Posted by 🎣 Species, Seafood & Typical Dishes
Crystal-clear water, colorful fish, fishing boats, and tavernas with fresh catches – Greece is a paradise for anyone who loves the sea.
But what fish actually live in the waters around Greece?
The answer: a great many.
The Greek sea is home to over 400 species of fish – from tiny sardines to large tuna.
Some are edible fish, others are protected or rare.
In this article, you’ll learn:
which fish you can see while swimming or snorkeling,
which species are typical for the cuisine,
which are dangerous or protected,
and where you can find good fishing spots.
1. The Sea Around Greece
Greece lies between three seas:
the Aegean Sea to the east,
the Ionian Sea to the west,
and the Libyan Sea to the south.
All three belong to the eastern Mediterranean – warm, salty, and teeming with life.
The coasts are rocky, with seagrass meadows and sandy coves, ideal habitats for many fish species.
💡 Tip:
The quieter and more pristine the bay, the more fish you’ll see – for example, on Naxos, Crete, Karpathos, or in Halkidiki.
2. Fish while snorkeling and swimming
When snorkeling in Greece, you often see small, curious fish.
The most common species:
| Fish | description | Occurrence |
|---|---|---|
| Goldstriemen (Sarpa salpa) | silvery with golden stripes | everywhere on rocky coasts |
| Sea bream (Diplodus sargus) | flat, grey, with a dark spot | near the coast |
| Red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) | reddish, 2 beard threads | sandy bays |
| Wrasses (Symphodus sp.) | colorful, small | Seagrass meadows |
| Mediterranean peacock fish (Thalassoma pavo) | bright green-blue | often while snorkeling |
| Red mullet (Mullus barbatus) | reddish, delicate | Basic proximity |
| Sea eel / Moray eel | yellowish, hidden in crevices | more nocturnal |
| Octopus / Cuttlefish / Squid | no fish, but very common | Rocky coasts & harbors |
💡 Note:
Almost all fish are harmless – they flee when you approach.
3. Fish for fishing in Greece
Fishing is popular in Greece, especially among locals.
No license is required as long as you fish from the shore and do not use a net or harpoon.
Popular species for recreational anglers:
Sea bream (tsipoura),
Mulle (moulet),
Sardines (sardélles),
Mahi-mahi (korfos),
Sea bass (lavráki),
Cut-off squid (chtapódi).
💡 Tip:
Early morning or just before sunset are the best times.
Popular fishing locations: Crete, Rhodes, Peloponnese, Halkidiki.
4. Large Fish in the Open Sea
Larger species live in deeper waters:
Tuna (tonos) – up to 3 m, fast predators, found near the coast in summer,
Swordfish (xifias) – rare, protected for part of the year,
Barracuda – slender, silvery, poses no threat to humans,
Dorado / Marake (lampouda) – colorful, popular with sport fishermen,
Bonito / Skipjack Tuna – common in the Aegean Sea.
💡 Large predatory fish are automatically avoided when swimming – they stay in deeper water.
5. Dangerous or Poisonous Fish
Only a few dangerous species live in the Mediterranean.
In Greece, the following are worth mentioning:
| Fish | Danger | Behave |
|---|---|---|
| Dragonhead (Scorpaena scrofa) | Poisonous thorns, painful | lives at the bottom, stay calm |
| Weever fish (Trachinus draco) | Poisonous, buried in the sand | If you step on it → sting |
| Lionfish (Pterois miles) | tropical species, found in the south for several years | avoid, but rarely |
| Stonefish (Synanceia sp.) | extremely rare in the eastern Mediterranean | dangerous, but rarely occurs |
- 💡 Tip:Wear water shoes for protection in shallow bays.Do not step on the seabed.If stung: cool the area immediately, then seek medical attention.
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6. Invaders from the Red Sea – “Lessepian Migration”
Since the construction of the Suez Canal, many tropical species have been migrating from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean.
These are called Lessepian species.
They include:
Lionfish (Pterois miles),
Harehead pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) – poisonous, do not eat,
Blue-spotted pufferfish,
Parrotfish species.
These fish have been spreading in the southern Aegean Sea (e.g., Rhodes, Karpathos, Crete) for years.
They are often colorful, but not suitable for consumption.
💡 Pufferfish, in particular, contains tetrodotoxin – a potent neurotoxin.
7. Typical Fish to Eat in Greece
Greek cuisine is closely linked to the sea.
In tavernas, you can usually find freshly caught, grilled fish – simple, but delicious.
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Greek name German name Preparation Tsipoura gilthead bream / sea bream grilled with olive oil & lemon Lavraki sea bass grilled or in the oven Barbouni Red mullet Fried in oil, delicate and tender Xifias Swordfish grilled like a steak Melanouri scorbuter popular food fish Gavros anchovy fried or marinated Anchovies Sardines grilled or pickled Kalamari squid fried or stuffed Chtapódi Octopus grilled, pickled in vinegar or with wine 💡 Tip:
Coastal taverns often have a counter with the day’s catch – there you can choose the fish yourself. -
8. Fishing & Sustainability
Fishing is an important part of life for many Greeks.
Thousands of small boats set out daily, mostly in the early morning hours.
However, it’s important to note:
Tuna and swordfish stocks are sometimes overfished.
EU regulations limit fishing seasons and net sizes.
Ports typically sell small, sustainably caught fish.
💡 Recommendation:
In tavernas, choose small fish like sardines, mackerel, or sea bream – they almost always come from sustainable coastal fisheries.
9. Fish in Greek Lakes & Rivers
There are also many fish species found inland:
Trout in mountain rivers (Epirus, Macedonia),
Carp and tench in lakes,
Eels in western Greece,
Cichlids and tilapia in warm reservoirs.
Popular fishing spots: Lake Prespa, Lake Ioannina, Lake Doirani.
10. Fish in Greek Daily Life & Symbolism
In ancient times, fish were considered a symbol of life, fertility, and good fortune.
In early Christianity, the fish (Greek: ichthýs) became a symbol of faith.
Today in Greece, fish simply represent:
good food,
the sea & summer,
health & community.
💡 A family meal with fish is almost always a celebration – especially by the sea.
11. Fish Markets & Fishing Ports
The best places to see (and buy) fresh fish:
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Location Description Athens – Central Market Varvakios large selection, noisy activity Heraklion (Crete) right in the old harbor Chania (Crete) Small fishermen sell their catch Rhodes Town Fresh catch daily from 6 a.m. Naxos / Paros Ports often small boats with coolers 💡 Early morning (7-9 am) is the best time to experience real everyday fishing life.
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12. Fish and Religion
Many Greeks abstain from fish on Good Friday,
but on the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) or on certain fasting days, fish is expressly permitted.
Fish dishes are therefore considered an “intermediate” form – not quite meat, but filling and healthy.
13. Fish as Art & Cultural Objects
In tavernas, on ceramics, postcards, or house walls – the fish is a popular symbol:
for the sea & freedom,
for nourishment & life,
for purity.
In many island towns, dried fish or fishing nets hang as decorations.
14. Fishing on Vacation – Rules
Free fishing with a rod from the shore is permitted, but:
no spearfishing without a permit,
no nets or fish traps,
no night fishing with lights,
catch limit: max. 5 kg per day.
💡 Tip:
On Crete, Corfu, or Naxos, locals offer boat trips with fishing equipment – legal and exciting.
15. Fish and Tourism
Many beaches offer glass-bottom boats or small dive centers where you can see fish up close – especially beautiful:
Elounda & Agios Nikolaos (Crete),
Kolymbari & Balos Lagoon,
Naxos (Agia Anna, Aliko),
Rhodes (Anthony Quinn Bay),
Kefalonia & Lefkada (Ionian Sea).
💡 Particularly worthwhile: Snorkeling in bays with seagrass – hundreds of small fish and starfish live there.
16. Fish in Greek Cuisine
Greeks usually eat fish prepared simply – grilled, with lemon, olive oil, salt, and oregano.
Typical dishes:
Psari plaki – Baked fish with tomatoes and onions,
Kakavia – Fish soup with vegetables,
Psari sto fourno – Whole baked fish,
Gavros tiganitos – Fried anchovies,
Xifias skaras – Grilled swordfish.
💡 Tip: The simpler the restaurant looks, the better the fish often is.
Price range 17
-
Fish dish Average price Fried sardines 8–10 € Grilled sea bream / sea bass 14–20 € Grilled octopus 13–18 € Fish platter for 2 people 30–45 € Squid rings (calamari) 10–14 € 💡 More expensive in tourist areas, significantly cheaper in small villages.
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18. Fish and the Environment
The Mediterranean Sea is under pressure – from overfishing, plastic pollution, and warming.
On the positive side: Greece has many marine protected areas, such as:
Alonissos Marine Park (home of the Mediterranean monk seal),
Zakynthos (turtle sanctuary),
Cyclades Marine Protected Area near Naxos and Paros.
These areas also protect fish stocks – ideal for sustainable tourism.
19. Fish as a Photo Subject
Underwater photos turn out particularly well:
in the morning, when the light is at an angle,
in calm water,
with a polarizing filter or GoPro.
Popular subjects: schools of small bream, peacock wrasse, and octopuses.
20. Conclusion – Greece’s Marine Life is Vibrant and Peaceful
Fish are as much a part of Greece as sunshine and olive oil.
Whether swimming, snorkeling, or eating – they naturally accompany your vacation.
👉 In short:
Over 400 fish species, mostly harmless,
Excellent cuisine featuring fresh catches,
Sustainable fishing practices in many areas,
New tropical species introduced through the Suez Canal,
Great opportunities for snorkeling.
Those who take their time will discover a peaceful, fascinating underwater world in the waters off Greece – and perhaps even the catch of a lifetime. 🐟🇬🇷