For thousands of years the powers of evolution, erosion and geological transformations have shaped Greece’s structure into a unique land of thousands of subterranean and underwater caves. Both the mainland and island are excellent examples of the rich geological features developed in the southern Mediterranean. With more than 8,500 caves of all categories spread across the country and many of them still not explored, geologists and experts have really loads of work to do. But for the rest of the world, it is easy and fascinating to visit a cave and admire what nature and limestone have accomplished throughout the ages, how caves have served humanity as shelters, religious altars or even refuge in times of need.
Here are three of the most beautiful and well-known caves in different locations around the country.
Cave of Perama, Ioannina
Only 5 km from the town of Ioannina, on the road to Metsovo, the Cave of Perama is located on the homonymous village of Perama, on the hill Goritsa. The cave, extending five kilometers below the ground and having been explored fully only up to one kilometer, has a remarkable arrangement of stalactites and stalagmites.
The cave borders Lake Pamvotida of Ioannina, which is famous for the story of Kyra Frosini and Ali Pasha. It is the largest cave in Greece covering a total area of 14.8 acres and the 6th in runway length. Discovered in 1942 by the couple Petrochilou, the cave is estimated to be 1,500,000 years old.
The interior is illuminated in an artistic way and the visitor can admire the various shapes and fossils while walking down a runway length of 1,000 meters. The iridescent sheen of stalactites and stalagmites captures imagination and guarantees a wonderful experience.
Cave of Vlichada in Diros, Peloponnese
Located in the prefecture of Laconia, in the beautiful region of Mani and only a few kilometers north of the community of Diros, this is one of the most beautiful lake caves in Greece and around the world, since it is considered as equally impressive as the Padirac Chasm of France and the Jeida caves of Lebanon.
With a total runway length (submarine and terrestrial) of 14.5 kilometers, the cave got its name from the brackish water of an underground river flowing into the sea. The cave was discovered in the early 19th century. Inside the cave stunning crystals and crystal clear waters take the visitors’ breath away.
The cave is globally renowned for its exceptional decoration and the huge scientific and paleontological importance it presents. Greek and foreign cave-diving expeditions have so far brought to light remains and fossils from deers, hippos, panthers, hyenas and lions from far gone times. Local tour guides use their boats to guide visitors through the cave’s beauties for 45 minutes.
Cave of Alistratis, Serres
Located 6 km southwest of the small town of Alistratis, 50 km from Serres, 25 km from Drama and 55 km from Kavala, northern Greece, this particularly beautiful cave is open all year long, a must for tourists and exceptionally managed by the responsible authorities. The outside area of the cave is also of splendid beauty and very well taken care of.
Set in the Petrotou region, which could be described as a geological paradise with many larger and smaller caves beneath the earth’s surface. The cave is not only impressive for the rich interior decoration with stalagmites and stalactites, but also for the environmental and biological data it presents. There are 36 species of microorganisms, such as dolichopoda, myriopoda living only in this cave, along with 7 species of bats and many microorganisms nowhere else to be found across Greece.
The tourist route of the cave extends for about 1 kilometer, while it reaches a total 3,000 meters. The cave offers a unique experience for anyone willing to explore the wonderful underground world of Alistratis.
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