Sunken ancient port of Amathus to be opened to divers

The Department of Antiquities of Cyprus has announced that the sunken ancient port of Amathus will be made available for diving tourism.

Researchers have completed underwater work and mapping at the site of the sunken ancient port of Amathus. Now there is nothing to stop the site being added to the long list of diving attractions in Cyprus. The site, located off the coast of the city of Limassol, will soon start functioning as an underwater archaeological park.

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Lying just under the water, just 60 m from the shoreline port of Amathus will soon become the latest tourist attraction of Cyprus. Adventurous holidaymakers will be able to dive and swim over its sunken stone remains.

The next stage of promoting this unique underwater monument involves installing information signs. These will be placed both on land and at sea. They will inform tourists that the ancient sunken port of Amathus is located underwater. We also plan to develop a mobile application. – A spokesman for the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus informed.

According to a study carried out by underwater archaeologists from the University of Cyprus, the sunken ancient port of Amathus, was chosen to form the first underwater archaeological park in Cyprus because of its unique character.

Amathus Port is one of the best preserved ancient port structures in the eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, it is the only such site in Cyprus that has not been disturbed by modern development. The preserved architectural remains are located in shallow waters, the depth of which does not exceed 1.5 m. Thanks to its location close to the shore, the whole site will be easily accessible for diving, freediving and snorkelling.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a decisive impact on number of tourists visitors to the island. There is no denying that Cyprus is largely based on income from tourism, so local authorities are looking for out-of-the-box solutions. And this beautiful island has much to offer visitors. Also under water!

ANDIKAT Programme

The project to make Amathus harbour accessible is being carried out under the ANDIKAT programme of the European Regional Development Fund. It aims to highlight and promote the underwater archaeological and natural heritage. As part of the work, specialists are creating diving routes in marine protected areas in Greece and Cyprus.

The Musem of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa in Cyprus is a stunning facility opening in summer 2021. You will find an account of our visit in Issue 17 DIVERS24 quarterly! The digital version of the magazine is available free of charge, while you can purchase the printed version in our e-shop.