Greece is the number one holiday destination for many tourists thanks to its crystal-clear water, mild temperatures and breathtaking 14,000 km of coastline.
In this post, you will learn what makes Greece so special for anglers and where you can experience a fantastic fishing holiday. You will also find information about the rules that apply to fishing in Greece and which fish can be caught in which regions.
Rules & Licences for Fishing in Greece
Fishing is as much a part of life for Greeks as tzatziki and ouzo. It is therefore no surprise that even tourists do not need a fishing licence. This applies to inland waters as well as to the beautiful coasts and beaches.
You can choose whether to fish from the shore, on the beach or from a boat (only with a licence or on a guided tour). There are now many providers of guided fishing trips on the islands and the mainland. Even though no fishing licence is strictly required to go fishing in Greece, there are still a few rules to follow.
- Fishing without a licence is only permitted from the shore for hobby anglers using ordinary hand fishing rods and poles.
- Fishing with harpoons is prohibited for hobby anglers; the use of explosives or gas is strictly forbidden and can result in heavy fines.
- Fishing with nets is also prohibited – this is only permitted for professional fishermen.
- Billfish such as blue marlin or swordfish are protected in May and may not be taken. Fishing for bluefin tuna is generally prohibited.
- Collecting mussels of any kind, snails, shellfish (crabs, lobsters, crayfish), as well as starfish, seahorses and sea cucumbers is prohibited and punishable by fines.
- In some freshwater areas, regional closed seasons apply. Check with local tourist information offices or local fishermen before heading out to the water.
If you cannot immediately identify a fish you have caught, take care. Some fish, such as the weever or scorpionfish, have venomous spines that can also be dangerous to humans. In this case, it is recommended to purchase a guide to fishing in the Mediterranean: View on Amazon*
Guided Fishing Trips and Fishing Holidays in Greece
Fishing along the Greek coast is the most popular type of fishing. Delicious species such as sea bream, mullet and gilthead bream can be caught with the simplest natural baits – mussels, squid or dough. In the morning and evening hours, spin anglers mainly target sea bass, barracuda and bonito.
💡 Fishing equipment in Greece: Greeks are very helpful towards anglers. Fishing shops that supply you with bait and equipment will also give you useful tips on where and how to fish successfully in your area. You can find them under the name “ΔΟΛΩΜΑ” (DOLOMA), which translates as bait. On guided trips, equipment is usually provided or can be hired.
Fishing from a boat allows you to reach fish-rich bays that cannot be accessed from land. If you hold a fishing licence for Greece, you can rent a boat. Hobby anglers can take part in a guided fishing tour in Greece. These fishing trips are available on every tourist island and offer the chance of a big catch. Fishing tours can be booked via our partner GetYourGuide*, among others:
➲ To the fishing trip in Rhodes*
➲ To the fishing trip in Crete*
➲ To the fishing trip in Corfu*
→ Recommended fishing tour operators on the Greek islands include:
- Kos: Captain Tasos, Kos Town
- Crete: Chania Pro Fishing Trips, Chania
- Mykonos: Traditional Fishing Tour Mykonos, Panormos
- Naxos: Naxos Fishing Experience, Naxos Town
- Santorini: Giorgaros Fishing Tours Santorini, Vlychada
- Rhodes: Fishing Boat Trips Rhodes, Rhodes Town
The 10 most beautiful places to fish in Greece
In addition to the enormous coastline of the mainland, Greece also offers fantastic fishing areas on many Greek islands. Below, the best regions in Greece for a successful fishing holiday are presented.
#1 Crete fishing tips
In the far south of the Aegean Sea lies the Greek island most popular with German holidaymakers. The summer temperatures on Crete, which remain pleasant in spring and autumn too, attract many anglers.
In addition to the beautiful beaches and bays, there are also excellent fishing grounds. In the small harbours of fishing villages and coastal towns such as Chania, you can fish wonderfully for mullet and sea bream.
Crete fishing – insider tip: In the northeast of Crete near Elounda, there is a narrow headland from which you can fish on both sides, making it possible to fish two beautiful bays at once.
#2 Kos fishing tips
The island of Kos beckons with golden dream beaches, often framed by rocky bays and shores. These spots are perfect for fishing and promise good catches – both coarse fish and sea predators can be found here.
Kos fishing – insider tip: In the south of Cape Routhianos, below the Aspri Petra Cave on the Kefalos Peninsula, you will find a beautiful little bay with a jetty. Guided fishing trips on traditional fishing boats can also be booked here.
#3 Corfu fishing tips
The waters off Corfu are known for their rich swordfish stocks and therefore attract many big-game anglers. Various providers offer guided offshore tours targeting this popular fish. The coastline is also very varied and ideal for catching your own dinner.
Corfu fishing – insider tip: Galiaskari Beach in the north not only impresses with a fantastic beach but is also surrounded by rocky areas, offering ideal conditions for both surf anglers and spin fishermen. The area also has a beautiful lagoon in the hinterland.
#4 Santorini fishing tips
Need to convince your partner to join you on a fishing holiday in Greece? This island will certainly do the trick. The sunset over Santorini is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and the small towns invite you to stroll and linger.
The island is also known for fishing for northern bluefin tuna, which can be spotted up to 10 km off the coast. The rocky coves and shores are also popular for fishing for sea bass and bonito.
Santorini fishing – insider tip: A truly great fishing spot is the old port of Santorini in Fira, where you can fish for all kinds of fish from the ends of the quay walls.
#5 Athens fishing tips
Athens has more to offer than the Acropolis. Its proximity to the sea gives anglers an ideal combination of city break and fishing holiday. Fishing is possible both in the large harbour area of Piraeus and in the many harbour bays to the southeast of Athens.
Athens fishing – insider tip: 45 minutes north of Athens lies the large Marathon Reservoir, where freshwater fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy.
#6 Rhodes fishing tips
Rhodes is also a very popular tourist island, attracting sun worshippers and anglers alike. Known for its very high squid population, you can head out during the night hours of your Rhodes holiday – especially in late summer and autumn – to catch these delicious creatures.
Rhodes fishing – insider tip: Around the Kalithea Springs, southeast of Rhodes Town, there are beautiful, rocky stretches of coastline rich in fish – perfect for catching your own fish for the evening barbecue.
#7 Halkidiki fishing tips
The Halkidiki peninsula in the north of the Aegean Sea is becoming increasingly popular with travellers to Greece. Not far from the coast – at distances of just 20 to 50 km – there are many sea predators that can be caught on fishing trips. Fishing along the coastline itself is also well worthwhile.
Halkidiki fishing – insider tip: Nea Potidea in the southwest sits at the start of the western prong of Halkidiki and, thanks to its narrow landmass, allows fishing on two bays and coastlines simultaneously. The two bays are connected by a canal.
#8 Mykonos fishing tips
Even on the popular party island of Mykonos, anglers can pursue their hobby very well. Dreamlike bays and small harbours with a wealth of fish species invite you to cast a line. Fishing is even possible in the bay below the windmills with a view of Little Venice.
Mykonos fishing – insider tip: In the far west of Mykonos, near the chapel of Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, there is a small harbour pier from which you can fish for barracuda and sea bass. A quick glance into the water is enough to see that plenty of white fish are present too.
#9 Zakynthos fishing tips
Also known as Zante, Zakynthos is increasingly popular with all kinds of tourists. In addition to its fantastic coastal stretches, the island is a great spot for fishing for marlin and swordfish.
Bonito and tuna are found off the coast and can be admired and caught on guided fishing trips. You may even spot one of the famous Zakynthos turtles.
Zakynthos fishing – insider tip: In the north of the island there are many small bays and natural harbours offering fishing from concrete jetties, including Porto Vromi and Limnionas.
#10 Thessaloniki fishing tips
Thessaloniki, situated at the northern end of the Aegean Sea on the Thermaic Gulf, is an excellent base for a fishing holiday. The coast invites you to fish for sea fish, and the nearby large lakes also offer plenty of space for freshwater enthusiasts.
Thessaloniki fishing – insider tip: Southwest of Thessaloniki, in the village of Angelochori (yes, that really is the name), there is a headland at the entrance to the bay of Thessaloniki where predatory fish can be caught. The strait is ideal for this.
About the author:
Thomas has spent time on various Greek islands in recent years and, of course, always had his fishing rod with him. But his passion for travel extends beyond Greece: he has already visited Portugal, Spain, Italy and many other countries. BeyondFishing is a modern and independent fishing and outdoor magazine that gives fishing enthusiasts – and those who want to become one – access to tutorials, expertise, gear comparisons and all kinds of helpful information about fishing and the outdoors.
✐ For more information, the best times for a successful fishing holiday in Greece and detailed profiles of all fish species, visit: beyondfishing
Have you also been fishing in Greece and have valuable tips and experiences to share with fellow anglers? Here you can find more information about Greece and practical tips for your fishing holiday: Greece Profile
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