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Essential Europe

These eight destinations will change the way you look at diving in the Old World

Essential Europe - Scotland

Cold water (65 degrees in August, mid-40s during the fall and spring), craggy topography, prevailing winds and unpredictable tides can make diving in Scotland a bit challenging for the uninitiated. The water temperatures are warmest June ...

Essential Europe - Medes Islands

The small fishing village of L’Estartit on Spain’s Costa Brava is the jumping-off point for the islands, which sits less than a mile offshore. The town’s many dive centers –– including La Sirena and Oceansub –– offer year-round diving at around ...

Essential Europe - Norway

Make it Happen You can dive year-round in Norway, and while a 7 mm wetsuit is usually sufficient in the summer months, you’ll want a drysuit for winter. Strømsholmen Sjøsportsenter offers orca safaris in January and February that include six ...

Essential Europe - Canary Islands

Make it Happen You can dive year-round in Tenerife, but for the best conditions, wait until September when the peak season crowds have left. Island Divers in Tenerife offers packages of eight dives for $320, with accommodations in one-bedroom ...

Essential Europe - Sardinia & Ustica

Make it Happen You can dive from early May through October, but it’s less crowded from September. A 5 mm wetsuit is sufficient in the summer months, though the locals usually sport semidry suits. Protec Sardinia offers single-tank wreck and ...

Essential Europe - Cyprus

Make it Happen The diving season is year-round, but conditions are best from May to December, as the water gets quite cold during the winter months. Larnaca is the main diving area because of its proximity to the Zenobia, but good diving and ...

Essential Europe - Malta/Gozo

Make it Happen Diving can be done year-round, but the water is much warmer (high 70s) during the summer and fall. Dive shops are abundant on Malta and Gozo, but the most popular diving area is in the north around Cirkewwa. Ferries connect the ...

Essential Europe - Croatia

Make it Happen The region’s largest city, Split, is the gateway for diving in the Dalmatians. This mainland port has an international airport and regular ferry services to the surrounding islands. The peak dive season is from May to November, ...