Portugal wreck - Alonissos Marine Park

We’ve dived a lot of wrecks in the Mediterranean, but the Portugal off Alonissos holds a special place. It’s not just a pile of metal; it’s a time capsule. We think the character here comes from its history – sunk in 1918, it’s had over a century for the sea to reclaim it, and you really feel that as you descend. The sheer scale of the ship is impressive, breaking through the surface gloom. What we love about the Portugal is the way it’s become an apartment block for marine life. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the railings, and we often spot moray eels peeking out from deep inside the hull. Keep an eye out for octopus tucked into the crevices, they're masters of camouflage here. The forward holds are particularly cool to explore, just be mindful of your buoyancy and any silting. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, a slow drift over history. We’d suggest going in the morning if you can, when the light really plays through the superstructure and the currents tend to be calmer. It’s perfect for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a wreck with a story.

Location: Alonissos Marine Park, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 37.749000, 24.125805
Type: wreck

Marine Protected Area: PARAKTIA KAI THALASSIA ZONI MAKRONISOU

Best Time to Dive in Alonissos Marine Park

The warmest water temperatures in Alonissos Marine Park occur in August, averaging 27.2°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 13.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 14.5°C
February: 13.9°C
March: 14.2°C
April: 15.4°C
May: 18.7°C
June: 23.5°C
July: 26.5°C
August: 27.2°C
September: 25.3°C
October: 22.8°C
November: 19.9°C
December: 16.9°C

Nearest Dive Centres to Portugal wreck

Marine Life in Alonissos Marine Park

Home to 16 recorded species including 3 whales & dolphins, 3 reef fish, 2 other, 2 hard corals, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
Blue-white Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) - Whales & Dolphins
Leidy's Comb Jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi)
Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
Marbled Spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus) - Reef Fish
Silver-cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) - Reef Fish
Devonshire cup coral (Caryophyllia (Caryophyllia) smithii) - Hard Corals
Species code: Hs (Halophila stipulacea) - Seagrass & Algae
Short-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) - Whales & Dolphins
Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) - Crabs & Lobsters
Red coral (Corallium rubrum) - Soft Corals
Bottleneck Sea Cucumber (Holothuria (Thymiosycia) impatiens) - Sea Cucumbers
Sand mason (Lanice conchilega) - Worms
Bushy Coral (Cladocora caespitosa) - Hard Corals
Wrasse (Coris julis) - Reef Fish
Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) - Crabs & Lobsters

Recommended Packing List for Portugal wreck

Based on average water temperature of 19.9°C, currents 3 cm/s.

Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 20°C water
Mask - essential for every dive
Fins
BCD - buoyancy compensator
Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories