World Of Wanderlust

What’s better than diving into cool blue waters on a hot day and exploring the underwater world? Almost nothing! Snorkeling is a must-do activity on your travel itinerary, and we want to help you discover the most stunning snorkeling spots in Europe for your summer adventures. From the gorges of Iceland to the hidden bays in Greece, this guide covers some of the best spots to dive into this summer!

### Top Places to Snorkel This Summer

**Chalkidiki – Snorkeling in Quiet Bays**

First up is Chalkidiki, a peninsula in Greece that’s especially lovely during the summer. It boasts several bays across its three headlands, offering a serene snorkeling experience. The area is perfect for beach lovers, featuring long white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of coastal restaurants. The three headlands, often called the ‘Fingers of Greece,’ each offer something unique:
– **Kassandra**: Known for its long sandy beaches, olive groves, and pine forests.
– **Sithonia**: An insider tip with less tourism and many quiet spots.
– **Athos**: An almost autonomous monastic republic that you can only view as a pilgrim or from a boat.

Overall, Chalkidiki is an ideal snorkeling destination with crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

**Medas Islands – Snorkeling with Numerous Fish**

Located about 800 meters off the coast of Estartit in North-East Spain, the Medas Islands are part of a nature reserve where commercial fishing is banned. This means the marine life has thrived, making it a beautiful spot for snorkeling. You can find moray eels, octopuses, and even barracudas here. You’ll have to travel by boat since there’s no accommodation on the islands, but the nearby town of Estartit is charming and filled with other snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

**Azores – Snorkeling in Harmony with Nature**

The Azores in Portugal is an archipelago of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean, far from mass tourism. It’s a paradise for nature lovers with unique natural phenomena like huge crater lakes formed by underwater volcanoes. The islands are nature reserves, and their waters are perfect for snorkeling and whale watching. You can even see sperm whales and other marine mammals year-round.

**Schmale Luzin – Lake Snorkeling**

In Germany, the Schmale Luzin lake in the Feldberg Lake District offers one of the clearest waters, where plants grow even at a depth of 15 meters. You can explore by rowboat or canoe and even find a lakeside restaurant and boat rental halfway along. The area is a nature reserve home to eagles, ducks, and otters, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to snorkel in a beautiful setting.

**Elba – Snorkeling Between Shipwrecks**

Elba, an Italian island in the Mediterranean, features white sandy beaches, clear waters, and rugged rock formations. It’s part of the Tuscan Archipelago and lies between mainland Italy and Corsica. The island is home to Europe’s largest nature reserve and offers excellent underwater landscapes, deep forests, and wine and olive groves. You can even explore old shipwrecks around the island, making it a top snorkeling spot.

**Banyuls-Cerbère – Underwater Trails**

In France’s first and only marine reserve at sea, Banyuls-Cerbère, you can follow underwater trails. Located at the foot of the Massif des Albères in the Pyrenees, the reserve covers around 650 hectares and is home to over 1200 marine species. You can either snorkel or explore from a glass-bottom boat, making it an educational and fascinating experience.

**Makarska – Mediterranean Snorkeling**

Makarska, in Croatia’s sunniest region, is in Dalmatia. Known for its culinary delights and its proximity to Split, it features numerous beautiful beaches where you can snorkel among a variety of fish. Despite being popular with tourists, you can find secluded bays to explore independently by renting a boat.

**Silfra Column – Snorkeling in Iceland’s Cleanest Waters**

In Iceland, the Silfra column in Thingvellir National Park is a world-renowned snorkeling spot with visibility up to 100 meters on sunny days. It’s the only place where you can snorkel between two continental plates. The water is filtered through volcanic rock, making it exceptionally clear. Be prepared for cold temperatures, as the water stays between 2-4°C year-round. This unique location should definitely be on your travel bucket list.

**Gothenburg – Urban Snorkeling**

Just 30 minutes west of Gothenburg, Sweden, you’ll find an underwater path in the nature reserve around Stora Amundön island. The path is about 200 meters long and reaches a maximum depth of 3 meters. Along the surface, buoys mark information points about the local marine life. Gothenburg makes for an affordable travel destination with options ranging from campsites to city accommodations.

**Walchensee – Snorkeling in the Alps**

Located about 75 kilometers south of Munich, Walchensee is an alpine lake with stunning emerald green waters in summer. At 198 meters deep, it’s the deepest lake in Upper Bavaria. The lake’s waters are incredibly clean, motorized boats are banned, and the area offers a rich natural experience with rock formations, algae meadows, and various lake dwellers. It’s a perfect spot for adventurous snorkelers visiting Germany.

These amazing spots are some of the best snorkeling destinations in Europe for you and your travel buddies. Ready for more? JoinMyTrip offers various trips worldwide, guided by like-minded travelers who will take you on unforgettable adventures. Book your next vacation with JoinMyTrip now!