Spearfishing in Croatia and Greece gives a beginner two of the best entry points in the Mediterranean — warm, clear water, miles of rocky coast, and fish within easy reach of shore. But the two countries differ in their rules, their seasons and their access, and getting those wrong can cost you a fine or a wasted trip. This guide compares them on permits, conditions, target species and beginner-friendly spots.
It's the destination half of our travel spearfishing in the Mediterranean guide. Regulations change and vary by region, so treat the rules below as a starting point and always confirm the current law with local authorities or a dive shop before you get in the water.
Croatia vs Greece at a Glance
Both countries are excellent, with a few practical differences. Croatia's Adriatic coast is famous for clarity and a maze of islands, with a well-organised (and strictly enforced) permit system. Greece offers a vast coastline, a deep-rooted spearfishing culture, and generally relaxed shore access, though protected zones and rules around selling your catch are taken seriously. For a first trip, either works; pick on flights, accommodation and which coastline appeals.
Permits and Local Regulations
This is the part you must get right before you dive. In Croatia, recreational spearfishing requires a paid sport/recreational fishing permit (available for daily, weekly, monthly and annual periods), purchasable online or from authorised sellers. There are catch limits, minimum distances from beaches and infrastructure, and large no-take zones. In Greece, recreational spearfishing is generally allowed without a paid licence for residents and visitors, but with firm rules: minimum distances from shore amenities and harbours, a ban on selling your catch, no night spearfishing, and seasonal and species protections.
The detail and the penalties make this worth real homework — our broader guide to spearfishing laws and licenses for beginners explains how to research and comply wherever you dive.
Best Seasons and Water Conditions
Summer (June–September) is the easy season: water at 22–26°C, light winds, and visibility often 15–25 metres. A thin wetsuit is plenty. Late spring and early autumn still fish well with a slightly thicker suit and fewer crowds. Winter is for the hardy only — colder water, bigger swells, but sometimes the best fish. For a first trip, aim for June or September: warm water without the absolute peak of tourist congestion.
What You'll Be Hunting
The shallow rock and seagrass of both coasts holds the same beginner-friendly cast: various bream (including the prized white bream and saddled bream), wrasse, mullet, and the occasional sea bass. These are realistic targets in 2–10 metres for a diver doing comfortable breath-holds. Octopus are popular too, where legal and in season. Knowing which fish to target — and which to leave — is half the skill; our guide to the best fish to spear as a beginner covers it.
Beginner-Friendly Shore Spots
You don't need a boat. In both countries, rocky headlands, coves and the edges of seagrass meadows — reachable by a short surface swim from shore — hold plenty of fish for a beginner. Look for structure (rock-to-sand edges, boulder fields, drop-offs) in 3–8 metres, away from swimming beaches and harbours both for legal reasons and because fish avoid the crowds. Reading that water is a learnable skill, covered in our guide to how to read water and find fish.
Staying Legal and Safe
To recap the essentials: get the Croatian permit (or confirm Greece's no-licence-but-strict-rules conditions), keep clear of beaches, harbours and protected zones, respect size limits and seasons, never use scuba for spearfishing, and always dive with a buddy and a visible float. Get those right and a Croatia or Greece trip is about as good as beginner spearfishing gets in Europe.
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