10 Greece Caves: Explore The Hidden Wonders Beneath The Surface

An image of Zakynthos caves in Greece shows a serene underground lake with rock walls.

If you’re an adventure or nature enthusiast, the enigmatic realm of Greece caves is your next destination. These cave wonders are not only geological marvels but also centuries-old history, mythology, and natural splendour. From blue lakes to colossal limestone formations, the renowned caves of Greece have something breathtaking around every bend. Some are also among Greece’s most significant caves from a scientific and cultural perspective. Whether exploring underwater, strolling through chamber-lined stalactites, or taking a trip to Greece, caves promise a foray into the heart of mythological and natural splendour.

Top 10 Greece Caves

Delve into the heart of Greece’s subterranean wonders with this curated list of the most mesmerising Greece caves.

1. Perama Cave, Ioannina

An image of Perama Cave in Ioannina, one of the best Greece caves, a must-visit.

Photo: PaigePhault / Wikimedia Commons

Situated close to Ioannina, Perama Cave is one of the most captivating caves in Greece you can visit. It runs 1.7 km beneath Goritsa Hill and consists of 19 varieties of stalactites and stalagmites. It was discovered during the Second World War and is of great geological and archaeological importance. The lit corridors provide a fantasy ride into the world beneath the earth, rich in natural phenomena. This attraction is one of the most well-known caves in Greece because of its size and complex formations.

Location: Ioannina, Epirus
Entry Fees: €7 adults /
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

2. Melissani Cave, Kefalonia

An image of glowing blue waters inside Melissani Cave, one of the most magical Greece caves.

Photo: Matt Sims / Wikimedia Commons

Melissani Cave in Kefalonia is one of the most magical Greek caves, with a natural lake. Sunlight enters through a fallen ceiling and lights the waters in shades of blue and green. It’s one of the most visited caves in Greece and a very popular tourist attraction. Tourists are ferried across the underground lake by boats, providing an otherworldly experience. The cave is mythologically important because it was once the temple of the nymph Melissani.

Location: Kefalonia Island
Entry Fees: €10 /
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

3. Blue Cave, Kastellorizo

An image of the glowing marine light in Blue Cave, a natural wonder in Greece caves.

Photo: Ioannis Fakis / Wikimedia Commons

Blue Cave, located on the island of Kastellorizo, is among the most stunning caves to see. It can only be accessed by boat and is famous for the deep blue light reflected inside during early mornings. The opening is tiny—a meter in height—so it’s exhilarating as you duck into one of Greece’s most popular caves. You’ll discover an enormous chamber where light and sea blend in exquisite harmony. It’s one of the few Greek caves in which natural luminescence is visible.

Location: Kastellorizo Island
Entry Fees: Varies
Timings: Early morning

4. Cave Of The Lakes, Kastria

An image of Cave of the Lakes in Kastria, is among the most distinctive Greek caves.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

The Cave of the Lakes in Kastria is among the most distinctive Greek caves featuring cascading lakes at three levels. It transforms radically seasonally—operating as a river during winter and revealing terraced lakes during summer. Its 13 natural basins, waterfalls, and rock dams create a breathtaking underground scenery. Geological features here are stalactites and stalagmites, which have developed over millions of years.

Location: Kastria, Peloponnese
Entry Fees: €9 adults /
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

5. Petralona Cave, Halkidiki

An image of Petralona cave in Halkidiki, a historic site among the most Greece caves.

Photo: Carlstaffanholmer / Wikimedia Commons

Petralona Cave, in Halkidiki, is one of the most historically significant Greek caves. It’s internationally famous for discovering the Petralona Skull—an early hominid fossil over 700,000 years old. This makes it one of the most well-known caves in Greece and one of the most archaeologically important caves in Greece. The cave contains many chambers with giant stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Location: Halkidiki, Central Macedonia
Entry Fees: €8 adults /

Timings: 9 AM – 3 PM

6. Diktaean Cave, Crete

An image of Diktaean Cave in Crete, one of the legendary Greece caves, a must-visit.

Photo: Cayambe / Wikimedia Commons

Diktaean Cave in Crete is one of the most mythologically significant caves—purported to be the birthplace of Zeus. Located on the Lasithi Plateau, this cave is steeped in history and intrigue. The hike down to the cave is lined with stunning rock formations, underground pools, and ancient altars. It is one of the most visited caves in Greece due to its beauty and mythological status. Tourists hike up a short but steep trail to access this ancient marvel.

Location: Lasithi Plateau, Crete
Entry Fees: €6
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

7. Sfendoni Cave, Crete

Sfentoni Cave in Crete is among the lesser-known gems of Greece caves

Photo: C messier / Wikimedia Commons

Sfentoni Cave in Crete is among the lesser-known gems of caves in Greece but boasts one of the most beautiful interiors. Zoniana village’s cave boasts outstanding stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. It’s separated into a series of chambers, each cave section boasting a geological history. The tourists walk on safe trails and enjoy informative tours led by local experts. This destination is special among the Greek caves because it is easily accessed and boasts lively formations.

Location: Zoniana, Crete
Entry Fees: €5 adults /
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM

8. Alistrati Cave, Serres

Photo: Neptuul / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Alistrati Cave, located near Serres, is one of the most grand Greek caves with extensive chambers and unusual formations. Stretching more than 3 kilometres, the cave is a wonder of nature with unusual formations such as eccentrics and helictites. A prominent tourist destination, it is wheelchair accessible, and features elaborate guided tours, making it one of the most accessible caves in Greece. The cave also features an adjacent eco-park and educational museum.

Location: Alistrati, Serres
Entry Fees: €8 adults /
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

9. Agios Georgios Cave, Kilkis

An image of Agios Georgios Cave, a scenic and serene spot in this Blakan country.

Photo: George Fournaris / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Agios Georgios Cave in Kilkis is one of the most serene and healing caves in Greece. Its mineral-filled interior makes it regularly utilized for speleotherapy to treat respiratory issues. It’s stunning and medically well-known, being one of the most significant caves in Greece to visit for health and wellness travel. While less touristy, it’s one of the most popular caves in Greece due to its healing status. The cave has well-laid paths and informative displays, providing a peaceful and informative experience.

Location: Kilkis, Northern Greece
Entry Fees: €5 /
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)

10. Cave Of Elephanta, Crete

An image of the Cave of Elephanta, a submerged natural wonder in the marine world of Greece.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

One of the most thrilling caves in Greece for scuba divers is the Elephanta Cave off Souda Bay in Crete. The subterranean cave is named after fossilized elephant remains. It’s a geologic wonder, a combination of sea exploration and palaeontology. The cave’s chambers hold fossils of the vertebrae, molars, and tusks of ancient elephants. It’s special among Greek caves due to its underwater location and scientific significance.

Location: Souda Bay, Crete
Entry Fees: Diving tour package
Timings: By appointment

Greece is more than ruins and islands—its underground world is equally captivating. The top 10 Greece caves perfectly exemplify how history and nature come together in magical harmony. Whether you’re following myths in Crete or floating in Melissani’s glowing lake, these legendary caves in Greece will leave a lasting impression. Some of these are also some of the most crucial caves in Greece for their ecological, archaeological, and therapeutic importance. Plan a trip with TripXl today.

Cover Photo: Ρένια Χατζηλευτέρη / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most Greek caves such as Alistrati and Cave of the Lakes offer safe pathways, guided tours, and even wheelchair access.
Yes, Blue Cave and the Cave of Elephanta allow diving and swimming, but only under professional supervision.
Diktaean Cave and Melissani Cave are considered the most important caves in Greece linked to ancient Greek mythology.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a light jacket (it's cool inside), and always follow cave safety guidelines.
Most famous caves in Greece do offer guided tours, providing insights into geology, mythology, and historical importance.

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