Greece’s limestone islands and mainland karst landscapes hide a surprising number of underground worlds, from small sea caves to long river-cut passages. Many are tied to local history, wildlife and seasonal tours, so they offer different experiences depending on where and when you go.
There are 25 Caves in Greece, ranging from Agia Sofia Cave (Thassos) to Vlychada Cave (Diros subsite). Data are organized by Region/Island,Size (m),Access & status, and you’ll find below.
How accessible are these caves to casual visitors?
Access varies: some caves have developed walkways and regular tours, others are undeveloped or reachable only by boat or on foot. Check the Access & status column for current opening times, guided-tour requirements and any seasonal closures, and plan footwear and timing accordingly.
Do any of these caves require permits or guided tours for safety or conservation?
Yes — several sites, especially those with sensitive formations or archaeological value, require guides or permits to limit impact. The Access & status column flags these restrictions; contact local tourism offices or site operators ahead of your visit to confirm booking rules and safety recommendations.
Caves in Greece
| Name | Region/Island | Size (m) | Access & status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diros Caves | Mani, Peloponnese | 9,000 m (length) | Showcave; guided boat tours; some restricted |
| Cave of the Lakes (Spilaio ton Limnon) | Kastria, Achaea (Peloponnese) | 5,500 m (length) | Showcave; guided visits; seasonal hours |
| Perama Cave | Perama, Ioannina (Epirus) | 14,000 m (length) | Showcave; guided tours; visitor centre |
| Alistrati Cave | Alistrati, Serres (Central Macedonia) | 1,800 m (length) | Showcave; guided tours; well-lit walkways |
| Petralona Cave | Petralona, Chalkidiki (Central Macedonia) | 1,200 m (length) | Showcave; archaeological site; entry fee |
| Dikteon Cave (Dikteon Andron) | Psychro, Lasithi (Crete) | 160 m (length) | Showcave; tourist access; mythic site |
| Ideon Cave (Idaion Andron) | Mount Ida, Crete | 120 m (length) | Showcave; steep approach; limited facilities |
| Melissani Cave | Sami, Kefalonia (Ionian Islands) | 50 m (length) | Showcave; boat trips; timed entry |
| Drogarati Cave | Sami, Kefalonia (Ionian Islands) | 200 m (length) | Showcave; guided tours; concert venue |
| Antiparos Cave | Antiparos, Cyclades | 100 m (length) | Showcave; entrance fee; stairs inside |
| Sarakina Cave | Sfakia area, Chania (Crete) | 225 m (length) | Wild cave; local guides recommended |
| Kapsia Cave | Kapsia, Arcadia (Peloponnese) | 200 m (length) | Part-showcave; guided segments only |
| Sykia (Milos collapsed sea cave) | Milos (Cyclades) | 60 m (depth) | Sea-cave; boat access only; tidal dependent |
| Gourgouthakas (entrance area) | Anatoliko Lefkada? (Ionian) | 1,208 m (depth) | Wild cave; technical vertical caving only |
| Koufonisi Cave (sea caves cluster) | Koufonisi (Cyclades) | 150 m (length) | Sea caves; boat trips; seasonal |
| Spatharei Cave (Corinthia) | Loutraki, Corinthia (Peloponnese) | 300 m (length) | Limited access; local guided visits |
| Asprochoma Cave (Zagori) | Zagori, Epirus | 250 m (length) | Wild cave; caving required |
| Vathi Cave (Kythira) | Kythira Island (South Ionian) | 150 m (length) | Wild/show segments; boat or foot access |
| Kori Cave (Kavala region) | Kavala, East Macedonia | 180 m (length) | Wild; local access only |
| Agia Sofia Cave (Thassos) | Thassos (North Aegean) | 220 m (length) | Show/wild mix; guided segments |
| Krya Cave (Evrytania) | Evrytania (Central Greece) | 140 m (length) | Wild; seasonal stream present |
| Vlychada Cave (Diros subsite) | Diros area, Mani (Peloponnese) | 3,000 m (length) | Showcave; boat tours in sections |
| Trizonia Sea Caves | Trizonia island (Gulf of Corinth) | 100 m (length) | Sea caves; boat access |
| Soutzoukos Cave (Chalkidiki minor cave) | Chalkidiki (Central Macedonia) | 120 m (length) | Local access; limited facilities |
| Kastritsa Cave (near Ioannina) | Kastritsa, Ioannina (Epirus) | 400 m (length) | Wild/show segments; archaeological interest |
Images and Descriptions
Diros Caves
A dramatic underground river cave near Areopoli offering photogenic boat tours through illuminated chambers and narrow passages; archaeological finds nearby add historical interest for travelers and speleology enthusiasts.
Cave of the Lakes (Spilaio ton Limnon)
Famous for its cascading subterranean lakes and terraces, this multi-level cave is a scenic, walkable showcave popular with families and hikers exploring the Peloponnese’s karst landscape.
Perama Cave
Near Ioannina, Perama offers vast halls studded with stalactites and stalagmites; only part is open to the public but it remains one of Greece’s most extensive and impressive cave systems.
Alistrati Cave
A dramatic northeast Greek cave known for enormous formations and colourful calcite features; easy visitor paths and interpretive signage make it a top accessible showcave.
Petralona Cave
Renowned for the discovery of an early human skull, Petralona combines natural speleothems with paleontological importance; guided visits explain both geology and human prehistory.
Dikteon Cave (Dikteon Andron)
Famed in myth as the birthplace of Zeus, this atmospheric limestone cave features high vaulted chambers, stalactites and a pilgrimage-like tourist experience on the Lasithi Plateau.
Ideon Cave (Idaion Andron)
A compact, historically sacred cave on Crete associated with Zeus’s upbringing; visitors climb into a rugged, echoing chamber rich in myth and geology.
Melissani Cave
A photogenic water-filled cave with a collapsed roof that lets sunlight into an emerald lake; short boat rides showcase vivid reflections and a unique island experience.
Drogarati Cave
Known for its majestic vaulted chambers and acoustic qualities, Drogarati is an easy-to-visit cave near Sami and occasionally hosts musical performances.
Antiparos Cave
A striking island cave with dense stalactite and stalagmite formations and a dramatic central chamber reached by steps from the village of Antiparos.
Sarakina Cave
A lesser-known Cretan cave accessible by short hike; visitors appreciate its intimate chambers, delicate formations and quieter, more adventurous feel compared with larger showcaves.
Kapsia Cave
A karst cave near Tripoli with interesting stalagmite clusters and a waterfall; sections are developed for visitors while other parts remain wild.
Sykia (Milos collapsed sea cave)
A dramatic collapsed sea cave with a circular skylight; best seen by boat and popular on Milos island boat tours for photography and swimming.
Gourgouthakas (entrance area)
One of Greece’s deepest known caves (Gourgouthakas system) requiring expert caving; notable to serious speleologists for its extreme depth and vertical passages.
Koufonisi Cave (sea caves cluster)
A group of coastal caves reachable by small boats, popular for snorkeling, photo stops and exploring sea-carved chambers around low-lying islets.
Spatharei Cave (Corinthia)
A local karst cave with attractive formations near the Gulf of Corinth, visited by small groups and often included on regional geology tours.
Asprochoma Cave (Zagori)
A mountain cave in the Vikos–Aoös area appreciated by experienced cavers for its natural passages, seasonal streams and alpine karst setting.
Vathi Cave (Kythira)
A scenic island cave with sea-influenced chambers and appealing coastal scenery, commonly visited as part of Kythira sightseeing routes.
Kori Cave (Kavala region)
A regional limestone cave noted for its archaeological finds and interesting formations; best visited with local guides familiar with access rules.
Agia Sofia Cave (Thassos)
A notable island cave with impressive stalactites and historical visitor interest; combines accessible walkways and wilder passages.
Krya Cave (Evrytania)
A mountain cave set in dense forest, appealing to hikers seeking a natural, less-touristed speleological stop in Central Greece.
Vlychada Cave (Diros subsite)
Part of the wider Diros system offering especially scenic boat passages through narrow, beautifully decorated chambers popular on Mani itineraries.
Trizonia Sea Caves
A collection of small coastal caves attractive for boat sightseeing and swimming; easy to combine with Gulf of Corinth boat trips.
Soutzoukos Cave (Chalkidiki minor cave)
A smaller regional cave sometimes visited on Chalkidiki shore excursions, offering nice formations without the crowds of larger showcaves.
Kastritsa Cave (near Ioannina)
A cave with natural chambers and nearby archaeological features; offers both geological interest and local historical context for visitors.
