Amateur scuba divers and scuba divers are welcomed to the first underwater museum in Greece, in Alonissos. The famous shipwreck of amphorae of the 5th century BC stands out for its beauty. at the bottom of the islet of Peristera.
A fisherman was the first to see the ancient shipwreck in 1985 near the west rocky shore of Peristera, at a depth of 28 meters: a large merchant ship, probably Athenian, sank there around 425 BC. It was loaded with thousands of wine amphorae from Mendi (ancient city of Halkidiki) and Peparithos (today’s Skopelos), areas known in antiquity for their wine. The pile of amphorae, which extends to the bottom at a length of 25 meters, gives the feeling of the contour and the large dimensions of the ship. The shipwreck is one of the most important of classical antiquity.
The excavation was carried out by the archaeologists and the staff of the Ephorate of Marine Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture, who today take care of the opening of the wreck to the public. The impressive number of amphorae, the excellent condition of the wreck at -21 to -28 meters and the beauty of the exotic waters in the protected area of the National Marine Park Alonissos – Northern Sporades, make the ancient shipwreck of Peristera a destination that interests every experienced diver.