Σπήλαιο στα Σκάλια

Cave of Skalia

Useful Information

Location:	Kalymnos 852 00, Greece (37.0298143, 26.9582624)
Open:	no restrictions. [2024]
Fee:	free. [2024]
Classification:	Karst Cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Cave of Skalia, Tel: +30-.
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

Σπήλαιο στα Σκάλια (Cave of Skalia) is probably the most famous cave on the island Kalymnos, but also quite dangerous. Normally we do not list such caves, but as it is described on numerous webpages and seems to be rather popular we feel it is necessary to add some words of reason. The cliff around the cave entrance as well as a nearby cliff are quite popular among climbers, there are various routes. The climbing site is named after the cave, which partly explains its fame. This cave is a beautiful cave with many speleothems and definitely worth a visit. It is gated with iron bars, but the gate is not closed, there is only a rope with a knot, which is easy to open. But immediately behind this gate the problem starts: this cave is mostly vertical and requires climbing steep slopes or vertical walls.

This is actually a cave which should be open only to cavers with the right skills and equipment. It seems someone was not of this opinion and installed some iron ladders. The ladders are rusty and seem to have some age, but there are also ropes which must be much younger. Many tourists interpret this obviously as some kind of development. It is not.

If you actually want to visit this cave, you should definitely respect the basic rules of caving for your own safety. First of all appropriate equipment, good shoes, helmet, headlamp, additional lamps, gloves. Bring your own rope and climbing gear, especially climbing protection devices. Then: never cave alone, a small group of three is optimal. And tell someone where you go, and when you will be back, so he can call the rescue if you do not make it out of the cave. This is caving 101 and the absolute minimum.

The cave is located at the coastal road only 300 m south of Skalia, the village after which it was named. There is a sign at the road, park at the road, and follow a trail uphill to the cave entrance. There are some discussions going on on Google Maps about the actual location, but the given coordinates are all in a 30 m range, and actually the cave is easy to see at the foot of the vertical cliff. The view from the entrance is great, however, you have a similar view all along the road.