The Messinian Gulf, apart from its enchanting beaches, is also famous for the beauty and richness of its seabed. In its deep blue, a wonderful unknown world exists, one of enchanting beauty. The bay from the mouth of the river Tsane up to Helonaria, the cape of Voidokoilia, the island of Venetiko, Avgo or Petrokaravo and the island of Sapientza, are a paradise for divers. Either you have a previous experience or not, private or group diving can be arranged on request. Experienced instructors will show you the best of the Messinian gulf's seabed. Familiarization diving lessons are also organised in the pool of Paris Village for teenagers (from 13 years old) and adults. Ask us for more information! 

 

CAUTION: There are areas under restriction for scuba diving from the Underwater Archaeological Findings Inspection (Ministry for Culture, Athens). Also, in the southern part of Sapientza island, southeast of the "Two Brothers" islands, there is an underwater abyss and diving is not permitted there. Therefore it is always advisable to refer to the local port authorities to confirm if diving is allowed or be escorted by an licened instructor.

 

Sapientza, one of the three Oinoussai Islands, is a low island with an area of 9 square kilometres, its highest peak being on its north part, Foveri, at a height of 219 m. The slopes of the island climb up in lush greenery, and the crystal clear waters of the sea, have a unique exotic colour. The mystery of the island becomes stronger because its real historical development is virtually unknown, so each visitor can be a potential explorer. Sapintza has been the favourite docking place for every fleet that had business with the cities of Methoni and Koroni, these important cities of the Mediterranean during the whole span of the Middle Ages. The ships that usually sailed near the coast of the island frequently crashed on its rocky coast resulting in the discovery of many important shipwrecks from all the historical periods. 
  
Sarchophagi shipwreck 
A great shipwreck located in the northwest of the island, is the Sarchophagi shipwreck as it is called (Roman sarcophagi by sculpted titanian stone). The shipwrecks around Sapientza are so numerous and important that there is a thought for the creation of an underwater archaeological park. Underwater exploration is a unique experience for skillful divers. However, the in southern part of the island, and southeast of the islands called The two brothers, the so-called Oinousses Gorge, an underwater abyss, is existing and diving should be avoided in any case.

 

The coastline of the island is rocky steep in some parts, while gentle in others. There is only one sandy beach on the island located on the north part, facing Methoni and is called Ammos. It is protected by the northwestern winds and has a basic docking area and a wooden gazebo where one can rest. On the east side of the island, a rocky bay is located, called Maghazakia, where a good dock is. This is where the path that leads to the heart of the island, starts. There, the mountains form a natural fort around the protected valley, where a miracle of nature is preserved intact, the only Mediterranean Strawberry Tree Forest. It is comprised of trees, not bushes, with a height that is well over 10-12 m., which develop so much due to its isolation as well as the climatic conditions in the past 10.000 years. The forest and surrounding area of 24 hectares has been declared a natural preserve monument since 1986. Before this forest, an unusual sight is revealed: in the deep of the luscious green valley, in the centre of the island, instead of vegetation, there is an orange-green plateau. This is a strange stone that was created by huge volumes of pollen that were concentrated there. This particular valley is named Spartolakka and is the best source of information on the island for the scientists, concerning the dating of the forest. 

To the south, we come across a large closed bay, Porto Logo the safe harbour of the sailors and the fleets. Coming into the bay, we pass by the islet of Bomba, where according to legend the Apostle Paul landed when his ship sailed into a storm on its way to Rome. The bottom of the bay is strewn with shipwrecks. 

On the south part of the Porto Loggo bay, a path starts, via which the visitor can visit the south part of the island where the lighthouse of Sapientza is located. It is an impressive octagonal stone building of 18 metres in height built by the English circa 1890. At its base there are rooms for the lighthouse personnel. By climbing the 75 stone steps we reach the top of the lighthouse. The view is spectacular. The distance covered by the lighthouse beam during the first years of its operation was 40 miles, while today, this distance has been reduced to 27 miles. 

At the southeast part of the island there are two islets, called Dyo Adelfia. To their southeast, the Oinnousai Pit is located, an underwater abyss that reaches to the deepest part of the Mediterranean, at 5.121 m., where research for the "NESTOR" experiment is conducted and has to do with neutrinos and the past of the universe. Many Greek and international institutions contribute to this effort. 

The west coasts of Sapientza are steep and wild, almost always stormy. In this part the protected small bay of Maneta is located. Legends tell us that the famous pirate Manetas used the cave that was here as his hideout, and launched all attacks to passing ships from here. Nowadays, the cave does not exist.