DROGARATI CAVE: Everything you need to know before you go!
DROGARATI CAVE: Everything you need to know before you go!
Drogarati Cave is one of the top natural wonders to visit in Kefalonia with impressive stalagmites and stalactites that have been forming for millions of years. It has enchanted visitors since it was discovered over 300 years ago and is a must-see when holidaying in Kefalonia. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Drogarati Cave!
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What is Drogarati Cave – what makes it so special?
Drogarati Cave is an impressive, 150 million year old cave that was found after an immense earthquake hit the Greek island of Kefalonia.
It is a rare geological find, featuring stunning and intricate rock formations created by lime deposits in the water that filters through the bedrock above.
The cave is separated into two parts. The upper room (or entrance) has the most amazing stalactites and is called the “Royal Balcony”. With the second part of the cave, widening out into a large circular space with a vaulted ceiling full of magnificent rock formations.
Although Drogarati Cave appears to be one room, Speleologists have confirmed that the cave has an extension. Which means it must be connected with other caves in the area.
Unfortunately for us though they’re currently inaccessible for curious cave explorers!
Is Drogarati Cave worth visiting?
In one word: “YES!”. Absolutely! You’ll be kicking yourself if you visit Kefalonia and don’t see this immensely impressive cave!
The cave is absolutely awe-inspiring. As you walk around, you’ll see it from all its different perspectives, making it a great photo opportunity for holiday makers and amateur cave explorers alike.
But Drogarati Cave isn’t just stunning, oh no – it’s also a venue for musical events! The locals nickname it: “Sala of Apotheosis” because of its perfect acoustics.
The cave is only about 900 square metres, which is pretty small for a cave. But musical events are regularly organised here with even the famous opera singer Maria Callas once performing here!
How was Drogarati Cave formed?
Researchers estimate that Drogarati Cave was formed over 150 million years ago. With the cave’s stalactites and stalagmites being created by rain which comes through the rocky level of the cave, corroding it and depositing its elements on the edge of the stalactites.
A stalactite only grows one cm every 100 years – how crazy is that?
Walking down from the entrance, the rocks make a perfectly positioned ‘balcony’ that allows you to see right to the back of the cave, with warm coloured flood lights so you can see all the cave’s unique jagged corners.
The stalactites and stalagmites are mesmerising and you’ll forget to look forward as you spend most of your time looking up at the ceiling’s stunning formations!
How was Drogarati Cave found?
Drogarati Cave was discovered around 300 years ago after a huge earthquake opened it up for the world to see!
Before that, it has been laid hidden 200 feet underground for what researchers estimate to be 150 million years (during the age of dinosaurs!).
Can you swim in Drogarati Cave?
No, there is no lake at Drogarati Cave, you can only explore it by foot.
How do you get to Drogarati Cave?
Drogarati Cave is just under two miles away from the beautiful coastal town of Sami.
From Kefalonia’s capital Argostoli, it’s a little further but only around a 40 minute drive. If you’re not a confident driver though, I wouldn’t recommend driving there yourself. The roads can be quite rough and not the easiest to navigate!
There is a bus you can take from Argostoli to Sami, which is about an hour and 20 minutes long. But it’s a long bus journey for such a short excursion!
Drogarati Cave is quite small so you’ll only be in there for about half an hour and then you’ll have to wait for the bus back to Argostoli.
Instead, I would recommend visiting Drogarati Cave as part of a Kefalonia Highlights Day Tour. You’ll be able to see other key sights on the island, including: Myrtos Beach, Fiscardo Village and neighbouring Melissani Lake, all within the same day without having to rent a car.
The day tour also includes a hotel transfer, which makes it even more convenient!
I’ve been asked about taxis to the cave before now. But honestly, it would cost you more in taxis than just going on a Kefalonia Highlights Day Tour.
Plus, you’ll get to see so much more of the island on the tour!
What are the opening times?
There is no official website for Drogarati Cave in order to check opening times. However, the cave is generally open between 9.30am to 5.30pm during the summer months (late April to early October).
How much is the entrance fee to Drogarati Cave?
The entrance fee is only €5 for adults and €3 for children.
When is the best time to visit?
It doesn’t matter what time of day you visit Drogarati Cave as it has an average temperature of 18°C with 90% humidity throughout the year.
In terms of the best time of year to visit, I would recommend going during high season as the cave will be open for longer and on more days because of the increase in tourists.
Top 10 facts about Drogarati Cave
1) Drogarati Cave laid hidden 200 feet underground for what researchers estimate to be 150 million years (during the age of dinosaurs!).
2) The cave was discovered around 300 years ago after a strong earthquake opened it up for the world to see!
3) It was officially opened to the public in 1963.
4) The cave has a dimension of 65 x 45 metres and a height of 20 metres.
5) It has an average temperature of 18°C with 90% humidity throughout the year.
6) Researchers believe that the cave is connected to other sea caves and continues into areas that are currently unreachable.
7) The stalagmites and stalactites on the ceiling of the cave are created by lime deposits in the water that filters through the bedrock above. They grow at an estimated rate of one cm over 100 years!
8) Drogarati Cave is said to have the most perfect acoustics and has hosted a number of concerts over the years because of it.
9) The cave is only a three and a half mile drive from another incredible cave in Kefalonia, Melissani Cave. Rumoured to be home to magical nymphs!
10) Drogarati Cave is considered one of the most significant geological finds in Greece.
OTHER KEFALONIA POSTS YOU MAY LIKE…
- Top 10 things to do in Kefalonia, Greece (the perfect 2023 holiday destination)
- MELISSANI CAVE: Everything you need to know about the cave of nymphs!
- Where to see wild turtles in Kefalonia (+ top 10 facts)
Are you adding Drogarati Cave to your Kefalonia visit list? 😊
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