Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
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Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
Europe has an eerie allure for wreck freediving enthusiasts. Beneath its waters lie countless forgotten ships. Freediving through these submerged relics feels like time travel with a breath-hold twist. The ocean turns history into an interactive experience, far more visceral than any museum could ever manage.
Wrecks aren’t just fascinating for what they once were—they’re also artificial reefs teeming with marine life. Swim through a broken porthole, and you might meet a curious octopus that’s claimed an old engine room as home. Pause over the deck, and schools of fish might swirl around you like a living curtain. The best part? Europe’s wrecks are as diverse as its history—ranging from ancient cargo vessels to wartime submarines.
In this guide, we’re exploring some of the most captivating wreck freediving spots in Europe, covering everything from the easy-access sites to deep dives for the truly ambitious. Let’s dive in.
Let’s start with the big one. The Zenobia isn’t just a wreck; it’s the wreck. Think of it as the holy grail of freediving wrecks in Europe. This Swedish-built ferry sank off the coast of Larnaca in 1980 due to a series of unfortunate ballast computer errors—taking its cargo of over 100 trucks with it. Now, it’s an underwater playground for divers, sitting at a depth of 16 to 42 meters.
The Zenobia’s sheer size (172 meters long) can overwhelm even experienced divers. One minute you’re gliding over the upper decks; the next, you’re floating above a pile of cargo trucks, rusting silently in the blue. For those willing to push their limits, the deeper sections—like the interior cabins—offer a darker, almost haunting experience.
If you’re into wreck freediving, you’ll eventually end up here. It’s unavoidable.
Malta is a wreck-diving paradise, but the HMS Maori stands out for its accessibility and unique history. This British destroyer served during World War II before being sunk by a bomb in 1942. Unlike deeper wrecks, this one rests at a very manageable 14 meters, making it perfect for beginner freedivers or those looking for a more relaxed dive.
The wreck’s broken hull has become a thriving reef. Grouper and bream weave in and out of the remains, while nudibranchs cling to the corroded metal surfaces. The Maori offers an interesting blend of history and marine life, without the need to dive too deep—making it an excellent spot for photography.
Another gem in Malta, but this one’s a bit more serious. The Um El Faroud, a former oil tanker, was deliberately sunk in 1998 to create an artificial reef. Now it sits at depths ranging from 15 to 36 meters—deep enough to make you work for it but not so deep that it’s reserved only for professionals.
The wreck is massive and beautifully intact, which makes it one of the most photogenic wrecks in Europe. When the visibility is good, the wreck looms out of the blue like a ghost ship—a surreal experience that’ll leave you wanting more.
Okay, technically not in Europe—but it’s close enough, and it’s too good to leave out.
The Thistlegorm is one of the world’s most famous wrecks, located in the Red Sea. It was a British cargo ship that was bombed during World War II, sinking with a cargo that included motorcycles, trucks, and even trains.
What sets the Thistlegorm apart is the sheer amount of stuff still on board. Swimming through its holds feels like discovering a sunken time capsule from the 1940s. It’s deep—sitting at around 30 meters—so this one’s for the experienced freedivers. But if you’re ready for the challenge, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Wreck freediving isn’t just about depth. Sure, some of these sites will push your limits, but it’s really about the experience—the way the light filters through broken hulls, the history you can almost feel pressing down on you, the marine life that’s made these metal skeletons their home.
Each wreck tells a story. Some are tragic. Some are mysterious. And some are still unfolding as nature slowly reclaims the ship. Freediving through these sites connects you with both the past and the present in a way few other activities can.
Research First: Know the depth, conditions, and history of the wreck before diving. Some wrecks are accessible and safe, while others can be downright dangerous.
Safety is Key: Always dive with a buddy. Wrecks can be disorienting, and it’s easy to get caught up in the moment.
Bring a Torch: Even shallow wrecks can have dark, shadowy areas. A good torch can help you explore safely.
Respect the Wreck: These sites are part of our shared history. Don’t touch or take anything—just enjoy the experience and leave it as you found it.
Europe’s wrecks are as varied as its landscape. Each one offers a unique experience, whether you’re gliding over an ancient cargo ship in Greece or diving deep into a war-torn relic in Cyprus. Wreck freediving isn’t just about the dive—it’s about connection. Connection to history, to the ocean, and to something larger than yourself. And the best part? There’s always another wreck to discover.