Under The Surface: A Yacht Charter Exploring The Mediterranean’s Sunken Past
A yacht charter provides endless ways to explore a destination, and while the images of sandy beaches and overindulgence may first spring to mind, yachting experiences can provide so much more. Exploring a destination by yacht can unlock a whole host of unique adventures, including those that give you an insight into a region’s culture and history.
Combining a yacht charter with the discovery of underwater archaeological sites is one way to do so. A superyacht can be an ideal platform to access sunken cities, shipwrecks, and submerged ruins throughout the Mediterranean. Here is a guide on how to explore the Mediterranean’s archaeological discoveries on your next yacht charter:
The Mediterranean’s Buried Past
Having been a hub of civilization for tens of thousands of years, it isn’t surprising that the Mediterranean is home to various archaeological sites below the surface. Over the course of these thousands of years, as sea levels rose, many ancient cities, temples, and other structures that were once located along the coastline now lie submerged beneath the surface.
This is why today, under the water in the Mediterranean, you can discover lots more than just coral reefs and marine life. As a region that has long served as a crossroads of trade and culture for thousands of years, it is rich in history. Archaeologists have revealed and continue to uncover a range of intriguing sites, including ancient shipwrecks, complete sunken cities and harbors, remains of lighthouses, cultural relics, and everyday artifacts that tell stories of the past.
Where Are The Best Underwater Archaeological Sites?
The Italian coastline is full of submerged history. Near Naples, you can find Baiae - once a resort city known for its thermal baths and villas, volcanic activity caused it to sink into the Bay of Naples. Today, it is found in the waters of the Campi Flegrei Marine Park, and you can explore what’s left of the city below the surface, just a few meters underwater. Here, archaeologists have also uncovered several ancient shipwrecks and Roman harbor remains.
In Greece, the ruins and history aren’t just found above the surface. Many of the coastal islands and settlements have been submerged to explore. In the Peloponnese is the world’s oldest submerged city, Pavlopetri. Research suggests that an earthquake likely destroyed it, dating back to at least 3000 BC, and it lies just 4 meters below the surface. The site remains well-preserved, allowing you to see streets, courtyards, and buildings. While over on Crete, you can explore the ruins of Olous, another ancient city also in shallow waters, with stone walls and ancient buildings still visible in this harbor town.
Another popular yacht charter location to discover some of the Mediterranean’s most exciting archeological finds is along the coast of Turkey. The sunken city of Kekova has outlines of houses, staircases, and harbor walls visible. While diving here is prohibited, you can explore the city's outlines by kayak and see them through the clear waters.
Exploring The Past By Yacht Charter
Alongside the comfort and luxury that automatically come with a yacht charter, including archaeological sites on a Mediterranean itinerary provides plenty of advantages. The sites are often located along coastlines and in bays, which can be more challenging to reach by land.
From a yacht, you can anchor nearby and access them directly from the tender, kayak, or paddleboards, complete with equipment for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling.
While there are plenty of tours available to these types of archaeological hotspots, enjoying them on a yacht charter offers the ultimate flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace and in your own way. You can also adjust your visit according to the crowds, weather, and visibility, rather than following rigid and fixed schedules.
A yacht charter itinerary can also include an expert archaeologist to come on board and tell you the story of the site before exploring it at your leisure, and then combine these underwater sites with privately guided cultural experiences ashore, such as visiting nearby museums and ancient ruins.
IYC’s expert charter consultants work with a vast network across the Mediterranean, granting you the best access and knowledge to these types of cultural and historical locations.
If you're considering including archaeological finds on your next yacht charter itinerary, reach out to our team today.
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Baiae Photos By Subaia