Posted by 🐚 Collecting, Eating & Discovering in the Mediterranean
Whether strolling along the beach or snorkeling in the clear water – seashells are simply part of Greece.
Their colors and shapes tell stories of the sea, and many vacationers like to take them home as a small souvenir.
But seashells are more than just pretty finds: They are important marine animals, filtering water, living in sand or rock crevices, and are a popular food in Greek cuisine.
In this article, you will learn:
which seashells are found in the sea around Greece,
where you can find them,
what you need to keep in mind when collecting them,
and which shellfish dishes are served in tavernas.
1. The Mediterranean Habitat – Perfect Conditions for Seashells
The Greek sea offers seashells everything they need:
clear, warm waters, rocky bays, seagrass meadows, and sandy beaches.
Around Greece, over 150 species of seashells live, from tiny cockles to large mussels.
They filter thousands of liters of water daily and are therefore an important part of the ecosystem.
2. Common mussel species in Greece
| mussel species | Greek name | Description | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) | Μύδι (mýdi) | blue-black, 5–8 cm, edible | rocky coasts, harbors |
| Clam (Chamelea gallina) | Αχιβάδα (achiváda) | cream-colored, delicate | sandy bottom, shallow water |
| Scallop (Pecten jacobaeus) | Χτένι (chteni) | fan-shaped, red-orange | deeper water |
| Cockle (Cerastoderma glaucum) | – | small, round, often on the beach | shallow bays |
| Spiny mussel (Spondylus gaederopus) | – | thick shell, spiky | Rocks, 5–30 m depth |
| Razor clam (Solen marginatus) | Ξυράφι (xirafi) | oblong, up to 15 cm | sandy soil, buried |
| Tellina mussels (Tellina sp.) | – | iridescent | sandy bottom, seagrass |
💡 Tip:
After a storm, empty seashells often lie on the beach – especially many can be found in bays with fine sand and seaweed remnants.
3. Where to find shells
Northern Aegean (Halkidiki, Thassos): large shell beds, some commercially harvested.
Ionian Sea (Corfu, Lefkada): many clams and cockles.
Crete & Dodecanese: fewer shell beds, but beautiful shells can be found after storms.
Aegean Sea in general: colorful little shells in shallow bays.
On islands like Naxos, Paros, or Milos, you’ll see a particularly large number of shells – not for eating, but beautiful for collectors.
4. Collecting shells – allowed or forbidden?
Generally, you are allowed to take empty shells from the beach.
They are considered natural products without protected status as long as no living creatures remain inside.
Collecting or fishing for live shells, however, is not permitted without a permit.
You need a fishing or diving license for this.
Rules at a Glance
Empty shells: ✅ allowed (small quantities for personal use)
Live shells: ❌ prohibited without a permit
Large quantities: may be considered “commercial harvesting”
In national parks (e.g., Zakynthos, Alonissos): Harvesting is generally prohibited
💡 Grade:
Snail shells and corals are subject to similar rules – small finds are okay, but not bucketfuls.
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5. Environment & Nature Conservation
Mussels clean the sea by filtering plankton.
If too many are collected, the ecosystem loses these vital filter-feeding organisms.
Therefore:
Collect only a few shells and leave live mussels in the water.
In many regions—especially in Halkidiki, the Thermaic Gulf, and near Volos—mussels are farmed. These areas are protected and may not be entered.
6. Mussels in Greek Cuisine
Mussels are a popular delicacy in Greece—especially in the north and along the coast of Macedonia.
Popular Dishes:
Midia saganaki (μδια σαγανάκι) – Mussels in tomato sauce with feta cheese
Midia pilafi (μδια πιλάφι) – Rice with mussels
Midia tiganita (μδια τηγανητά) – Fried mussels
Pasta me midia – Spaghetti with mussels, olive oil, and garlic
Mussels with rice and dill – light and summery
Mussel dishes are popular year-round in restaurants along the coast (e.g., Thessaloniki, Kavala, Volos).
On the islands, however, they are less common – fish and squid are more prevalent there.
7. Mussel Farming in Greece
The majority of edible mussels in Greece come from aquaculture facilities.
The center is located in the Thermaic Gulf near Thessaloniki.
Over 10,000 tons of mussels are produced there annually – primarily for export.
💡 Greece is one of the largest mussel producers in Europe, after Spain and Italy.
Mussel farming usually takes place in the sea, on floating lines or poles.
The mussels grow there in clean water and are regularly inspected.
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