Posted by Are there dangerous sharks in the Mediterranean?
Sharks both fascinate and unsettle people. Especially when on holiday at the Mediterranean, many wonder: Are there sharks here? And if so – are they dangerous to humans?
The short answer: Yes, there are sharks in the Mediterranean, including along Italy’s coasts. However, the danger of an attack is extremely low.
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How many shark species live in the Mediterranean?
Worldwide, there are about 500 to 550 known shark species. In the Mediterranean, around 50 species have been recorded – about 10% of global diversity. Most of these species are harmless and live in deeper waters far from the coast.
Dangerous sharks around Italy – an overview
Of the three most dangerous shark species to humans worldwide (Great White, Tiger, Bull), two occur in the Mediterranean:
- Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias): Rarely, but regularly observed in the western Mediterranean – also south of Sicily.
- Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier): Very rare sightings. Mainly native to tropical seas.
- Bull Shark: Not recorded in the Mediterranean so far.
In addition, there are about a dozen larger shark species in the Mediterranean that can grow over three meters – such as the Porbeagle, the Thresher Shark, or the Blue Shark. They are considered potentially dangerous, but are extremely shy.
How high is the risk of a shark attack in Italy?
The likelihood of falling victim to a shark attack while swimming in the Mediterranean is extremely low. Reliable sources state an average of one attack per year across the entire Mediterranean region – mostly non-fatal.
For comparison:
- On a typical summer day, over 50 million people swim in the Mediterranean.
- With around 100 bathing days per year, that adds up to roughly 5 billion swims annually.
- With one shark attack per year, the statistical probability is about 1 in 5 billion per swim.
Shark attacks in the Mediterranean – known cases
Most documented attacks in recent decades involve:
- Fishermen or divers far out at sea
- Surfers, less often swimmers
- Regions such as southern France, Corsica, Tunisia or the Aegean
For Italian beaches, hardly any documented incidents exist. In typical holiday resorts on the Adriatic, the Tyrrhenian Sea or around Sardinia there are practically no shark incidents.
What increases the risk?
Even though the risk is extremely low – the following factors could theoretically increase the likelihood slightly:
- Swimming or surfing far out in the open sea
- Swimming alone at secluded beaches
- Swimming at dusk or at night
- Injuries in the water (e.g. blood)
What is more dangerous than sharks?
The real dangers while swimming in the Mediterranean are quite different:
- Currents that can carry you out to sea
- Drowning, especially due to exhaustion or circulation problems
- Underestimated waves or suddenly dropping coastlines
- Accidents with boats or jet skis
All of these risks are far more real than a shark attack.
Conclusion
Yes, sharks live in the Mediterranean – and also along Italy’s coasts. But attacks on humans are extremely rare. The likelihood of being injured while swimming is much higher due to waves, boats or currents.
Anyone who follows normal swimming safety rules should not be afraid of sharks in Italy – not on the Adriatic, Sardinia, Calabria or Sicily.
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