The "Mecca of Shipwrecks" in the Aegean
At the southeastern edge of the Aegean Sea, the tranquil island of Leros hides at its bottom one of the most exciting underwater museums in the world. After Normandy, Leros holds the second place in the world in the number of war wrecks, being a living witness of the fierce "Battle of Leros" in the autumn of 1943. The prestigious magazine "Tauchen Magazin" rightly characterises it as the "Mecca of Shipwrecks", a top destination for lovers of historical diving.
Journey through History
The wrecks are fossils of a dark period that stand as eternal witnesses to the conflict for the sovereignty of the Archipelago. Divers have the rare opportunity to explore eight visitable shipwrecks-heirls:
In Agia Marina, the organised diving center offers comprehensive training. Even beginners can, through fast-paced lessons and practice in shallow waters, make their first supervised dive. Beyond historical relics, the seabed dazzles with its natural wealth: vast Posidonia meadows, colourful corals and mysterious underwater caves. Lucky divers may spot seals, dolphins, sea turtles, and even sperm whales.
Leros does not just offer a dip in crystal clear waters, but a sensational 35-minute experience that combines world history with the wild beauty of the marine ecosystem. It is a history lesson on the seabed, which remains indelible in the memory of every visitor.
Journey through History
The wrecks are fossils of a dark period that stand as eternal witnesses to the conflict for the sovereignty of the Archipelago. Divers have the rare opportunity to explore eight visitable shipwrecks-heirls:
- Destroyer "Vasilissa Olga": The legendary ship that sank at Lakki after a Luftwaffe raid (40m depth).
- Warplanes: The emblematic three-engine Junkers 52 (51m.) carrying paratroopers, the Arado Ar 196 (20m.) at Mavro Kavos and the Heinkel 111 bomber (16m.) at Blefouti.
- Landing Craft and Cargo Ships: The German landing craft "H" in Strongyli and Italian barges carrying anti-submarine nets.
In Agia Marina, the organised diving center offers comprehensive training. Even beginners can, through fast-paced lessons and practice in shallow waters, make their first supervised dive. Beyond historical relics, the seabed dazzles with its natural wealth: vast Posidonia meadows, colourful corals and mysterious underwater caves. Lucky divers may spot seals, dolphins, sea turtles, and even sperm whales.
Leros does not just offer a dip in crystal clear waters, but a sensational 35-minute experience that combines world history with the wild beauty of the marine ecosystem. It is a history lesson on the seabed, which remains indelible in the memory of every visitor.
