Posted in 
April 29th, 2010
Cavtat
To say that Croatia is a scuba diver‘s paradise is no exaggeration. It’s not just the fish and coral but the many shipwrecks that make Croatia’s portion of the Adriatic an excursion into ancient history. Located on a sea corridor that brought wealth to a series of Mediterranean civilizations from the ancient Greeks to the 17th-century Venetians, the floor of Croatia’s Adriatic is littered with the wrecks of merchant vessels. As these vessels were often carrying valuables, they have become targets of the more unscrupulous diving ventures.
One of the most valuable wrecks is a second century Greek trading vessel resting off the coast of Cavtat. Its cargo of ancient olive oil and wine is still intact and is valued at around €6 million. Fearful of looters, the Croatian government has now protected the cargo with a heavy metal cage. Recently a diver was allowed into the cage to photograph the amphorae (you can read his account here) but then it was locked up again.
Even if you can’t secure the permissions necessary to visit this particular wreck (and you probably can’t) there are still dozens of wrecks for experienced divers to explore on the Croatian coast. And if diving isn’t your thing? Rest assured that the ‘Greek Amphorae” that decorate a number of coastal restaurants and guesthouses probably are the genuine article.
Read more about Cavtat and scuba diving in Croatia.
