Sea and land caves are abundant in Corfu and well worth exploring. Myths and legends accompany a number of these caves and locals will gladly regale you with action-packed stories about pirate raids that forced fleeing villagers to seek refuge in the island’s caves.
The Caves of Corfu
Klimatia Cave is an excellent place to begin exploring. Also called Anthropograva cave, it’s located close to Klimatia village in the northern part of the island just a few metres off the road that leads to Agia Triada Monastery. Follow the stone path that leads to the entrance to the cave, where a 7 metre inclined passage inside the cave takes you to a bigger domed section with stalactites and stalagmites. At the far end of the domed area there’s a 4 metre hollow or well that drops down to the cave’s lower level. If you’re exploring in summer, keep in mind that bats use the cave for shelter.
Another cave worth visiting is the Grava Loutson cave which you’ll find at the foot of Mount Pantokrator in the north, close to Loutses and Old (Kato) Perithea villages near Kassiopi. Take the coastal road from Kassiopi through New Perithea, Old Perithea and Loutses then follow the sign for Anapaftiria until you reach the end of the road. There you’ll see an old gateway to a downhill pebbled path that leads to the caves. An interesting characteristic of these caves is the jagged creviced ceiling and the layer of green algae that coats the ground. Caution is advised as it can be slippery.
Sea Caves
Sea caves dot the coast of Corfu so when you’re in Paleokastritsa on the north-west coast take the opportunity to rent a small boat and explore these underwater masterpieces. Water taxis abound in this area so rely on the locals to take you to the most impressive caves and isolated coves.