Petralona Cave
Σπήλαιο Πετραλώνων
A famous cave on the Halkidiki peninsula with forests of stalactites, where a human skull roughly 200,000 years old was unearthed.
Petralona Cave sits at the foot of Mount Katafygi. It was discovered by villagers in 1959, and the following year a skull of an ancient human, known as Petralona Man, was excavated from inside. It dates to roughly 200,000 to 300,000 years ago, and abundant fossils of ancient animals were also found. Today about 800 meters of the cave is open to visitors, with colorful stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone, and a small anthropology museum beside the entrance. Visits are only possible on a guided group tour, and photography is not allowed inside. Admission is about €10. The cave is often closed on Tuesdays, so please check before you go. It is about 50 km from Thessaloniki, a 50-minute drive, and can be combined with the Kassandra beaches in the same day.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–16:00 (extended in summer; often closed Tuesdays)
Nearby sights
- NOESIS Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum
- Museum of Byzantine Culture
- Thessaloniki Waterfront & The Umbrellas
- Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
- White Tower of Thessaloniki
- Arch of Galerius (Kamara)
- Palace of Galerius
- Rotunda of Galerius