Greece is surrounded by three different seas, so it’s no surprise that a love of water is deeply embedded in this country’s culture. From the delicious seafood that’s cooked up and served in local tavernas to the many fishing villages dotted along the shorelines, a love for angling shines through every part of Greek life. It may come as a surprise, then, that fishing in Greece has only recently become popular with visiting anglers and tourists!
Until 2015, there was no legal framework for local captains wanting to run angling adventures for fishing enthusiasts. Fear not, however – this has all changed. Hop aboard a Greek fishing charter to gain a unique insight into a way of life that was previously inaccessible to outsiders. What could be more irresistible than hooking world-famous fish and discovering some hidden history at the same time?
Best Fish to Catch in Greece
Saltwater fishing is the name of the game in Greece. The magic of casting a line here is that the species you’ll be targeting tend to remain the same. And when the list of potential catches includes gigantic Bluefin Tuna, Billfish varieties, and tasty table fare, that’s only a good thing! Below, we’ve outlined our favorite fish across the country…
Bluefin Tuna
Anglers all around the world love hooking into Tuna, thanks to their delicious taste and hard-fighting qualities. It’s no different in Greece. Reports of catches weighing around 280 kilos (around 617 pounds) in the Aegean Sea have only added to their popularity. If you want to catch this beaut, Greece is one of the best spots in Europe for this thrill!
You can reel in Tuna all around Greece, in all three seas. These fish come as close as 5 miles from shore in some areas during the summer. Although this is the best time to target them, anglers wanting to beat the heat (and crowds!) can find them during the winter months, too. You’ll just have to head slightly further out to battle them.
When it comes to hooking Tuna, local anglers implement a variety of techniques. Trolling the sea from a boat is popular, as is deep sea jigging. But if you’re looking for a truly traditional Tuna adventure, give handlining a go. Just make sure you invest in a strong pair of fishing gloves. You don’t want to reel in a 200+ kg beast with bare hands!
Bluefin Tuna aren’t the only Tuna variety you can come face-to-gills with in Greece, though. Due to their popularity, they’re at risk of overfishing, which means that many local captains suggest not keeping your Bluefin catch. If you want to target varieties that you can keep and eat, however, the area of Alonissos is famous for its Albacore and Yellowfin Tuna fishing opportunities.
Dentex
Remember we mentioned spearfishing above? Along with the usual Grouper and Snapper suspects, there’s one particular species that has a reputation as a worthy spearfishing opponent, and for good reason. Dentex are unique fish that combine speed, power, and sharp fangs with a severely skeptical attitude. This means that going after them involves not just a battle of strength, but a battle of the wits, too.
Spearfishing in Greece is exciting all on its own. You aren’t allowed to use air-pressured spearguns. You need to be able to hold your breath and have great aim – and a steady hand! Fortune favors the brave, though. If you feel comfortable in your diving abilities, you’ll experience an underwater chase that’s quite unlike any other type of fishing.
Dentex like to lurk around underwater structure. Areas like Porto Koufo with plenty of reefs and “underwater mountains” are your best bet. In some areas, such as Porto Koufo’s bay, spearfishing is strictly prohibited, whereas the waters beyond the bay are fair game – and seriously plentiful. Keep an eye out for signs, and if you want to ensure you’re fishing legally, head out with a local guide.
You don’t have to worry about lugging your own spearfishing gear on a plane, either, as local charters and fishing shops sell and rent them. Want to hook into this tasty and hard-fighting fish but not sure about your spearfishing skills? You can also deep sea jig and bottom fish for them. But there’s nothing quite like coming face-to-gills with a gigantic Dentex under the water, where they rule the roost!
Swordfish
Tuna aren’t the only big game species lurking around Greece’s many coastlines. You’ll be thrilled to know that the waters of the Ionian Sea are brimming with another famous family of hard-fighting fish. Yep, we’re talking about Billfish.
Although you’ll be able to find Marlin varieties and Sailfish inhabiting these waters, the most popular Billfish catch by far here has to be Swordfish. Often overlooked in other fisheries, they truly get the reverence and respect they deserve from Greek anglers! Broadbill Swordfish are the most common variety here, and hooking ’em will earn you serious bragging rights.
Greece’s Swordfish grow to impressive sizes, and reeling one in involves a certain level of skill and finesse. During the daytime, they’re often picky and won’t bite, which means that nighttime drift fishing and trolling with live bait are popular techniques. The real fight only begins when your fish has bitten. Swordfish are vicious fighters, so you’ll want to bring along tough braided tackle, as well as plenty of fighting spirit.
Although Swordfish are popular table food throughout Greece, and a staple of local cuisine, they’re also at risk. Thanks to their delicious taste, they’re regularly fished for and numbers are declining. Visiting anglers should release any beasts they hook, in order to keep this fishery alive.
Squid
They might seem like a slight departure from the rest of our list, which is fully focused on sea creatures that possess fins and a tail, but there’s no way we could leave out the humble Squid. Known locally as kalamári, chances are you’ve encountered them on many-a-menu throughout Greece and beyond! They might not seem an exciting catch at first glance, but we’re here to change your mind.
Firstly, Squid fishing in Greece normally takes place during the fall and early winter, so you’re already upping the ante when it comes to the weather. Secondly, local captains prefer to fish for them during the evening or night, when they’re a lot more plentiful. Yep, you’ll likely be keeping an eye out for these multi-limbed creatures under the cover of darkness. Not quite so boring now, eh?
Squid can be found all along Greece’s many coastal areas. They’re especially drawn to weed beds and reef edges. Groups of islands, such as the Cyclades, are particularly plentiful. Because of this, pier fishing and fishing from the shore are popular ways to hook ‘em, with handlining being a common local technique. Many locals suggest using light spinning gear and getting your hands on specific Squid jigs if you want to use your rod.
As you don’t need a boat to haul in these cephalopods, they’ve become an increasingly common catch for new anglers and families looking to fish together. This doesn’t mean that they’re off-limits for hardened fishing fanatics, though – a Squid fishing trip in Greece often yields plenty of tasty table fare to fill your cooler. Even better, you can take your catch to a local taverna and request a delicious fry up!
…And the Rest!
Although the above species are, in our opinion, some of the most prestigious fish you can hook in Greece, they’re by no means the only creatures you’ll find in these waters. There’s also Little Tunny, Barracuda, Common Pandora, Grouper species, Mahi Mahi, and more.
Saltwater fishing is Greece’s bread and butter. Really invested in freshwater fishing? Stick to the mainland, especially around Ioannina in northwestern Greece, and you’ll find Catfish, Whitefish, and Trout varieties.
How to Go Fishing in Greece
Charter Fishing
Charter fishing in Greece is still relatively new on the country’s angling scene. You wouldn’t know it from the number of vessels on offer! Captains here run a whole variety of trips, and can take you anywhere from 1–50 miles from the shore. Head to any port town or coastal city, and you’ll find boats docked all along the seafront.
Hopping aboard a local charter isn’t just the best way to explore Greece’s fishing scene. You’ll also get to share in the local culture with captains that have been fishing their entire lives. In fact, a common way of arranging a fishing trip on a vessel is to simply wander down to the nearest dock or harbor and chat with the captains to see if they have any extra room!
This means that as well as providing you with excellent local tips and tricks, Greece fishing guides are also very flexible. Want a big beast battle? You can customize a private trip into a Tuna-chasing excursion. Want to cast a line and make some friends? A shared charter is a way to go. Trips here really run the gamut from super-professional and organized fishing charter businesses to local captains simply wanting to fill a spare seat.
Fishing On Foot
As we’ve already mentioned, Greece is pretty much surrounded by plentiful fisheries. Where there’s a shoreline, there’s a chance of a good catch. You don’t even have to step foot on a charter, either. Fishing from the country’s many beaches, piers, harbors, and walkways is a popular pastime, and all you need to do is grab some rods and reels and pick your location.
It’s common to see local anglers fishing around rocky structure, near harbors, and from the beaches themselves. Fishing from the harbors is a good option if you’re newer to angling, as you’ll generally find bait and tackle shops and a local willing to lend a hand. If you’re on the beach, just watch out for swimmers. Local anglers tend to fish more populated locations in the evening or during nighttime, out of respect for swimmers.
So if fishing on foot is so easy, why opt for a charter? Well, something to remember is what Greece’s fishery currently looks like. It is somewhat overfished, which means that the quicker access you have to a variety of hotspots, the better. Simply, you’ll likely catch more fish on a charter. If you’re looking to get a taste of local life, however, with plenty of laid-back vibes, then fishing on foot is a perfect way to relax and enjoy a day in the sun.
Greece Fishing Spots
The answer to this question is incredibly varied. Basically, wherever there’s a shoreline, you’ll be able to cast your line for a whole host of species! You can fish from the mainland as well as the many Greek islands. Below, we’ve outlined some of our favorite spots, as well as what you can catch there.
- Kefalonia: Located in the Ionian Sea, this popular tourist island is home to plenty of charter vessels. Thanks to its rocky terrain, Dentex and Common Pandora are regular catches here.
- Santorini: Famous for its stunning scenery, and those blue-topped traditional Greek houses, Santorini is also an excellent place to fish for Bluefin Tuna. Visit in the summer, and they can be found just 5 miles from shore.
- Kos: Surrounded by the Aegean Sea, this island has plenty of white sandy beaches. With a coastline measuring 112 kilometers (70 miles), shore fishing is popular here, but the port of Kos is also home to excellent charter fishing opportunities.
- Chalkidiki: This northern region is a somewhat hidden and undiscovered fishing gem. Dentex, Common Pandora, Amberjack, and Squid all inhabit these waters.
- Zante: You might know Zante better as a popular holiday resort and party town. It’s also one of the best places in Greece to fish for Billfish (Marlin and Swordfish), as well as Tuna (Albacore, Bluefin, and Skipjack).
- Corfu: Looking to get your hands on a Swordfish battle? The channel between Corfu and Paxos is a true playground for these beasts. You’ll find plenty of charter vessels departing from Corfu, too.
- Rhodes: The largest of Greece’s Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes is the perfect place to experience some traditional Squid fishing. Head here during fall, and get ready to try out some nighttime fishing for these creatures.
When to Go Fishing in Greece
No matter when you visit Greece, there’s something to fish for! However, some of the species that inhabit these waters are flighty fellas and only appear during certain months. You can find out in-depth information from our handy calendar.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefin Tuna | Weak | Weak | Weak | Good | Good | Good | Great | Great | Great | Good | Weak | Weak |
| Swordfish | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Good | Great | Great | Good | Weak | Weak |
| Squid | Great | Great | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Weak | Good | Good | Good | Great | Great |
| Dentex | Weak | Weak | Good | Great | Great | Great | Great | Great | Good | Weak | Weak | Weak |
Greece Fishing Regulations
The legalities of fishing in Greece seem very simple at first. If you’re fishing from the shore, which includes harbors and beaches, you don’t need a license. Hopping aboard a charter? You don’t need to purchase a license for this, either. However, what you do have to be aware of are regulations regarding how you can fish in Greece, such as:
- It’s illegal to fish with a net.
- It’s illegal to fish with spears that use any kind of compressed gas, including air and CO2, or any kind of explosive charge.
- You are not allowed to spearfish in Greece during the month of May.
- Some size limits regarding certain species may apply.
Fishing in Greece: Legendary Angling Action
One thing Greece is obviously well known for is its many ancient mythologies. This means it’s easy to get swept up in tales of grandeur – it’s only natural to want to please the country’s many gods and heroes, after all. When we talk about how excellent fishing in Greece is, though, we promise we’re not exaggerating.
Prime angling opportunities are scattered all over the country, from north to south, east to west, and everywhere in between. Each shoreline holds the key to waters that are fish-filled and – dare we say it – truly legendary. Come discover it for yourself!
Have you ever been fishing in Greece? Any tips, tricks, or hotspots you want to share? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
