By Nicolas Bard

The Dirou Located in the homonymous bay, on the west coast of Mani Laconian. Its existence was known to the locals since 1900, but only in 1949 the founders of the Hellenic Speleological Society, Yiannis and Anna Petrochilou, began to explore it systematically.

To 1960 1,600 meters had been explored and mapped, and today the well -known length of the cave exceeds 15 kilometers! In 1970 it became the first underwater exploration, and it was discovered that at one point in the cave the depth reaches 80 meters.

This cave counts a few hundred thousand years of life. The impressive whitish stalactites and stalagmites nowadays under the surface of the water were formed when the sea surface was much lower than its current level. The water in the cave is brackish and has great hardness. Its temperature is about 14 ° C, while air from 16 to 19 ° C. Inside the cave you will also see many glittering crystals, which create an image of unparalleled beauty.

The water that penetrates the cracks of the limestone rock and dissolves it literally creates the imposing cave decoration. The sediment of dissolved calcium carbonate forms very slow but steady stalactites and stalagmites. It is worth pointing out at this point that it takes at least 100 years to create a stalactite.

Physical input of the cave has just half a meter diameter and is very close to the surface of sea. Older the cave had other entrances, but gradually closed. During the exploration of the cave, fossilized bones of panther, hyenas, lion, deer, kunavi have been found and the largest hippopotamus bone concentration in Europe! Very close to its natural entrance, ceramics have been found, indicating the existence of human presence there.

Important anthropological findings from the Neolithic era were discovered in the adjacent Cave. Many of them are on display at the museum next to the entrance of this cave. The tourist route in the cave of Diros has a total length of 1,500 meters, of which the first 1,200 is lake and their tour takes about 25 minutes. The cave has been accessible since 1967 and is one of the most famous caves in our country, with his images traveling around the world!

Inside the cave you will see among others fairiethe big ocean, the man of the dragon and other beautiful spots, which will literally cut you. Remember, however, that this place is protected, and you should show the appropriate respect there. It is strictly prohibited to detach the cave rocks, an energy persecuted and criminal, and you should adhere strictly to the instructions of the boats throughout the browsing. The only sure thing is that this ride will be unforgettable, and you will also take unbeatable photos for Instagram.