Port
Gythion (Sparta), Greece
Activity Level
Strenuous
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$99.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Visit the Diros Caves, discovered in 1958.
On arrival at the caves, you will board a small fishing boat for the ride into them. Each chamber was given a name according to its shape by the speleologists who first explored the caves. These are perhaps the most important natural sites in Greece and, in their way, are as spectacular as the caldera of Santorini. The Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts found here, many of which are on display in the museum, indicate that the caves were one of the earliest inhabited places in Greece. Among other findings are complete human skeletons of the unburied dead from the close of the Neolithic period or the beginning of the Bronze Age. Archaeologists believe that a severe earthquake shook the area, blocking the mouth of the cave. The inhabitants were trapped and died of starvation. The cave entrance remained sealed for some 4,500 years.
During your visit, there will be free time to explore on your own before the drive back to the pier.
Notes:
Travel time to the caves is approximately 60 minutes each way. The path at the caves can be slippery. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Not suitable for guests who with claustrophobia. Heavy rainfall can cause the closure of the caves without notice. The tour does not operate on Sundays.