

 

Caves, archaeological treasures, pelagic fauna and crystal clear water attract many amateurs and diving professionals. Located in North Dalmatia, between Zadar and Sibenik, the Kornati National Park offers areas reserved for diving, with a rich underwater ecosystem, between gorgonias, multiple fish species and sponges. It is also here that we come across moray eels, lobsters, corals, including superb red corals, and mysterious caves. Croatia has the reputation of being a very popular destination for the sea and its pleasures, diving is inevitably to add to its list of activities.

Crete

 

The Cretan underwater world forms a playground sought after by divers, as well as one of the best spots in Greece to observe large pelagics such as bluefin tuna. The caves and canyons also offer exceptional photo opportunities. In Crete, visibility can go up to 30 m, enough to see many forms of underwater life. At El Greco cave, we discover stalactites and stalagmites where species such as lobster, moray eels and grouper evolve. At Mononaftis, diving is accessible to beginners who can see octopuses, barracudas and dolphins. Don't miss the wreckage of the Messerschmitt, a German plane from the Second World War that lies 24 m deep in several fragments.

Spain: Medes Islands

 

A haven of peace, a unique site where curious groupers, moon fish and eagle rays transport you to another world. The small archipelago of the Medes Islands, a former pirate hideout in the 14th century, today represents one of the most important underwater reserves in the western Mediterranean. It is a very popular spot in Spain, with several sites that allow you to adapt to the vagaries of the weather and the wind direction. Drooping, tunnel caves, there is plenty to marvel at and the diving centers allow you to explore the seabed in optimal safety conditions.

 France: Port-Cros Island

 

Founded in 1963, the oldest marine national park in France is home to exceptionally dense fauna and spectacular relief (faults, caves, drop-offs, etc.). Two dives recommended: the tour and the dry Gabinière. Biodiversity is preserved there and includes large mother-of-pearl, posidonia, groupers and other barracudas. It is also necessary to go to meet the heritage: Roman remains, 19th century wrecks, and, for history lovers, it is also possible to go near the remains of war planes such as the Wildcat and the Hellcat.

Portugal: Madeira

 

The Madeira archipelago, which boasts a natural heritage unique in the world, is well known to diving enthusiasts. The warm, clear waters invite you to immerse yourself in nature reserves and discover anemones, black coral, groupers, manta rays and monk seals, a rare species that is found particularly in the waters of the Desertas Islands. It is also possible to observe large species such as Bryde's whales, dolphins and sperm whales. And to see the wreck of the Madeirense, sunk in 2000 during a campaign to create artificial reefs, direction Porto Sano.

Norway: Saltstraumen

 

Okay, Norway's waters are more alive than in other parts of Europe, but the country is welcoming more and more diving enthusiasts looking for a good dose of adrenaline. Off Bodø, Saltstraumen is the most powerful maelstrom in the world, a fantastic place for diving. The site is home to large schools of fish such as cod, saithe, wolf, halibut and other species such as nudibranchs and sea slugs. Saltstraumen allows you to observe practically all the diversity of the northeast from the Atlantic Ocean in a compact area.

France: Savoie

 

If scuba diving often evokes summer and the oceans, it is time to point out that this activity can also be practiced in winter and in other aquatic spaces! For that, we end this top 10 with an unusual dive under ice at Lake Tignes! With its 17 meters deep, this natural lake is considered to be the Mecca of ice diving in France. Ideal for discovering new sensations. The experience is unforgettable, with the discovery of a world made of silence and a very special light. In addition, diving can be practiced day or night. The diving school is open from mid-December to the end of April.