Santorini – the island of hot springs, sandy beaches of various colors, and houses in the volcanic rocks. If you’re a passionate angler that would like to cast a line while on vacation, Santorini fishing will not disappoint. Part of the Cyclades, you’ll find this small volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, about 120 miles from mainland Greece.
One of the main alternative tourist activities in Santorini is sportfishing, and there’s a pronounced fishing season, usually from May until November. You don’t have to go far offshore to cast your line in the deep waters, though the shoreline can be inaccessible and rocky, due to constant volcanic activity in the past. Still, you can find a decent number of fish species around this small, but gorgeous island.
Top Catches
The Aegean Sea offers a rich and diverse fishing playground for anglers from all over the world and local fishermen who make a living from fishing. Depending on the time of the year and the fishing technique you use, you can find anything on your line from bottom dwellers to pelagic predators. Dentex, Red Snapper (Common Pandora), Grouper, European Seabass, John Dory, Seabream, Barracuda, Conger Eel, Octopi, Little Tunny, and many more are a frequent catch on Santorini fishing trips.
Red Snapper (Common Pandora)
If you’re going fishing in Santorini, one of the favorite catches will definitely be Common Pandora, or Red Snapper, how locals call it. To find these beauties, you will have to go 5–7 miles from the shore and focus on bottom fishing. They like to hide in the depths, around countless rock structures surrounding the island, and reeling in a Red Snapper will be a challenge. They are smart enough to make you lose your lure or break the line, and even when they’re hooked good, they’ll give you a good fight. After the fish battle, you get to taste the fruits of your hard work on the boat in the form of a delicious lunch, and chances are, it will be some of the best fish you’ve ever had.
European Seabass
Ask any local captain about the most elusive fish to catch in the area, and they’ll probably say the European Seabass. The best chance to hook this wily fish is to cast your line around rocky shorelines, taking into account the wind, because Seabass follow the current. Using the wind to your advantage to cancel out the boat’s noise will help you sneak up on the spooky fish. To attract European Seabass to your line, use squid (both live and dead), it will give you the best results and may bring you a new personal record. Around Santorini, Seabass can weigh over 20 pounds, and if you do get a big one, get ready to fight it, because it will not give up until its last breath.
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Going after Little Tunny is always fun, because it loves the warm waters around Santorini and it’s quite a greedy feeder. You’ll often catch these guys when targeting other fish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fighting it into the boat. Bear in mind that if you catch Little Tunny, Greek law requires you to release it. You can catch this pretty Tuna both farther offshore and close to land, they will come as soon as there’s some promise of food around. Since they’re decent fighters, it will be fun bringing them onto the boat, even if only to snap a quick photo with them and put them back to the water where they belong.
Need To Know
Whether you choose to fish from the shore or you want to cast your line from a boat, having a seasoned fishing guide with you will help you find the best angling spots. The captain will also make sure you are aware of the country’s fishing rules and regulations, and help you have the best time on the water.
Regulations
You don’t need a personal fishing license if you’re going fishing in Greece, and this goes both for shore and boat fishing. Local charter captains are required to have a license, however, and you should confirm that your captain is licensed before heading out.
In case you’re a spearfishing aficionado, remember that you’re not allowed to bring any light source into the water with you, and it’s forbidden to use spears with compressed gas. Your captain will let you know about the weight and bag limits for your catch, and it’s important to keep them in mind as well.
Budget
Everyone who’s in the mood to go to a big game fishing trip will pay around €1000 for a full day (seven hours) hunt, with all the tackle, drinks and lunch included. Longer trips are a bit more expensive, around €1350, but usually around 10 people can go on the same boat. Half day expeditions could cost anywhere from €650–€750, and they last five hours. There’s also an option for booking a three-hour trip at the average price of €450.
Getting There
It takes a bit of time to get to Santorini from the mainland, but the trip will be well worth the effort. You will need to hop on and off of ferries on Tinos, Mykonos, and Nakos to get to your final destination, and the whole trip could take up to six or more hours.
With Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean seas surrounding the island, these waters are deep blue, pristine, and teeming with marine life. In Santorini, you’ll find a unique blend of awe-inspiring sunsets, welcoming locals, and a fishery that will make your time on the island even more memorable.