Leros: A paradise for lovers of shipwrecks

Arriving in Agia Marina of Leros, we visited the Hydrovius Diving Center, where we met Tasos Kouvas. Tasos, one of the diving centre's pillars, grew up in Leros and trained in diving from age 8. Over the last three years, he has become a successful Padi Divemaster.

It is worth noting that Tasos is the son of the well-known diver Constantinos Kouvas, who has dedicated his life to exploring and highlighting the underwater treasures of Leros.

Following in his father's footsteps, Tasos has inherited a love for the sea and a deep knowledge and respect for the history beneath its surface.

Preparation for diving

Tasos gave us a short but thorough training on how to do a safe dive. He explained the use of the equipment, the basic techniques of breathing and communicating underwater, and the safety rules to follow.

Travel to the dive site

Afterwards, we boarded the diving centre's boat and headed to the dive site next to the islet of Agia Kyriaki. The route was enchanting, with the sea shimmering under the sun and the landscape of Leros surrounding us.

Exploring the Arado Ar 196

Our photographer, Kostis Angelopoulos, and the experienced Tassos Kouvas prepared to dive and explore the Arado Ar 196 plane up close. The specific wreck is located 20 metres east of the Mavros Kavos cape.

The Arado Ar 196 was a German reconnaissance and coastal patrol seaplane used extensively during World War II. Its presence in the waters of Leros testifies to the island's strategic importance during the war.

Waiting and anticipation

As Kostis and Tasos plunged into the deep blue waters, we waited impatiently on the boat. Knowing its significance and hidden history, the feeling of being on top of a historic shipwreck was overwhelming.

Feedback and impressions

After about 40 minutes, the divers returned to the surface, full of excitement and with impressive images and stories to share. Kostis showed us the photos he had taken, revealing the aircraft's amazing state of preservation.

Despite the years that had passed, many parts of the plane were still recognisable, while marine life had embraced the wreck, creating a unique underwater ecosystem.

Leros: An underwater museum

Tasos explained that the Arado Ar 196 is one of the many wrecks one can explore on Leros. The island, after Normandy, is home to the world's most war wrecks, making it one of the top diving tourism destinations.

Touching history

This experience gave us a unique opportunity to be close to history. Every shipwreck in the waters of Leros is a silent witness to the dramatic events during the Second World War, especially during the Battle of Leros in 1943.

Leros: A living museum

Leros, with its rich history from ancient to modern times, offers visitors a unique experience. From ancient settlements and medieval castles to war wrecks and buildings from the Italian period, the island is a living museum that tells the story of the Aegean.

The beginning of a new adventure

Diving in the Arado Ar 196 was only the beginning of our exploration of the underwater world of Leros. With so many shipwrecks waiting to be discovered, each dive promises a new, exciting experience and a trip back in time.

Leros proves that history is not only in books or museums but can be experienced in a unique and fascinating way under the surface of the sea.

It is a destination that combines the beauty of Greek nature with the shocking history of World War II, offering an unforgettable experience to every visitor.

Dimitris Stathopoulos is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.

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