Underwater Peristera Shipwreck site in Alonissos opened its doors on June 1

The visitable underwater archaeological site in the sea off the island of Alonissos, the Peristera Shipwreck, opened to visitors on June 1, 2021.

The shipwreck of Peristera is at a depth of 22 to 33 metres and has been considered so far the largest shipwreck of the Classical Period and the most important ancient shipwreck in the world. In all probability, the ship was an Athenian merchant, loaded with 4,000 amphorae and other vessels and had dimensions of approximately 25 metres long and 10 metres wide, while it sank in 425-400 BC.

Regarding the prospects for the next day of diving on the island, the mayor of Alonissos set as a top priority the need for utilization and operation of the other six wrecks of Alonissos and possibly some additives that have not yet been investigated.

“In this unique diving environment, scuba divers will be able to see a series of shipwrecks in a full seven to ten day programme that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. The goal must be the creation of the first underwater archeological park in Greece, which will be located in the largest natural marine park in Europe,” the mayor of the island Petros Vafinis said.

Source: ANA-MPA