History Beneath the Waves

History in Greece is not exclusively confined to glass-walled museums—sometimes, it rests right beneath the crystal-clear waves. Just off the coast of Elounda lies the fascinating archaeological site of the ancient sunken city of Olous.

An Underwater Archaeological Wonder

Olous was an important Dorian city-state that flourished during antiquity before sinking beneath the sea, likely as a result of a massive earthquake in the 2nd century AD. Today, visitors can snorkel, swim, or paddleboard in the shallow waters of the Poros channel to catch clear glimpses of ancient stone foundations, defensive walls, and street layouts resting peacefully on the seabed.