Cyprus – A Closer Look, Part 4: Amphorae Caves and the Vera K

Published 1 month agoon October 10, 2025

Continuing her journey through Cyprus’s underwater world, Jane Morgan visits the Amphorae Caves and the Vera-K…

We wrapped up our incredible diving expedition in Cyprus with some shallow, but incredibly interesting dives with Cydive in Paphos. Paphos was once the capital of Cyprus during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, from the late 4th century BC to the 4th century AD. As a once-thriving cultural and commercial hub, the area is rich in history, and fascinating artifacts can be seen beneath its waters and are still being uncovered to this day. One particular site where you can experience these wonders are the Amphorae Caves.

AMPHORAE CAVES

This dive site is hidden beneath Moulia Island and unfolds across three distinct levels. The first is the shallowest, at just 3–4 metres, where you can look down into the intriguing cave system below. Descending a vertical wall takes you to around 7 metres, where you’ll be greeted by a vibrant bed of Posidonia seagrass, which is a stunning sight, especially during the summer months when green turtles are frequently spotted gliding through. Finally, you can reach the sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 13–14 metres, making this site ideal not only for snorkellers and beginner divers but also for history enthusiasts and underwater explorers alike.

The highlight of the dive for me was swimming through the cave system at around 7 metres, where we looped back on ourselves and headed toward the real showstopper – a cave with a ceiling encrusted in amphorae. Above our heads were easily 20 to 30 ancient vessels, an awe-inspiring sight that felt like stepping back in time. According to a team of American archaeologists, this remarkable formation was the result of gradual seabed movement, and the entire process has taken around two thousand years.

VERA-K WRECK

The Vera-K wreck is a Lebanese freighter that ran aground on a shallow reef in 1972. For some time, parts of the wreck were visible above the surface and were even used for military target practice. However, repeated hits caused the structure to weaken and gradually sink below the waves, posing a hazard to passing vessels. To eliminate the risk, authorities carried out a controlled explosion to send the wreck safely to the seabed. Today, the Vera-K rests within a crater at a maximum depth of 11–12 metres, making it both an accessible and historically intriguing dive site.

The top of the crater lies at just 5-6 metres, making this an ideal dive site for snorkellers and beginner divers alike. The wreck itself is spread across four main sections, with the bridge still remarkably intact. The more crumbled areas provide perfect shelter for a variety of small marine life.

Navigating the site is simple since the wreck rests within a crater, you can descend, follow the wall with one shoulder, and eventually loop right back to your starting point. Along the way, you’re likely to spot plenty of wrasse, and there’s a striking archway carved into the reef wall that makes for a fun swim-through, often guarded by a large, resident grouper. The visibility was excellent during our dive, and thanks to the shallow depth, the natural light created a truly spectacular underwater scene.

TOPSIDE ATTRACTIONS

When it comes to the underwater world, Cyprus truly delivered — offering an incredibly diverse and fascinating range of dives to suit all levels and abilities. But what really sets it apart is that it’s not just a “dive, dive, dive” destination. Many divers travel with non-diving partners, and Cyprus has plenty to offer above the surface too.

From a fantastic array of bakeries and restaurants to lively bars, there’s something here for everyone. One of my absolute favourites was House 1923 in the picturesque village of Lefkara. With its vibrant atmosphere and extensive food and drink menu, it was a real standout. Lefkara itself is utterly charming and you could easily spend an entire day strolling through its narrow, cobbled streets, watching traditional lace makers and silversmiths at work, and peeking into its beautiful old churches.

If you enjoy a tipple, I highly recommend a visit to the beautiful Ktima Christoudia winery, where you can indulge in a wine tasting experience surrounded by breathtaking vineyards. Just a short distance away, you’ll also find EcoPhysis – a charming spot where you can discover the fascinating world of bees and the vital role they play in the ecosystem.

Book your next diving adventure in Cyprus with Oyster Diving: https://oysterdiving.com

Thank you to Cydive, Paphos: https://www.cydive.com/

Jane stayed at Thalassa Boutique Hotel & Spa, Paphos: https://thalassa.com.cy

Visit Cyprus: https://www.visitcyprus.com

Jane Morgan

Jane’s lifelong love for the ocean began in childhood and has shaped the course of her life and career. After learning to dive in 1991, she spent much of the '90s teaching scuba and working on marine conservation projects in the Philippines and Borneo. A chance encounter with a film camera on a dive trip to Egypt in 2001 ignited a passion for underwater photography, inspiring her to leave the corporate world and pursue a full-time career in dive travel and photojournalism. Since then, her work has been published in a wide range of national and international magazines, books, and newspapers. She has filmed underwater for the BBC, judged major photography competitions, and received numerous accolades—including the prestigious Plongeur d'Or at the Festival Mondial de l'Image Sous-Marine. In 2009, Jane became a freelance photojournalist, and in 2011 completed a BA (Hons) in Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University, where she now works as a Dive Safety Officer. Based in Cornwall, Jane dives locally year-round and is passionate about showcasing the rich marine life found in UK waters. As a proud ambassador for Dynamic Nord and Fathoms Free, she actively supports marine conservation initiatives and advocates for ocean protection through her storytelling. In her newest role with Scubaverse, Jane combines her love of travel, diving, and storytelling—sharing experiences from around the world to inspire others to explore, protect, and connect with the underwater world.