We've arrived at the Caves of Diros. So it's a cave system right next to the
ocean. You have to take a boat and because
of Covid 19 restrictions you can only take the short route which
is still like 45 minutes, cost 10 euros for an adult. I'm not sure what
the long route consists of or how much longer it is but
we checked it out online and it looks kind of cool you kind of weave through
on the boat and there's like yeah low hanging ceilings of rock and
whatever so yeah it should be exciting. These incredible flooded caves have been
inhabited since neolithic times. Tickets are issued at the gate before
you park you can then step down into the cool
damp caves to board a boat to float you through the first part of the tour.
Guides only speak Greek so if you don't understand the language, like we didn't
then just enjoy the scenery!
It's eerily quiet as you glide through the passages ducking your head from time
to time to avoid being struck by stalactites.
The journey in this cold isolated place takes no more than 15 minutes
but it was like no other underground cave system we'd visited before.
It was pretty dark so the video footage doesn't do it justice. The clear water
and lighting added to the mysterious setting.
Disembarking the boat you walk the remaining sections of the tour at your
own pace on foot.
So due to covered we've got to wear our
masks down here and it's a lot cooler than up top that's
for sure, but it's pretty interesting see all
these stalagmites formed over millions of years down here.
An earthquake in 4 BC saw inhabitants flee the caves
and they were forgotten until being rediscovered in 1895.
In 1949 a local couple started to explore and systematically map the caves
and they now know that the tunnels and passageways total around 14 kilometers.
Mapping still continues to this day.
As you exit the tour and deal with the bright light, the beautiful coastline
around the caves greets you.
There's a small cafe and seating area if you want to get refreshments
before moving on to your next destination.
Next time we continue exploring the Mani Peninsula taking a drive along
the southern coast, visiting some of the cute villages
stunning coves, an abandoned town and the tip of Mani.
So don't miss out and subscribe now to be notified of the next video in this
Greek Travel Series. Until the next time happy travels from
the Memoryseekers!