Cape Greco

Ayia Napa · Famagusta District · Cyprus

Cape Greco is a headland of extraordinary beauty on Cyprus's southeastern tip, and beneath its limestone cliffs lies some of the clearest water in the entire Mediterranean. The cape forms part of a national forest park, and while there is no formal marine reserve, the underwater landscape is so spectacular that it has become one of the most popular diving areas in Cyprus, attracting divers ranging from absolute beginners to experienced cave explorers. The defining feature of Cape Greco diving is the limestone topography. Millions of years of erosion have carved the soft rock into an intricate network of caves, caverns, arches, and swim-throughs. The famous Caves site is the most popular, offering a series of interconnected chambers that divers can explore at depths of 5 to 15 metres. Natural light floods through openings in the rock, creating dramatic beams and silhouettes that make this a photographer's dream. The rock formations extend further into a series of more complex caverns that test navigation skills and reward exploration. For those seeking depth, the Canyon is Cape Greco's signature advanced dive. This underwater gorge cuts through the limestone, its walls dropping to 40 metres and hosting larger species including groupers and the occasional reef shark. The walls of the canyon are covered in colourful sponges and populated by clouds of anthias and damselfish. Marine life at Cape Greco is diverse and includes several species unusual for the Mediterranean. Lionfish, a recent arrival to Cypriot waters, are now commonly sighted, adding a flash of exotic colour to the Mediterranean reef fish community. Octopuses are abundant, moray eels occupy every crevice, and colourful parrotfish and wrasses add movement to the reef. Extensive Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows at shallower depths serve as nursery habitat for countless species, and patient divers may spot seahorses and pipefish among the fronds. The clarity of the water at Cape Greco is legendary, with visibility reaching 40 metres on calm days. The combination of shore-accessible sites, warm water, and reliable conditions makes this an ideal destination for divers of all levels. Multiple dive centres in Ayia Napa and Protaras offer guided trips, while experienced divers can self-guide at several shore entry points along the cape.