Peristera, Alonnisos: Diving down to a unique ancient shipwreck

It was the largest wreck in size and capacity that has been found to date. Its discovery off Peristera, at a depth of about 25-30m, was particularly important from a historical and archaeological point of view, as it changed the prevailing views on the size of merchant ships built during that time.

Measuring more than 20m in length and with a carrying capacity exceeding 100 tons, the ship – which sank between 420 and 400 BC – is believed to have been transporting amphoras filled with the famed wines of Mendi (the ancient city of Chalkidiki) and Peparithos (modern Skopelos). It is most likely that it belonged to an Athenian merchant and it sank because it was caught in a storm or a fire broke out on deck. Despite the damage, more than 3,000 amphorae survived almost intact, an archaeological find of tremendous importance that earned the Peristera shipwreck worldwide acclaim.

This impressive shipwreck is now open to visitors and offers a first class underwater experience. Thanks to the Alonissos Underwater Museum – the first of its kind to operate in Greece – it can be explored under the supervision of experienced professional divers. If visitors are lucky enough to win Neptune’s favour, they might even meet one of the rare Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) that take shelter in the area, which is part of the beautiful National Marine Park of Alonissos North Sporades.