An underwater archaeological park will be built in Porto Cristo, Mallorca

Porto Cristo off the coast of Mallorca will be home to the first underwater archaeological park located in the Mediterranean.

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The design of this unique site includes making replicas of shipwrecks and other objects. In addition to stimulating the flourishing of underwater life, the artificial reefs will also be great attractions for divers. The whole project is expected to promote and highlight the Mediterranean heritage of the region.

Local heritage

Mayor Miquel Oliver announced that the venture aims to restore four historic shipwrecks sunk in Porto Cristo Bay. The replicas will then be installed on the seabed at a yet undetermined location. Among the wrecks is expected to be the “ses Llumetes,” the most famous in the region. It is also known that the maximum depth in the underwater park is not to exceed 30 meters.

Construction of Porto Cristo archaeological park

According to information provided to the media, the search for a suitable site for the park is still underway. The developers are keen to ensure that the chosen location does not interfere with other activities including, among others, recreational and commercial fishing.

For the entire project, the local authorities have received a grant from Next Generation European funds in the amount of 2 million euros. The creators of the project intend to use the funds received to create underwater installations and an educational layer that will introduce not only the history of the Porto Cristo wrecks themselves, but also ways to study and protect the historic vessels.

Environment

Another important aspect highlighted by the originators is environmental protection. The creation of an artificial reef will help strengthen biodiversity and regenerate the local ecosystem. After all, it has not been known for a long time that it is the wrecks, full of nooks and crannies and hiding places, that provide a wonderful habitat for underwater life.

There is nothing left for us to do but follow the next steps in the construction of the park and wait patiently for its opening. However, it is certainly slow to plan a small vacation in Mallorca.

Photo: Instituto Balear de Estudios en Arqueología Marítima – IBEAM

You can read about how much Spain has to offer underwater in Joanna Kruk’s article. Cabo de Palos is a place you will learn more about in the 20th issue of our DIVERS24 quarterly! The digital version of the magazine is available free of charge, while you can purchase the printed version in our online store.