VOLOS — The visitable underwater archaeological site in the sea off the island of Alonissos, the Peristera Shipwreck, will open to visitors on June 1, 2021.

The shipwreck of Peristera is at a depth of 22 to 33 metres and has been considered so far the largest shipwreck of the Classical Period and the most important ancient shipwreck in the world. In all probability, the ship was an Athenian merchant vessel, loaded with 4,000 amphorae and other pottery and had dimensions of approximately 25 metres long and 10 metres wide, while it sank in 425-400 BC.

Regarding the future prospects of diving on the island, Alonissos mayor Petros Vafinis said the top priority was the need to make use and start operating the other six wrecks around Alonissos in the same way, and possibly some additional wrecks that have not yet been investigated.

"In this unique diving environment, scuba divers will be able to see a series of shipwrecks in a full seven to 10 day programme that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. The goal must be the creation of the first underwater archaeological park in Greece, which will be located in the largest natural marine park in Europe," the mayor of the island said.