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Cave of Vlichada in Diro |
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Travel to the magic of nature.
One of the most beautiful caves in the world is located on the west coast of Laconia's Peninsula, at Diros Bay. In the austere landscape of Mani, the nature with incomparable art and patience has carved a miracle beyond imagination.
Bright white stalactites and stalagmites, impressive curtains and sparkling crystals adorn every corner, creating a unique spectacle that takes your breath away!
It owes its name to the brackish waters of this area, which called Vlicha = Vlichada. However, from many it is mentioned as Glyfada by paraphrasing the word Vlichada.
Some things you have to know about the cave of Vlichada.
- From around 1900, the locals knew of its existence, but nobody could have imagined the miracle was hiding inside. In 1949, it was then that John and Anna Petrochilos, founders of the Greek Speleological Society, began to explore it systematically.
- The cave began to form before hundreds of thousands of years. The stalactites and stalagmites beneath the water formed when the sea level was lower than it is now.
It must be noted that there are stalactites found at a depth of 71 meters.
- The natural entrance to the cave is very close to the sea surface and its diameter is only half a meter. Previously, the cave had other entrances, which gradually disappeared.
- By 1960, they had explored and mapped 1600 meters of the cave and now the known length is more than 14 km! In 1970 became the first underwater exploration and is continued until now, both above and below the water by diving.
- 1967 was a milestone year, because, for the first time, the doors of the cave were opened to visitors, when ESO completed the installation work, which had started six years earlier.
- The decoration of the cave is caused by the water penetrating into the cracks of limestone and causes its erosion. The precipitation of dissolved calcium carbonate creates, very slowly, stalactites and stalagmites.
- The water inside the cave is saline and has high hardness. The temperature is about
14 C, while the air's temperature ranges
from 16 to 19 C.
- In the cave of Alepotrypa have been discovered many important anthropological finds from the Neolithic era. Many of them are exhibited in the museum, next to entrance of the cave.
- Inside the cave have been found fossilized bones of lions, panthers, hyenas, ferrets, deer and the largest reservoir of hippos in Europe.
The human presence is indicated by the potteries found near the natural entrance.
- The tourist route extends for 1500 meters, the first 1200 of which are in lake, the tour takes place by boat and the duration is 25 minutes.
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He has been called as the most beautiful lake cave in the world |
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How to visit it
You can reach the cave via Sparti passing from Gytheio and via Kalamata passing from Itilo. The distance from Athens is about 300 km. It is worth visiting since both the beauty of Mani and the magic of the cave will compensate you!
 The cave is open to visitors from 08.30 to 15.00
from October to May and
to 15.30 from June to September. |
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The route in the Cave
The amazing route of the unique beauty, lasts about three quarters.
You will be impressed from the first room, where "Cactus" stalagmite stands and you will see the "Mantle of Poseidon" caught on the roof. This area is also the starting point of the wonderful journey by boat.
You will pass the "Dead State", you will arrive in "Crossroads" and you will see the "Pillars of Hercules".
The "Lake of Okeanides" with the stalagmite "Little Thimonia" in its center, the "Forest of palm trees", the "Corridor of Wonders" and the "Loyal Dog" will enchant you with their beauty.
The next room houses the "Great Thimonia" with a diameter of 3.5 meters, followed by the "Stand", the "Kathedrali," the "Bishop's throne", the "Stone Lily" and the "Foot of Poseidon".
The fantastic journey continues passing under the "Chandelier", and next is the chamber with the "Ancient Greek mantle", the "Rose Rent" with "Royal balcony", the "Beautiful Gate" and the "Hanging Fox" with the bushy tail.
The snow-white decoration of the next lake with the "Small, White, Hanging Bridal beds of fairies" and the beautiful decoration of "White Flats" that follow, will remain unforgettable.
Leaving the "Shrine", you see the "White Corridor" that ends in "Sea of Shipwrecks" with the "Shipwreck" and its masts out of water.
Next is the "Chocolate Room" covered by dark mud as the next "Red Room", which is also covered by red mud.
Next is the "Cave of the Dragon" with the huge rock hanging from the ceiling to look like a dragon with an open mouth.
Below is the "Tower of Pisa", the column that got its name from the slope caused by the erosion.
The "Venetian canals" lead to the largest and most imposing part of the cave, the "Great Ocean" with a length of 160 meters and a width of 30 meters. The stunning decoration of the walls and ceiling is completed by the submerged stalagmites.
The next room is the "Crystal Rain" and finally the "Big Disk" that completes the route in the lake.
The onshore section that follows, is not lacks in beauty and imagination with a decoration that impresses with its colors and shapes. Distinguish the "Chinese Pavilions", the "Blooming Stalactites" and the "Tomb of the Unknown Sailor".
The uphill section continues via an iron stair while the descent from the opposite side leads to the "Palace of Poseidon" with the "Theatre Scene", the "Diamond Pillar", the "Stone Forest" and the "Harmonium".
Finally, the "Water lilies" complete the fascinating tour in this unique cave that will surely remain in your memory.
You have to be cautious of.
During your visit, you must have your hands inside the boat and follow the instructions of the boatmen.
When browsing the onshore section, watch your head.
The cutting or touching of the cave's items is prohibited and the violators are prosecuted.
The caves are an integral and important part of Greek heritage. Help us to protect them!
It has been described as the most beautiful lake cave in the world, among the known caves so far.
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Accommodation proposals, entertainment and shopping in the Vlichada Cave |
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Exploration
