A great distinction for Crete is the inclusion of the Stalis Diving Park in the European Union’s demonstration projects (“Success Stories”), as presented on the website of the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE).
This specific recognition confirms the value of the project, which was implemented with funding from the Operational Programme (Leader) “Fisheries and the Sea 2014–2020” and the active support of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, with the supervision and close cooperation of the Heraklion Development Agency in Archanes.
The relevant publication entitled “Discover Crete’s underwater treasures: The Stalis reef dive park – European Commission” can be found on the DG MARE website:
https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/news/discover-cretes-underwater-treasures-stalis-reef-dive-park-2025-09-09_en
The Stalis Dive Park, with artificial reefs in a marine area of ??approximately 22.5 hectares, was created with the aim of:
• developing diving tourism,
• protecting and promoting the marine environment,
• diversifying and enriching the local tourism product and
• strengthening the local economy through new jobs and added value.
The implementation of the project decisively strengthens the effort to establish Crete as a top diving destination, attracting visitors of high educational and economic level, who seek authentic experiences with respect for the marine environment.
At the same time, the park contributes substantially to the protection of marine ecosystems, addressing issues of overfishing and enhancing biodiversity.
The President of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Vangelis Karkanakis, stated: “We consider it extremely important that the European Commission presents the “Stalis Diving Park” as a good practice on its website. The choices of good practices are not made by chance and this particular distinction is a strong confirmation of the cooperation, innovation and commitment to sustainability that can give Crete a comparative advantage in tourism and the protection of the natural environment. The Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, together with the Heraklion Development Agency, will continue to invest in actions that link tourism with sustainable development and the promotion of the advantages of our country.”
