Europe's top spots for snorkeling are definitely worth a visit

Top European Islands for Snorkeling: A Dive into Crystal-Clear Waters

Snorkeling has become a popular travel trend in Europe, and there are several islands that stand out as paradises for this aquatic activity. Here are some of the top contenders:

Corfu, Greece Known for its olive groves, cypresses, and a varied coastline, Corfu offers a unique blend of land and sea experiences. Underwater, you can find seagrass meadows, small corals, and colorful schools of fish, with up to 30 meters of visibility.

Malta With more than 300 sunny days a year, Malta is a diving enthusiast's dream. Its underwater landscape is dotted with caves, tunnels, and rock arches, offering up to 35 meters of visibility and impressive panoramas. Malta's capital, Valletta, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The Azores Located in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores offer a unique experience. With up to 30 meters of underwater visibility, you might find yourself swimming alongside rays, dolphins, turtles, and occasionally manta rays. The islands are green, rugged, and shaped by volcanoes, offering a climate different from the Mediterranean and unique land experiences with hot springs, crater lakes, and geothermal pools.

Corsica, France A small island that combines mountains and sea, Corsica boasts turquoise waters and up to 30 meters of visibility underwater, revealing underwater meadows, red and black corals, and striking scorpionfish.

Madeira, Portugal Clear waters, corals, and large schools of fish make Madeira both challenging and beginner-friendly.

Tenerife, Spain With volcanic origins, Tenerife offers underwater rock formations, caves, and wrecks. Its mild climate and inviting water temperatures year-round make it an ideal destination for snorkeling.

Mallorca, Spain Mallorca offers a mix of contrasting landscapes and diverse marine life. Remote bays and protected areas cater to both beginners and more experienced snorkelers.

Crete, Greece A large island with clear waters up to 30 meters deep, Crete is known for its diverse marine life. In addition to snorkeling, it offers cultural and culinary attractions.

According to BeyondSurfing's 2025 rankings, the Mediterranean islands of Crete, Mallorca, and Sardinia are the top three snorkeling paradises in Europe.

Sicily, Italy Sicily offers a mix of beaches, volcanoes, vineyards, and ancient sites. Underwater, you can find seagrass, jellyfish, barracudas, and sometimes sea turtles. Unique underwater ruins are visible while snorkeling.

Sardinia, Italy Sardinia is known for its turquoise waters and diverse marine life, including corals, moray eels, and octopuses.

Fuerteventura, Spain Fuerteventura, another Spanish gem, boasts long beaches with clear waters and diverse marine life, including schools of parrotfish and rays.

While Ilha do Sal (Praia de Santa Maria, Cape Verde) and various sites in Fuerteventura were noted for excellent snorkeling conditions in the 2025 rankings by BeyondSurfing, a third European island was not explicitly named in the search results. Nonetheless, the popularity of snorkeling in Europe continues to grow, with more and more islands offering unique underwater experiences for both beginners and experienced divers.