Photo ↑ by @eleftheria_krt
There are more than 200 caves in Corfu, many of them not explored at all. A simple search on tourist websites won’t really reveal more than one or two, mainly because there’s not much to see. At the same time, without equipment and experience, some of the caves in Corfu can become dangerous.
A team of explorers worked together to explore local caves, including famous specialists like René van Vliet, Giannis Gasteratos or Theodoros Skalitis. The team has revealed more caves than the authorities have recorded in the past.
It’s unknown whether the Speleo Corfu project is still ongoing or not.
Some of these caves are small and have nothing impressive to show. Others can be stunning. Either way, here are some of the most impressive caves in Corfu. Remember, exploring them isn’t for everyone and could be dangerous.
Chapel Agios Stylianos
Chapel Agios Stylianos is relatively simple to find. In fact, getting there is a pretty nice trip, especially if you like hiking or you feel like exploring the famous twin beaches of Corfu. The chapel is just after the beach, on a small peninsula.
This tiny church is located inside the cave. There are more legends about it. Some say a local found a small icon of Saint Stylianos and took it into the church. The next day, the icon was back in the same place. Locals understood the message and left it there. In the small cave. You can still see it there today.
A monk thought about starting a little monastery around it. However, he wasn’t successful and eventually had to leave. Some say you can still feel his presence in the ruins of the little house built around the icon.
Waterfall Cave In Kyprianades
The Kyprianades waterfall is the first thing popping into your mind when you think about this little village. Most people have no idea it also hides a small, but interesting cave. There’s not much to do in the cave, but it’s totally worth the view.
However, keep in mind that the cave is hidden by the waterfall. Therefore, you can only see it when the waterfall is totally dry, often in the summer.
Nianiiris Cave
Sometimes known as the Anastasis cave, the Nianiiris cave is close to Doukades and provides some beautiful views over the traditional Corfiot village. Getting there is quite difficult and requires professional equipment due to the thick vegetation.
The cave has quite a history, as it was used for sheltering people throughout World War II. The cave has a rock pool as well, but it’s not always visible. In peaceful times, the cave was used to keep animals, but also to wash clothes in the rock pool.
Rovinia Cave
The Rovinia cave is quite large. It has a tall entrance and if you get in there, you can go nearly 20 metres deep. It’s pretty high as well, so it offers an interesting experience. If you choose to climb on the right-hand side, you’ll notice an ancient type of ladder design.
Should you go there, double-check the path that goes to the Hole of Ha, which was created when the soil in the area collapsed. It’s worth noting that there are more sea caves in the area, but they could be dangerous to explore.
Secret Cave Of Lakones
It’s said that Lakones hosts one of the biggest caves in Greece. Research started at the beginning of the 21st century with a book by Alexandros Alexakis. It’s said that the book has been there since Homo Sapiens times.
Only a few people in the village have heard about this big cave. Apparently, it had more entrances. The main one was blocked decades ago, so only a few elderly people may know about it. The second one was close to the local bakery, but it was also blocked.
A third entrance by a local chasm cave is too narrow, so the cave is totally blocked.
No one knows how big the cave is or how far it goes, but legends are amazing if you stop and talk to the locals.