Best Spearfishing in Europe and the UK

If you’ve ever wondered where to find thrilling underwater hunting grounds across Europe and the UK, the answer lies beneath some of the world’s most diverse coastlines. From the sunlit coves of the Mediterranean to the rugged Atlantic cliffs of Ireland and Cornwall, this region blends tradition, adventure, and sustainability. Spearfishing here is more than sport — it’s an ancient connection between people and sea, where patience, precision, and respect for the ocean define every dive.

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5 Best Spearfishing Sites in Europe and the UK

1. Spain – The Balearic Islands and Costa Brava

Spain is one of Europe’s premier spearfishing destinations, where clear Mediterranean waters and rocky drop-offs create the perfect environment for catching grouper, amberjack, and dentex. In the Balearic Islands, early morning dives reward those who drift silently over seagrass meadows, while the Costa Brava’s rugged cliffs hide large predators in the shadows. Most coastal towns have charters that know the best legal zones and local regulations.

Best time to visit: May to October for warm water and calm seas.

2. Sardinia, Italy – The Deep Blue Frontier

Sardinia’s crystalline waters and dramatic underwater landscapes attract spearfishers from around the world. The island’s underwater caves, arches, and reefs shelter amberjack, bream, and grouper. More experienced divers head offshore for bluewater hunts where tuna and mahi-mahi pass through deep pelagic channels. With direct flights from major European cities, it’s easy to combine adventure with Sardinia’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Best time to visit: June to September.

3. Greece – Island Adventures and Ancient Waters

In Greece, spearfishing feels timeless. Across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, the combination of clear visibility and abundant marine life creates near-perfect conditions. Around Crete, spearfishers often encounter snapper, bream, and even barracuda, while Rhodes and the Cyclades offer calm, protected bays ideal for long dives. Many local guides combine spearfishing with traditional fishing tours, sharing techniques passed down for generations.

Best time: May to October for the best visibility and mild currents.

4. Cornwall, UK – Cold Water, Wild Coastlines

For those seeking something more rugged, Cornwall’s dramatic cliffs and kelp forests offer a colder but deeply rewarding challenge. The Atlantic swells nurture species such as bass, pollock, and wrasse. The visibility can shift from day to day, but on calm, sunny mornings, the water glows green-gold, and the kelp sways like a living forest. Spearfishing here requires good local knowledge, and small coastal villages often host local clubs eager to help visitors dive safely and sustainably.

Best time to visit: June to September, when the sea is warmest and conditions are stable.

5. The Azores, Portugal – Bluewater Big Game

Set deep in the Atlantic, the Azores archipelago is Europe’s answer to a tropical bluewater paradise. Offshore pinnacles and seamounts rise from the abyss, attracting yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and large amberjack. Local operators provide guided expeditions with all gear included, offering a professional and ethical spearfishing experience in one of the continent’s most pristine environments.

Best time: July to September, when pelagic fish migrate through the islands.

Why Spearfish Europe and the UK

From Spain’s sparkling coves to Portugal’s deep Atlantic waters, Europe and the UK prove that world-class spearfishing doesn’t only exist in the tropics. Each dive brings a connection to the sea that’s as much about heritage as the hunt. Whether you’re gliding through Sardinia’s reefs or diving beneath Cornwall’s cliffs, you’ll find the perfect blend of challenge, reward, and natural beauty.

In the southern reaches of the continent, the Mediterranean offers a technical and highly rewarding playground for those who value stealth and precision. Countries like Greece, Italy, and Croatia have centuries of tradition woven into their waters, where the pursuit of Dentex, Amberjack, and Gilthead Bream requires a masterclass in camouflage and "agguato" (stalking) techniques. The water here is exceptionally clear, demanding longer breath-holds and refined movement to outsmart wary prey. From the sun-bleached rocky points of Mallorca to the deep, current-swept ledges of the Azores, Europe provides a sophisticated hunting experience that balances the thrill of the chase with the deep-rooted culinary heritage of the coast.

As you head north to the United Kingdom and the English Channel, the landscape shifts into a rugged, emerald wilderness where the tides dictate the tempo of the hunt. This is the realm of the European Sea Bass, arguably one of the most respected quarry in the world, found ghosting through the kelp forests of Cornwall or the limestone reefs of Dorset. Diving here is a gritty, sensory experience where hunters must navigate colder temperatures and shifting visibility to find prize Pollock, Mullet, and Turbot. The UK’s coastline offers a raw, Atlantic energy that tests a spearo's watercraft and resilience, rewarding the dedicated diver with some of the finest, most sustainable seafood found anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere.

When to Spearfish Europe and the UK

The best time to spearfish Europe and the UK, water temperatures, and visibility:

Malta / Gozo: July to October. Waters from 25°C / 77°F up to 27°C / 81°F and 30–40m vis.
Greece / Croatia / Italy: May to October. Waters from 20°C / 68°F up to 28°C / 82°F and 25–40m vis.
Canary Islands (Spain): Year-round (best value in winter). Waters from 18°C / 64°F up to 25°C / 77°F and 15–30m vis.
Azores (Portugal): July to October (for pelagics). Waters from 22°C / 72°F up to 25°C / 77°F and 30m+ vis.
UK Coastal: August to October (warmest). Waters from 15°C / 59°F up to 20°C / 68°F and variable vis (often best in winter/spring).
Scapa Flow, Scotland: April to October. Waters from 7°C / 45°F up to 13°C / 55°F and 10–20m vis (drysuit required).
Silfra Fissure, Iceland: Year-round. Waters 2–4°C / 36–39°F and 100m+ vis (drysuit mandatory).