Diros Caves (Vlychada)
Σπήλαια Διρού
A cave where you travel by small boat across an underground lake, with stalactites reflected in the water; one of Greece's most beautiful caves.
The Diros Caves lie by the sea about 5 km south of Areopoli. The main cave, Vlychada, is a half-flooded underground river. Visitors sit in small flat-bottomed boats punted by boatmen along about 1.2 km of waterway among stalactites and stalagmites, where the water can be tens of metres deep. At the end, you walk about 300 m out of the cave. The nearby Alepotrypa Cave yielded Neolithic remains, and a small Neolithic museum can be visited on the way. Tickets cost about €15–20 including the boat ride, and the tour takes about 45 minutes. In peak season the morning queue is long, so arrive when the cave opens. The cave stays around 16–19°C year-round, so bring a light jacket. Flash photography is prohibited on the boats.
Opening hours
Summer about 09:00–17:00; shorter in winter (check official sources)
Nearby sights
- Areopoli Old Town
- Limeni
- Kelefa Castle
- Oitylo
- Tigani Peninsula & Castle of Maina
- Kita (Koita)
- Gerolimenas
- Mavrovouni Beach