Searching for the best places to snorkel in Europe? Ask and you shall receive. With the help of our specialist Original Diving team (experts on all things underwater), we’ve handpicked the must-visit marine spots just for you. Although the warm waters of far-flung destinations like French Polynesia or Indonesia might spring to mind when you imagine a snorkelling trip, there are plenty of places to don your mask closer to home. Think Sardinia, Crete and Gozo (to name a few). Ready to plan your next snorkelling holiday? Read on for our top European picks...
- Cala Mariolu, Sardinia
- The Silfra fissure, Thingvellir National Park
- Ponta da Cozinha, Sao Miguel
- Elafonisi Beach, Crete
- Brela, Makarska Riviera
- Dwejra Bay, Gozo
Cala Mariolu, Sardinia
Italy
First up on our list of the best snorkelling spots in Europe is Cala Mariolu in Sardinia. Smack bang in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, with 1,149 miles of coastline, Sardinia holidays are ideal for snorkelling. Hugging the island’s east coast, Cala Mariolu features craggy limestone cliffs overlooking tranquil turquoise waters. Snorkel early in the morning to dodge the crowds and have the darting fish and colourful corals all to yourself. Ready to dry off? Relax on the horseshoe cove’s smooth white pebbles as you bask in the sun.
Cala Goloritze, just south of Cala Mariolu, is another top snorkelling spot. Only reachable by boat or hiking trail, this remote beach forms part of the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara, where you can enjoy a guided excursion to the mysterious Crisso shipwreck.
Best time to visit: Plan your trip in June or September for warm weather without the crowds.
Image by Martina Amaro / Pexels.com
The Silfra fissure, Thingvellir National Park
Iceland
Keen to snorkel between two tectonic plates? Head to Iceland’s Silfra fissure. Located in the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, just outside Reykjavik, this bucket-list spot allows you to dive or snorkel in the rift between the North American and Eurasian plates. Yes, the glacial water might be a little nippy (two to four degrees Celsius), but the chill is worth it. Fun Fact: Silfra boasts some of the world’s clearest water, with over 100m of visibility.
Best time to visit: Snorkel between July and September for warm temperatures, or brave the winter months in a dry suit for a quieter experience.
Image by yvonnestewarthenderson/Getty Images
Ponta da Cozinha, Sao Miguel
Portugal
Next up on our roundup of the best snorkelling in Europe is Ponta da Cozinha in Sao Miguel – the largest of the Azores islands. Although technically European, these remote islands lie 867 miles away from Portugal’s mainland. Directly opposite the Vila Franca do Campo marina, Ponta da Cozinha features shallow rocky reefs teeming with myriad marine life. Snorkel through the pristine waters where you might spot Azores chromis, peacock wrasses and black-tailed perch.
Ready to dive deeper? Ponta da Cozinha is also a great scuba diving spot, offering excellent visibility and steep underwater canyons. Keep an eye out for octopuses and eagle rays gliding below the surface.
Best time to visit: Plan your trip during the summer months for calm waters and good visibility. Or, visit between March and October for the chance to spot dolphins.
Image by Olivier Romano
Elafonisi Beach, Crete
Greece
Bath-warm and blissfully calm, the waters around the Greek island of Crete are among the best places to snorkel in Europe – and Elafonisi Beach is no exception. Once you’ve admired the candy-floss-coloured sands and lush juniper trees, it’s time to take a dip. With visibility reaching up to 30m, you’ll likely spot plenty of flitting fish in the sheltered lagoon. Crete’s best beaches are the rocky ones (don't worry, you can migrate to a nearby stretch of sand for sun-worshipping another day), where you might see vibrant fish, scuttling crabs and even the odd octopus.
Best time to visit: For those without children in tow, Crete’s shores are best enjoyed during September and October, when many species, including needlefish, come closer to land to reproduce.
Image by Terence Connors
Brela, Makarska Riviera
Croatia
Next up is Brela, tucked along Croatia’s Makarska Riviera (which curves along nearly 40 miles of the Dalmatian Coast). This charming town is peppered with scenic beaches and rich underwater ecosystems waiting to be explored. Snorkel past shimmering schools of fish, spiky sea urchins and flourishing marine flora. Make a pit stop at the pebbly Punta Rata Beach and snorkel around the famed Brela Stone. Carpeted with windswept Aleppo pines, this iconic rock is considered the symbol of Brela and features on postcards across Croatia.
Best Time to Visit: During the hot summer months, when we’d suggest snorkelling early in the morning for the calmest waters (and to avoid the heat of the day)
Image by Faustine Poidevin
Dwejra Bay, Gozo
Malta
Calling all water babies seeking top-notch snorkelling – Malta’s Gozo is the island for you. More specifically, the delightful Dwejra Bay. Summer brings warm waters and sunny skies, making it the ideal time to explore this secluded spot. Plunge below the surface and glide past small rock formations, boulders and underwater walls teeming with damselfish. The bay is also home to the world-renowned Blue Hole. As well as being a standout dive site, this naturally formed hole is one of the best places for snorkelling in Europe, featuring colourful corals and clear waters.
Best Time to Visit: June and August bring high temperatures and warm waters, while October and November offer clear visibility (but prepare for cooler temperatures).
Image by Mirko/fotolia.com
Written by Amy Larsen | Header image by Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images
