Discover Crete’s underwater treasures: The Stalis reef dive park

Crete's crystal-clear waters and rich marine biodiversity have long attracted visitors, but diving tourism has remained underdeveloped. A pioneering EU-funded project has successfully launched Crete's first dedicated diving park in Stalis, untapping the island's vast potential for sustainable marine tourism.

A vision born from passion and persistence

The park was developed by the non-profit Diving Parks of Crete, established by the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and local municipalities.

It all began in 2014 when a diving enthusiast on the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce board, saw Crete's potential as a top diving spot. Since then, the team has worked through a complex legal system, lifting a decade-long ban on organised diving and meeting strict environmental standards. In December 2023, they received approval for the first dive park in Stalis.

Gateway to a living museum

In the Stalis dive park, divers can explore an extraordinary seabed with over 50 unique fish species, pristine waters, and vibrant ecosystems.

But the park's value runs deeper than tourism. It also creates a protected marine sanctuary, restricting fishing to help replenish fish stocks and strengthen local fisheries.

To create this diver's playground, the project used EU funding to install 40 innovative, patented artificial reefs developed by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. These structures enhance marine biodiversity by attracting fish and other sea life, while also providing a unique underwater attraction for divers.

"Seeing the artificial reefs come to life and attract vibrant marine species has been incredibly rewarding," says George Karapidakis from the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce.

From vision to reality

EU-funding was the key that turned this pioneering project into a concrete reality. Managed by the Local Action Group of Heraklion, which oversees Community Led Local Development (CLLD) initiatives in the area, the project secured funding that covered all infrastructure costs, enabling the creation of a diving destination that otherwise would not exist.

"With this support, we were able to turn our vision into reality," Karapidakis explains. The initiative promises to generate economic growth by attracting high-value tourists, extending the tourist season, and creating new jobs. The park will become fully operational in 2026.

Towards a network of diving parks

"Our goal is to make Crete a must-visit destination for divers worldwide," explains Karapidakis, using a network of five to six diving parks across Crete. The parks will combine artificial reefs and sunken boats (shipwrecks) to transform the island into a premier diving destination. One more park, located in Agia Pelagia, is already prepared for licensing, bringing this vision one step closer to reality.

A lasting impact

"We are proud to offer divers a chance to explore what feels like a living museum beneath the waves, a place where nature and innovation come together," Karapidakis concludes. "Collaboration with local stakeholders and scientists has been key to the project's success, making the dive park a true community achievement. The Stalis diving park is more than just a tourism spot. It is a sanctuary that protects marine life and supports the local fishing community."

Details

Related links