Eastern Chalkidiki, is known as the homeland of Aristotle and the gate of Mount Athos. But there is also a diving, unexplored paradise, which is expecting from us to explore.
A mild Mediterranean climate with an average water temperature of 14 C – 28 C, barely sediments in the sea, crystal clear waters, the presence of coral colonies and rich biodiversity, compose a unique diving destination. An absolutely safe diving area as sea currents range from mild to non-existent while visibility in the water exceeds 30 meters!
This unique underwater landscape is enhanced by underwater slopes, caves and canyons full of life of great variety. A rocky mountain in the sea, wrapped in mystery, is waiting to be explored. Maybe similarly environment you could find in Caribbean’s sea, but for sure you could not find there the village of hippocampus, otherwise known as the seahorse or the sea dragon. The Hippocampus Underwater Institute, a Civil Non-Profit Company, the main object of which is the study and protection of the Hippocampus, can be found right on the beach at the village of Stratoni.
There, divers will come in contact with a permanent resident of the area, the seahorse. There are two species of this amazing creature in this area, the short snouted seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus) and the spiny seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) that have certain morphological differences between them.
Diving into the deep and watching these creatures is a unique and rare experience. It is especially suitable for children as the Institute provides information about their life and activities, through audiovisual material and explanation of the technology used. The dive is accompanied by an experienced diver. The operation of the Institute is based on the teaching principles of “Citizen science, we learn and we love”. This way the Institute hopes to install an environmental sensitivity to the participants, which may become a philosophy of life and aid in the cultivation of a deeper ecological consciousness.
Eastern Chalkidiki, is known as the homeland of Aristotle and the gate of Mount Athos. But there is also a diving, unexplored paradise, which is expecting from us to explore.
A mild Mediterranean climate with an average water temperature of 14 C – 28 C, barely sediments in the sea, crystal clear waters, the presence of coral colonies and rich biodiversity, compose a unique diving destination. An absolutely safe diving area as sea currents range from mild to non-existent while visibility in the water exceeds 30 meters!
This unique underwater landscape is enhanced by underwater slopes, caves and canyons full of life of great variety. A rocky mountain in the sea, wrapped in mystery, is waiting to be explored. Maybe similarly environment you could find in Caribbean’s sea, but for sure you could not find there the village of hippocampus, otherwise known as the seahorse or the sea dragon. The Hippocampus Underwater Institute, a Civil Non-Profit Company, the main object of which is the study and protection of the Hippocampus, can be found right on the beach at the village of Stratoni.
There, divers will come in contact with a permanent resident of the area, the seahorse. There are two species of this amazing creature in this area, the short snouted seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus) and the spiny seahorse (Hippocampus guttulatus) that have certain morphological differences between them.
Diving into the deep and watching these creatures is a unique and rare experience. It is especially suitable for children as the Institute provides information about their life and activities, through audiovisual material and explanation of the technology used. The dive is accompanied by an experienced diver. The operation of the Institute is based on the teaching principles of “Citizen science, we learn and we love”. This way the Institute hopes to install an environmental sensitivity to the participants, which may become a philosophy of life and aid in the cultivation of a deeper ecological consciousness.
Mr. Lambou Vassilios, owner of the Ouranoupolis scuba diving center, suggests for beginners, the “Tigani” dive spot. “It is suitable not only for beginner divers but also for snorkeling. It combines rich biodiversity, corals, calm waters and unique visibility. The characteristics of this point can charm even the most demanding customers”.
“Diaporos”, the diving spot recommended for experienced divers. “It is a natural cliff in the sea that reaches a depth of 35 m. The wild rocky morphology of the seabed gives the diver the feeling that he is touring an ancient city, the traces of which have been lost in time. Parasailing is worth taking a shot at as it is suitable for the young and the old alike. The incredible view from above to the intense blue below will be a memory to cherish for years to come”.
Mrs. Illiadou propose for more experienced divers respectively, the dive spot, called “Sierra”. “It is ideal for underwater guided tours of experienced divers as it combines depth, an enchanting underwater landscape and rich aquatic life. Huge rock formations with labyrinthine passages, crevices and caves house rare and wonderful species of fish. At the end of the diving route, a large cave is the highlight of this fascinating diving spot!”.
Significant are the comments, of the divers..
« My name is Petros Triantafyllis, I am a magazine publisher and I live in Athens. I have been diving for 7 years in Ammouliani because it has a variety of marine life that you could not find anywhere else and a diving center with people who know the places where all kinds of marine life are located and help you find them. For example, this year in our first dive in Ammouliani we found 5 colorful sea slugs, less than one centimeter. It is a species that due to its beauty is sought after by underwater photographers and is difficult to find in other parts of the country, more than one or two. It was a WOW experience for us ».
«My name is Nikolaos Boιkos, I am a Civil Engineer, owner of a construction company, a permanent resident of Athens. Every year I visit Eastern Halkidiki. We like diving in the area of Olympiada, Aristotle’s birthplace. What sets it apart is the clear waters and the rich biodiversity, the children love snorkeling. The hidden beaches and the small coves fascinate us. The history of the place, the area of Ancient Stagira and the small shops, in fact on the sea, with seafood and local delicacies every time pleasantly amaze us ».
« My name is Dimitar Pechilkov, I am a physician (pediatric cardiology intensivist), I live in Bulgaria. Ammouliani diving area is a dream for the divers – crystal water with visibility over 20m, comfortable temperature around 24C with minimal variations down to 30 meters, pool like conditions at most of the time, a huge variety of marine life with plenty of fish, small creatures and plants, nice underwater landscapes different at every dive sites, which are more than 20. There is always a calm and no windy dive spot around the islands, no matter of the weather ».
A diving paradise in an area of incredible beauty. Eastern Chalkidiki combines wild nature, rich history, as it is the birthplace of Aristotle and unique gastronomy. It is certain that even the most demanding divers will find roads on land that they will want to explore.
Source:https://greenagenda.gr/%CE%B8%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%AC%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BF%CE%B9-%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%AC%CE%BA%CE%BF%CE%B9-%CF%85%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%B8%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%AC%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BF-%CE%B2%CE%BF%CF%85%CE%BD%CF%8C-%CE%BA/
