Are There Sharks in Greece? Yes! And Here’s What You Need to Know For the Best Vacation (2024)

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Are there sharks in Greece? If you’re wondering whether there are gentle giants in Greece, we’ve got you covered! As romantic travel experts, we can assure you that Greece and the Greek Islands are some of the best beach destinations in Europe and for good reasons! With turquoise clear waters and thin golden sand, the beaches in Greece are amazing for swimming and snorkeling.

We’ve been to the romantic Greek Islands and mainland Greece several times over the past few years and have had the chance of visiting many of the islands including Santorini, Ios, Paros and more.

But what about sharks? And are there any sharks in the Mediterranean Sea? It’s absolutely fair to wonder whether there are dangerous sharks in the Greek waters and whether it’s safe for you to swim there.

With a mix of scientific data and our own experience, read this post to find out whether there are sharks in Greece.

Are there sharks in Greece?

Are there sharks in Greece waters? Yes, there are sharks in Greece and the Greek Islands. Greece is located in the Mediterranean Sea, which is home to a wide Greek sea like various shark species. The country is also surrounded by the Aegean Sea and Ionian Sea, where sharks can be found, which is one of the fun facts about the Aegean Sea.

Historical records indicate the presence of sharks in Greek waters. Between 1883 and 1983, there were 197 documented records of shark sightings in the Greek Seas. The first recorded presence of a shark in the Ionian Sea dates back to 1912, when a 2-meter-long shark was observed.

In the past, there was an increase in localized shark sightings, particularly in the Aegean Sea. This was attributed to media coverage, which led to more reports of shark encounters. The areas near Athens, such as the Saronikos and Evokes Gulfs, had the highest number of recorded shark sightings during that time.

Recent sightings of sharks have also been reported. For example, in April 2021, a blue shark was spotted in the shallow waters of Karathonas Beach in Nafplio. Additionally, in 2022, a British couple reported sighting a shark on Kos Island.

While there have been shark sightings in Greece, it is important to note that shark attacks are rare. In the mid-20th century, there was a slight increase in shark attacks, leading to the culling of sharks as a preventive measure.

In summary, Greece does have sharks, and there have been recent sightings in various locations. However, it’s essential that you remember that shark encounters and attacks are infrequent, and most sharks pose no threat to humans. In our experience, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and waters of Greece while being aware of your surroundings and following any local safety guidelines.

See the following video about the shark spotting in April 2021 near Nafplio:

Are there sharks in Greece? Our experience with sharks in Greece 

We have visited Greece many times, including mainland Greece and various Greek Islands such as Santorini and beautiful Pyrgos, Paros and its gorgeous beaches, Milos and its unique boat-accessible beaches like Kleftiko, the quiet Ios, and beautiful Crete. We have spent time exploring the stunning and romantic Greek beaches and snorkeling more hours than we probably should! Despite our numerous beach experiences, we have never encountered a shark or felt any fear of encountering one.

It’s important to note that shark attacks in Greece are extremely rare. The likelihood of encountering a shark while swimming or enjoying the beautiful coastal areas is minimal. In fact, we have never witnessed anyone on the beach expressing concerns or worries about sharks. Unlike places like Reunion Island, where shark attacks are more common, we have never come across any shark warning signs on Greek beaches.

Greece is known for its clear blue waters and idyllic beach settings, making it a popular destination for couples seeking relaxation and natural beauty. The tranquil atmosphere of the Greek beaches allows you to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without the need to worry about shark encounters.

So are there sharks in Greece? While sharks do exist in the waters surrounding Greece, they generally pose no threat to beachgoers. It’s important to remember that sharks are a natural part of marine ecosystems and typically avoid interactions with humans. So, feel free to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Greece’s beaches, knowing that the chances of encountering a shark are extremely slim, and the focus can remain on creating cherished memories with your partner.

Are there dangerous sharks in Greece?

While there are dangerous sharks in Greece, such as the Great White Shark, it is rare to encounter them. Most of the sharks seen in Greek waters and on beaches are not dangerous, and sightings are also infrequent.

Shark attacks in Greece have been primarily documented in the mid-20th century. One recorded shark attack Greece incident occurred in 1847 when a shark attacked a sailor in the waters off Corfu Island, rather than on a beach. Whether we are talking about a Basking shark attack or another type of shark attack, the majority of shark attacks Greece has had, have occurred when people venture out to sea for fishing purposes.

Between 1900 and 1983, there were three confirmed lethal attacks in the Keratsini area, around Corfu Island, and in the Pagasitikos Gulf. However, it’s important to note that more than half of the reported attacks on people occurred between 1951 and 1970, which was quite a while ago. Following these incidents, culling of sharks took place, resulting in fewer sharks and a decline in attacks.

Greece is also home to Blue sharks, which are classified as a dangerous species, although they are not typically aggressive towards humans. One of the more recent recorded attacks in Greece happened in December 2014 off Othonoi Island, but it was non-fatal.

Overall, while there are potentially dangerous Greece sharks, the chances of encountering them or experiencing an attack are extremely low. It is important to exercise caution and follow any safety guidelines provided by local authorities, but there is no need for excessive worry or fear while enjoying the beautiful beaches and waters of Greece.

Are there great white sharks in Greece?

Yes, it is true that great white sharks can be found in Greece, but encountering them is, again, extremely rare. During our visits to the Greek Islands, as well as other Mediterranean destinations like Favignana in Sicily or Corsica in France, we have never personally witnessed or heard of anyone seeing a great white shark.

Great white sharks are known to inhabit various oceans around the world, including the Mediterranean Sea. However, their population in these areas is limited, and they are not commonly seen by beachgoers or swimmers. It’s important to note that the Mediterranean Sea is vast, and the chances of encountering a great white shark are statistically very low.

While great white sharks Greece has are impressive predators, they typically prefer colder waters and are more commonly associated with regions such as South Africa, Australia, and parts of North America. The Mediterranean Sea, with its warmer temperatures, different marine ecosystem, and geographical characteristics, does not provide the ideal habitat for large populations of great white sharks.

So yes there are Great White Sharks in Greece but their presence should not be a major concern to you or your partner and you can both enjoy the beautiful beaches and marine life in Greece.

Are there sharks in the Mediterranean Sea?

Is there sharks in the Mediterranean Sea? Yes, it is true that there are sharks in the Mediterranean Sea. Since Greece is located on the Mediterranean Sea and there are sharks in Greece, it logically follows that sharks can be found in the Mediterranean.

While it is not uncommon for sharks to inhabit the Mediterranean Sea, sightings of sharks close to shore are relatively rare. In July 2022, there were reports from tourists on the beach of Hyeres, France, who claimed to have seen a 6-foot Blue shark. However, according to Nicolas Ziani, founder of the Marseille Group for Shark Studies, there are “typically thousands of blue sharks offshore, especially in the summer”, but they are not usually seen so close to the shore.

Based on our own experiences, we have never personally seen a shark in the Mediterranean, whether during our visits to Favignana Island in Sicily or Corsica Island in France. So if you’re wondering are there sharks in the Mediterranean Sea Greece, it’s important to note that while sharks do exist in the Mediterranean, encounters with them are infrequent, and the vast majority of beachgoers and swimmers enjoy the sea without any issues or shark sightings.

Are there sharks in Aegean Sea?

Are there sharks in the Aegean Sea? Yes, there are sharks in the Aegean Sea. As mentioned earlier, the Aegean Sea is part of the Mediterranean and therefore is also home to several Aegean Sea shark species, with notable examples being the Blue Shark and Basking Shark. However, it’s important to note that these sharks typically inhabit deeper waters and tend to stay farther away from the coast.

During our visits to the Aegean Sea, we have not encountered or heard of any shark sightings near the popular coastal areas. Sharks generally prefer to stay in their natural habitats and are not commonly found in close proximity to the beaches where people swim and relax.

If you’re planning a trip to the Aegean Sea, there’s no need to be overly concerned about encountering sharks. The chances of encountering a shark while swimming or enjoying the beaches are extremely rare. Note that from our experiences, the Aegean Sea beaches usually come with crystal-clear waters which makes it really easy to spot any unwanted encounter from a long distance, giving you plenty of time to react if you spot a shark. It’s safe however to swim and snorkel in the Aegean Sea waters are human and shark encounters are extremely rare, especially since the culling of sharks happened.

What sharks are in Greece?

Basking Shark, a big part of the sea life in Greece

The Basking Shark is the most common type of shark you may come across in Greece. Also called the gentle giant, the Basking shark can grow up to 10 meters in length, making it the largest shark you’ll encounter in Greek waters. They are easily recognizable by their large, flat heads and short snout. They pose no threat to humans and primarily feed on plankton and small fish, which is one of the reasons for their name. They tend to inhabit shallow waters near the coast, making them occasionally visible during your coastal explorations.

The Blue Shark

Are there sharks in Greece? Yes, among the sharks in Greece, you can find the Blue Shark. The Blue Shark is commonly seen in Greek waters, although they prefer deeper waters. Spotting them is relatively rare for tourists, as they tend to stay farther offshore like other sharks. These sleek and graceful sharks are known for their vibrant blue coloration. While they are present in Greek waters, encounters with Blue Sharks are infrequent, which is something we’re happy about!

The Spiny Dogfish, one of the sea animals in Greece

This one has got quite the funny name! The Spiny Dogfish is often found close to the shore and is famous for its ability to make shallow dives. These small sharks, typically measuring around 1 meter in length, pose no threat to humans much to our liking. They are more commonly observed by divers and snorkelers exploring near the coastline. Some have reported seeing them on the coast of Santorini.

Great White Shark

The Great White Shark, known for its formidable reputation, is quite dangerous as we mentioned above. Though they are present in the Greek waters, they generally stay off the coast and inhabit deep waters. While we know they exist in the region, it is extremely rare to hear about encounters or sightings of Great White Sharks in Greek waters.

Angel Sharks

Angel Sharks are more commonly found off the coasts of the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, rather than in Greek waters. These sharks have a unique flat, ray-like body shape and camouflaging skin pattern. While they are rare off the Greek coast, it’s possible to spot them on occasion.

Thresher Sharks

Thresher Sharks are rare around the Greek Islands but have been occasionally spotted in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. A Thresher Shark is not considered a threat to humans and typically avoids interaction with humans whenever possible.

Are there sharks in Kefalonia?

Yes, since there are sharks in Greek waters, there ca be sharks in Kefalonia, but the chances of seeing one are extremely slim. Most sharks in Greece are not aggressive towards humans anymore, following the culling of sharks that started in 1959.

Are there sharks in Mykonos?

Similarly to other islands, there can be sharks in Mykonos, but sightings are rare. It is almost impossible to see one there, and if you do spot one off the coast, it is likely harmless.

Are there sharks in Santorini?

No, there are no known sightings of sharks in Santorini. We have been to Santorini several times and have never seen or heard of sharks there. While it is possible to see the harmless Spiny Dogfish, most sharks in Greece tend to stay off the coast. However, you might have the opportunity to see dolphins from one of the caldera hotels.

Are there sharks in Milos?

Milos beaches are stunning and some of our favorite. With beaches like Sarakiniko or the stunning clear waters of Kleftiko in the south west of the island, swimming in Milos is a must. And fear not, from our experience, there are no coastal sharks on Milos!

Are there sharks in Paros?

We have been to Paros and snorkelled a lot in its waters. The beaches in Paros have clear and transparent water, making it easy to spot anything that resembles a shark. However, we have never seen or heard anything about sharks in Paros.

Are there sharks in Greece’s Ios Island?

No. The beaches of Ios are among the most beautiful in Greece. We snorkelled at many of the beaches and never encountered a shark or heard of any sightings. We stayed at luxury suites with a clear view of the Aegean Sea and never spotted anything remotely resembling a shark.

Are there sharks in Crete?

Is there sharks in Crete water? We have visited Crete several times and have never seen sharks there. The waters around Crete are generally safe from sharks due to the currents keeping the sealife away from the shore, which includes sharks and jellyfish.

Are there sharks in Corfu?

In 1951, there was a lethal shark attack in Corfu. It used to be one of the best places to see sharks in Greece. However, since the culling of sharks in the late 1950s, sightings have become rare.

Are there sharks in Rhodes?

It is unlikely to see sharks in Rhodes.

Are there sharks in Zakynthos?

There sightings of sharks in Zakynthos are rare. If you are in fishing areas, you are more likely to come across sharks.

Can I see Dolphins on a trip to Greece?

Yes, you can definitely see dolphins in Greece! While there are sharks in Greece, it is more likely to encounter dolphins. Greece offers great opportunities for dolphin spotting. The most common dolphin species you can find in Greek waters are the Striped dolphins, primarily in the North Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea.

If you’re looking for the best chance to see dolphins, Corfu and Crete are recommended destinations. In these areas, you have a higher likelihood of spotting these beautiful marine mammals in their natural habitat.

To ensure good behavior around dolphins in the wild and promote their conservation, it’s important to follow the guidelines set out by the Ionian Dolphin Project. These guidelines help protect both the dolphins and the people observing them, ensuring a respectful and safe interaction.

So, if you’re interested in dolphin watching, Greece is a fantastic place to experience these intelligent and playful creatures in their natural environment.

Note however that we’ve never seen dolphins just while being on the beach or from our luxury suites. Dolphins don’t normally come close to the shores so you’ll have to go out to sea to try and spot them.

Can you swim in the ocean in Greece?

Yes, you can definitely swim in the Greek Sea! Although Greece is surrounded by the sea rather than the ocean, it offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and enjoying the beautiful coastal areas.

Are there sharks in Greece? Yes, but swimming in Greece is still safe. One of the advantages of swimming in the Greek waters is the absence of significant tides, which makes it generally safe for swimming. The sea remains relatively calm, allowing for a peaceful and enjoyable swimming experience.

Most beaches in Greece, such as Sarakiniko Beach or Vlychada Beach in Santorini, have shallow waters, making it easy to walk into the water and swim comfortably. The beaches are often characterized by their clear and inviting waters, perfect for taking a refreshing dip.

Another benefit is that many beaches in Greece, including Ios beaches, have little to no current. This means that swimming and returning to the beach are hassle-free, providing a sense of security for you and your partner. I was watching Bondi Rescue the other day and saw how people at Bondi Beach in Australia get pulled by the currents and tides and cannot make it back to the beach without help. It’s not like that in Greece.

If you enjoy snorkeling, the Greek waters offer excellent opportunities for exploring the underwater world. With clear, warm waters and a wealth of marine life, snorkeling can be a delightful activity during your beach visits.

Is it safe to swim in Greece?

Yes, it is safe to swim in Greece, despite the presence of sharks in its waters. Unlike places like Reunion Island, where there are signs warning people about sharks and advising against entering the water, Greece does not have such warnings on its beaches, simply because it does not need to.

The beaches in Greece are known for their stunning turquoise waters, which are clear and transparent. This clarity allows you to easily see what’s around you while swimming, providing a sense of security.

While sharks are present in Greek waters, they tend to stay further offshore and away from the beaches. Throughout years of visiting the Greek Islands and snorkeling regularly, we have never seen a shark in close proximity.

It’s always a good idea to follow local guidance and advice when swimming in any location. Additionally, it’s worth noting that there may be some jellyfish in the water at times. However, their presence does not pose a significant danger as long as you exercise caution and avoid direct contact.

Occasionally, fish might nibble or bite, which can be surprising but is generally harmless. It’s important to remember that such incidents are rare and not a cause for significant concern.

In summary, swimming in Greece is generally safe. While sharks exist in the waters, they are typically not found near the beaches. The clear waters and beautiful beaches make for a pleasant and enjoyable swimming experience. Just be mindful of local guidance and any potential presence of jellyfish, and you’ll have a fantastic time exploring the Greek seas.

Are there sharks in Greece FAQs

Final thoughts: Are there sharks in Greece

In summary, the answer to the question “Are there sharks in Greece?” is a definite yes.

Greece, with its diverse marine environments including the Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea, and Ionian Sea, is home to a variety of shark species. While shark encounters are rare and shark attacks are extremely uncommon, it is important to acknowledge their presence.

The Mediterranean and Aegean Seas host species such as the Blue Shark, Basking Shark, Spiny Dogfish, and even occasional sightings of Great White Sharks. However, it is crucial to note that most sharks in Greece pose no threat to humans, and they typically stay off the coast in deeper waters.

The Greek beaches, known for their clear turquoise waters, offer safe swimming conditions, and the chances of encountering a shark while enjoying the pristine beaches and engaging in water activities are extremely slim. By following local guidance and enjoying the natural beauty of the Greek waters responsibly, you can appreciate the marine diversity that includes these fascinating creatures.

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