At the south-eastern edge of Kastelorizo, the island of the Dodecanese also known as Megisti, an otherworldly cave resembles a dreamscape, bright blue and seeming almost below sea level.
It is called Galazia Spilia (blue cave), but the locals also call it Parastas’ or Fokialis’ Cave, and it is a true geological wonder, and definitely the most famous sight on the island at the edge of the Greek sea borders. To enjoy its magic to the fullest, you need to get there early in the morning, for a truly unforgettable swim, when the sun is still low in the sky, sending its warmth and light through the cave’s narrow opening.
The once unknown Kastelorizo cave has been receiving increasing numbers of visitors in recent years and it has gained fans from all over the world. At 35 m high, 40 m wide, and 75 m long, it is much larger than the famed Grotta Azzurra in Capri, Italy, another much more well-known aquatic masterpiece of the Mediterranean.
Access to the cave is by boat only, and only when the weather is good, as the entrance to the cave is just one metre higher than the sea. The route to its interior is an incredible experience in its own right, so make sure you have your cameras with you to capture the moment forever as it will undoubtedly be one of the most valuable souvenirs you’ll take back from the island.
Head towards the centre of the cave, and before you dive into the electric blue waters -a phenomenon cause by the sun’s reflection on the cave’s interior- look up to admire one of the most beautiful and rarest geological phenomena in the world; the lovely white stalagmites hanging from the ceiling. When the sunrays fall on them, they become painted in stunning myriad colours.
You might not be alone on this incredible trip, even if your companions won’t reveal themselves to visitors. Mediterranean Monk seals –Monachus-monachus – often stay in the cave, which is why the cave is also known as Fokialis (fokia in Greek means seal). The observant will notice dozens of wild pigeons hiding in the rocks, while a dive with a mask and snorkel will also reveal shoals of beautiful fish swimming around your feet.
Some people claim that Galazia Spilia is the main reason to visit Kastelorizo, however, anyone who has visited this lovely little island of the Aegean, even for just a few days, will tell you that it has many more beauties. The picturesque town built amphitheatrically around the sea, with its houses made of local stone, resembles a movie set. Visit its three neighbourhoods, Pigadia, Horafia and Mandraki and discover the church of Agios Georgios Santrape, visit the Lycian Tomb, as well as the ancient Acropolis of Megisti. Finally, make sure you visit the rest of the island caves, Fotsaliki, Kolones, Arnaoutis, and Katrantzia on a once in a lifetime tour of some of the most otherworldly beauties of Greece.
Read also:
Anemotrypa cave, Tzoumerka: a dive into the bowels of the earth
Five reasons to visit Kastelorizo
