Kalavryta, a charming alpine town in northern Peloponnese, is one of Greece’s most sought-after autumn and winter destinations. It attracts nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and skiers eager to immerse themselves in its breathtaking surroundings.
The town offers a wealth of attractions, including a rich history, delicious cuisine, the Vouraikos Gorge, a scenic railway, a ski resort on Mount Helmos, and the remarkable Cave of the Lakes, formerly known as Troupissio.
Located near the village of Kastria in the Achaia region—about 17 km from Kalavryta—the Cave of the Lakes is famous for its stunning terraced lakes, cascading in shades of green and turquoise across three levels. This unique site is not only one of Greece’s natural wonders but also one of the most extraordinary caves in the world, featuring significant archaeological findings from the Late Neolithic and the Early, Middle, and Late Bronze Ages.
The cave was first uncovered in 1964 by locals from Kastria. An expedition from the Greek Mountaineering Association, which included cavers from Greece and abroad, followed. In 1981, the Greek National Tourism Organisation began excavation work to prepare the cave for public access, officially opening in 1990.
Currently, a 500-meter section of the cave—part of a total of 1,980 meters explored—is open to visitors. This section features an entrance 3.5 meters high and 6.5 meters wide, leading to a tunnel that takes guests directly to the second of the three levels, where the lakes are truly breathtaking. The cave contains 13 lakes, which are spectacular during the winter and spring months when water levels rise.
Towards the end of the route, visitors encounter “Kastro” (meaning “fortress”), one of the cave’s most striking formations. Anna Petrochilou, the late president of the Hellenic Speleological Society, named it because it reminded her of a fortress.
Caves in Greece often receive names inspired by the impressions they evoke in the explorers who first ventured into them, adding to their allure and mystery.
Read more about The most beautiful and mysterious Greek caves