Diros caves by boat

What it is

The Vlychada cave, in Diros bay on the west coast of Mani, is a sea cave visited by boat. You are rowed through flooded galleries among white stalactites and stalagmites, rock curtains and crystals, and then walk out along a dry stretch. It is run by the Public Property Company (ETAD) and is open all year.

A cave almost underwater

Locals had known of the cave since around 1900, but nobody suspected what it held until 1949, when Giannis and Anna Petrochilos, founders of the Greek Speleological Society, began to explore it. Today 14,700 m of galleries have been mapped, and most of the cave is under water. Many stalactites formed when the sea was much lower and are now submerged: they have been found as deep as 71 m.

The natural entrance is barely half a metre wide and almost at sea level. Inside, fossil bones of panther, hyena, lion and deer have been found, and the largest hippopotamus bone site in Europe. It opened to the public in 1967. Next to it is the Alepotrypa cave, with important Neolithic finds, many displayed in the museum by its entrance.

What route is offered now

The full tourist route is 1,500 m: the first 1,200 m by boat, about 25 minutes, and the rest on foot. Right now the visit works in two versions, according to the ETAD notice:

• Short route: boat ride through the lake section and a walk out along the dry stretch. €12, reduced €10.
• Dry section only: on foot, without the boat. €9, reduced €6.

Reduced is for children aged 6 to 18, students, over-65s, members of large families and the unemployed, with documents. Children under 6 and people with a disability above 67% enter free, with a companion if they need one. Tickets are bought at the box office on arrival: there is no advance sale.

Opening hours

• 1 April to 31 October: 9:00 to 17:00. The box office closes at 16:15.
• 1 November to 31 March: 8:30 to 16:30. The box office closes at 16:00.

Open every day of the year. For queries, the cave's phone number is +30 27330 52222.

Getting there and parking

The cave is a few kilometres south of Areopoli. From Sparta, you get there via Gytheio and Areopoli; from Kalamata, along the coast passing Itylo. Without a car it is complicated: KTEL Laconia buses reach Areopoli, with few services a day, and from there a stretch of road remains.

What to bring and what it is like inside

Inside it is cool all year: the water is about 14 °C and the air between 16 and 19 °C. In summer, the change from the 30 degrees outside is noticeable: bring a light jacket. Comfortable, non-slip footwear for the walking section. In the boat you must follow the boatman's instructions and not touch the rock. Breaking off or taking fragments of the cave is a crime.

With children

For children it is an easy and different visit: boat, half-light and rock shapes. Under-6s enter free. With babies, ask at the box office how to take them on the boat.

Before or after: the beach

In front of the cave there is a beach with free umbrellas and sunbeds for visitors, and a short distance away is the free Chalikia beach. While you wait your turn, there is a café with drinks and snacks. In summer, come first thing: at midday queues form for the boat.

Combine it with an afternoon in the old town of Areopoli or a swim at Limeni. If you go on south, it fits into the inner Mani loop.