Γαλαζια Σπιλια

Galázia Spiliá - Perastá Cave - Blue Grotto - Phokeale - Refuge of Seals

Useful Information

Location:	Kastellórizo Island, (Meyísti).
Open:	no restrictions
Fee:	for the boat
Classification:	Karst cave sea cave Blue Grotto
Light:	none
Dimension:	L=155 m, W=80 m, H=25 m.
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As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

This cave is on the southern coast and accessible by a 45 minute boat ride from the town of Kastellórizo. The grotto of Perastá, or Galazia Spiliá warrants a visit, not only for it's stalactites, but for the strange blue-light effects. The low entrance is only negotiable by an inflatable raft, and gives little hint of the enormous chamber within. There are monk seals who occasionally nest in an adjacent cave and when disturb leap noisily into the sea. A ninety minutes rubber raft trip to the cave costs Euro 6.00 minimum per person. For a minimum of Euro 15.00 a larger boat, will take you on a 5 hours trip.

Text by Tony Oldham (2002). With kind permission.

This is the biggest sea cave of Greece. It was used as a refuge by many ships, including pirates and smugglers.

The cave entranc is very small, it is rather wide but only 1.20 m high. The first hall, lighted by the blueish light from the sea water, contains numerous speleothem, coloured stalactites hanging from the 25 m high cupola of the 155 m long chamber. At the end of the first chamber, a passage leads to a second chamber. This one is circular with about 40 m in diameter and 15 m high.

At the end of the second waterfilled chamber, the cave ends with a short dry passage. This place is used by seals as a resting place. The cave is locally known as Phokeale (Refuge of Seals).