ADRIAS - Crete

We love a good wreck, and the Adria, off Crete, delivers. She’s a proper old steamer, built way back in 1893, and you can feel that history as you descend. At 25 metres, she’s well within recreational limits, but still feels like a deep exploration. The Adria split in two when she went down in '51, so you’ve got two distinct sections to navigate, which we always appreciate – keeps things interesting. Visibility here can be brilliant, especially in late summer, giving you clear views of her massive propeller and the intricate machinery. We often find schools of damselfish flitting through the beams, and octopus are regulars in the deeper crevices. Our favourite part has to be the stern section; there’s an almost cathedral-like feel as you peer into the cargo holds, now home to moray eels. It’s a dive that rewards careful exploration, perfect for those who like to take their time and soak in the atmosphere of a truly historic vessel.

Location
Crete, Greece, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
36.832170, 23.899334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
25m

Wreck History - ADRIAS

Year Sunk
1951
Vessel Type
steamship
Cause
storm

The steamship ADRIAS had a long and storied career before its dramatic end. Built in 1893 by the legendary Harland & Wolff shipyard-the same builders as the Titanic-this vessel sailed the seas for nearly six decades. At the time of its loss, it was owned by the Epirotiki Steamship Navigation Company, a veteran of countless voyages.

On October 6, 1951, the ADRIAS was caught in a severe storm while navigating near the eastern end of Falconera Island in Greece. The aging ship fought valiantly against the heavy weather, but the relentless sea proved to be too powerful. It was wrecked against the island, finally succumbing to the elements after a lifetime of service.

Today, the ADRIAS rests at a comfortable depth of 25 meters, making it an accessible and fascinating site for recreational divers. Exploring the remains offers a tangible connection to early 20th-century maritime history. While time and the sea have taken their toll, the wreck's structure provides an excellent habitat for local marine life, adding vibrant color to this historic underwater monument.

Marine Protected Area: NISIDES MYRTOOU PELAGOUS: FALKONERA,VELOPOULA, ANANES KAI THALASSIA ZONI

Best Time to Dive in Crete

The warmest water temperatures in Crete occur in August, averaging 25.1°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 16.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 17.3°C
  • February: 16.4°C
  • March: 16.4°C
  • April: 17.0°C
  • May: 19.2°C
  • June: 22.3°C
  • July: 24.1°C
  • August: 25.1°C
  • September: 24.6°C
  • October: 22.9°C
  • November: 20.9°C
  • December: 18.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Crete

Nearest Dive Centres to ADRIAS

Marine Life in Crete

Home to 11 recorded species including 5 reef fish, 1 other, 1 sea urchins, 1 worms, 1 seagrass & algae, 1 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ADRIAS

Based on average water temperature of 20.4°C, currents 5 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