The Diros Caves
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Port
Gythion (Sparta), Greece
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Activity Level
Strenuous Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$110
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Drive from the pier by motorcoach to the Diros Caves, which were discovered in 1958. The caves are perhaps the most important natural site in Greece. The Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts found here indicate that the caves were one of the earliest inhabited places in Greece. Among other findings were complete human skeletons of the unburied dead. Scientists believe that, at the close of the Neolithic period or the beginning of the Bronze Age, a severe earthquake shook the area, blocking the mouth of the cave so that its inhabitants were walled up and died of starvation. The cave entrance remained sealed for some 4,500 years until its relatively recent discovery.
On arrival at the caves, you will board a small fishing boat to explore the caves from the water. The first speleologists to explore the caves named each chamber according to its shape.
Enjoy free time to explore on your own before the return drive to the pier.
Please note: The drive to the caves is approximately 60 minutes each way. The path at the caves can be slippery. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Not advisable for guests with claustrophobia. In the event of heavy rainfall, the caves may be closed without warning.