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The study of Greek caves is a unique experience and adventure for many people, allowing them to learn about a miracle of nature and enrich their knowledge of geology, hydrology, physics, biology, palaeontology and archaeology.

Their geological structure, waters, colours and sounds can hardly be captured in one picture or in a few words, but here are some of them that you have already visited perhaps, or that are worth visiting in the future.

The Aggitis cave, Drama

If you find yourself in the area of ​​Drama, it is worth visiting the Aggitis cave (also called Maara), which is the largest river cave in the world, with a length of 21 km and is located in Prosotsani. 18.5 km of its length have been studied, visitors having access to only 2.5 km Information: http://spilaioaggiti.gr/

The cave of the lakes, Achaia

The cave of the lakes, making an impression with its colours and its particular stalagmites and stalactites, is 17 km from Kalvryta in the village of Kastria. What makes the cave special is the unusual structure that successive lakes have on three levels. The length of the cave that has been studied is 1.98 km, and various fossils of humans and animals have been found along it. In the winter, when the snow melts, the cave turns into a subterranean river with natural waterfalls, and in the summer a part of it runs dry, revealing the bed and weirs which reach a height of 4 metres. Information: www.kastriacave.gr

Melissani Cave, Kefalonia

Melissa lake cave is located 2 km northwest of Sami, Kefalonia island, not far from Karavomylos and is 3.5 km long, 36 m high and 40 m wide. It was discovered in 1951 by speleologist Yannis Petrohilos and is a unique geological phenomenon, as it was formed by mechanical and chemical processes called karstification in which water penetrates into limestone rocks, erodes and creates pits. Inside, a large part of the ceiling collapsed revealing a fascinating view and in antiquity the lake was part of the cult dedicated to the god Pan and the nymph Melissanti. Legends have it that Melissanti killed herself in the lake of sorrow, because Pan did not respond to her love.

Alistrati Cave, Serres

This cave is considered one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Greece and in Europe and is the only one in operation in Macedonia. Local people have known it since a long time ago. However, the Hellenic Speleological Society did not learn about it until 1975 from a letter by the municipality, when the organized research of the cave started. Its stalagmites and stalactites are of unique beauty, and 120,000 people visit the cave each year.

Information: www.alistraticave.gr