The greatest sunken treasures in Spain: where they are and how to find them

The ocean holds incalculable secrets.

Meeting them is the dream of every self-respecting diver. Not in vain, diving is one of the Adventure activities most fascinating and mysterious that exist. And we are in luck, because Spain is an unbeatable country to practice it.

Its coasts are not only riddled with great natural and ecological wealth. Beneath the surface are also hidden a multitude of treasures from shipwrecks that have occurred throughout history. Many of them are impossible to locate or access. But others are within reach of archaeologists and sometimes even visitors.

Those that carried galleons and ships are just one type of the many treasures that you can find in Spanish waters. Well, every day, new submerged surprises are created or discovered waiting to be visited.

We make it a little easier for you by telling you where to find five of these “treasures” submerged in Spain.

A historical treasure: the remains of the Bay of Cádiz

“There is more gold in the Bay of Cádiz than the Bank of Spain.”

This phrase became fashionable years ago, when the amount of sunken treasures near Cádiz began to be investigated. And research suggests that hundreds of ships from America could rest there, with their corresponding shipments of gold, silver and precious stones.

Unfortunately, the plunder in the area they have been recurrent; perpetrated even by foreign treasure hunters. However, there are still some small treasures submerged in the Bay of Cádiz that can be visited. Even without going down too much.

An example is the remains found in La Caleta, next to Punta del Nao. You won't have to go deeper than 15 meters to find pieces of ceramic, Roman stocks, 18th century cannons, and even part of the copper lining of a galleon.

This dive shows that you don't need to have great experience to feel like Jacques Cousteau underwater.

A natural treasure: the Posidonia meadows of Cabo de Gata

The Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is a place with a long tradition in diving. Its ecological value is incalculable and the species of plants and animals that inhabit it number in the thousands.

Among them is Posidonia oceanica, a true endemic natural “treasure” of the Mediterranean which is partly responsible for this great biological wealth. Posidonia meadows are usually observed from 15 meters deep, entering from any of the multiple Cabo de Gata diving spots.

Remember that if you are going to do autonomous diving with your own equipment you will need to request authorization from the Subdelegation of the Government of Almería or from the Natural Park offices.

To save you paperwork, or if you lack experience, it is best to join this diving baptism activity in Almería. They will give you all the necessary instructions and you will have the support of the instructors on the descent.

An archaeological treasure: the Bou Ferrer wreck in Alicante

One of the greatest experiences you can have in life is to visit a wreck or sunken ship. Even more so, if this corresponds to one from Roman times (the largest of this time in the Mediterranean) that transported more than 2,500 amphorae full of fish sauce and lead ingots belonging to the Emperor Nero.

This incredible underwater treasure It is located off the coast of Villajoyosa, in Alicante. As it is at an accessible depth (25 meters), various actions have been carried out for its study and conservation. But also, this wreck is a pioneer in receiving guided underwater tours.

Visits are carried out under express authorization of the General Directorate of Culture of the Generalitat Valenciana, prior reservation and delivery of a donation intended to cover the expenses of guides and archaeologists. It is essential to be in possession of an advanced level diving license and to have a minimum experience of 35 dives.

If you've been bitten by the bug but lack the experience, start with this diving baptism activity on the coast of Alicante. From there, it's all about getting started!

A cultural treasure: the Atlantic Museum of Lanzarote

Diving in the bay of Las Coloradas, south of Lanzarote, one can find barracudas, octopuses and sardines. And also couples taking selfies and businessmen riding swings. You do not believe it?

In this bay, 12 meters deep, the British sculptor has installed Jason deCaires Taylor the first underwater museum in Europe. More than 300 life-size sculptures follow one another across the sand, forming a large artificial reef that seeks to increase underwater life. Well, for the author, the defense of the marine environment is one of the key aspects of his work.

If you want to visit it, it is necessary to make a reservation with one of the diving centers certified by the museum. In addition, it is mandatory to have an approved qualification to descend up to 16 meters deep.

Don't you have it yet? Don't worry. Take a look at this Open Water Diving SSI diving course which accredits you to go down to 18 meters and do not miss the opportunity to discover this “sculptural” underwater treasure.

There are also companies that organize all-day sessions in which the first diving session is carried out in the morning; and, in the afternoon, the museum is visited during a time reserved for beginners.

An oenological treasure: the underwater wines of Girona

In the 1st century BC, an Iberian ship that was sailing with 200 amphorae of wine on board shipwrecked off the coast of Port de la Selva, in Girona.

He Volt Cap (that is the name of the wreck) has remained prostrate at the bottom of the sea since then. The investigations carried out discovered, among other things, that the cork that covered the amphorae had remained intact throughout this time, preserving its properties unaltered.

This may have been the starting point for several wineries in Spain to start looking towards the sea. In Girona itself, specifically in the small Cala Llevadó in Tossa de Mar, it is possible to visit one of them.

The experience allows you to dive in the company of an instructor towards one of the chests that are preserved 10 meters deep. The wine matures there, between 6 and 12 months, so you can take it home or taste it right there, in a restaurant on the beach.

Let no one say that a diver cannot also be a gourmet!

If Long John Silver traveled to Spain he would be fascinated by the riches hidden beneath its waters. Better not do it. This way we sailors with glasses and fins, who only like to look, can continue enjoying them. Or taste. Well, it has become very clear that, as another film pirate said, not all treasures are gold and silver.