The 7 best blue caves of Greece to swim in

Sea caves are common for the Greek coastline, especially on the islands where waves and winds create unique natural artworks. They are often called "blue caves" because water literally glows in the dusk due to the reflected sunlight and the white color of the rocks. Many of them are tourist attractions reachable via organized daily cruises during which passengers can take a dip in the transparent blue water.

Check out the bluest and most celebrated sea caves of Greece which you can explore by swimming.

1. Blue Caves, Zakynthos

These are probably the most famous and photographed sea caves all over Greece. They comprise of a series of caves on the northeast coast of Zakynthos, usually combined with a trip to Navagio, the shipwreck beach. Another complex of sea caves, known as the Keri Caves, is located on the south coast of the island.

2. Blue Caves, Paxos

The west coast of all Ionian islands just abound in rocks and caves and Paxos offers no less stunning experience than Zakynthos. The Blue Caves of Paxos (aka Galazies Spilies) include a few big caves where a cruise ship can enter and numerous smaller ones. Cruise boats stop near the largest cluster and let tourists explore them by swimming.

3. Fokiali cave, Kastellorizo

The blue cave

The Fokiali cave is the main attraction of Kastellorizo, also known as Blue Grotto. The water just sparkles in this large cave where the sun barely penetrates through the tiny entrance. The cave can be accessed by small boats only, and in calm weather. The entrance looks claustrophobic and you need to bend down but once you are inside, the cave is spacious - over 20 meters high and about 30 meters wide.

4. Sykia cave, Milos

The cave with the prolapsed roof

Sykia is a weird cave the roof of which has collapsed, creating a big round hole on the top. The entrance allows only smaller boats to pass but inside there is a small strip of pebbles which resembles a beach so you can visit and explore the cave without even getting wet. The boat trip to Sykia is often combined with a cruise to Kleftiko, the symbol of Milos.

5. Hytra cave, Kythira

by August Politis / Unsplash

Hytra is a small islet close to the south coast of Kythira. It is known for the large sea cave which has plenty of small tunnels and occupies most of the inner part of the islet. Cruise boats enter the cave and let people swim around.

6. Blue cave, Alonnisos

The blue caves of the island

This cave is located on the north coast of Alonnisos island, close to the National Marine park area. It is accessible only by boat and there is really no need to explain they call it blue. The extremely blue water is typical for the whole area between Alonnisos and its neighbor islet Peristera.

7. Caves of Mourtos, Syvota

The caves of Mourtos

Mourtos is a small uninhabited island close to Syvota on Mainland Greece. It is home to two sites of interests in the area - the Blue lagoon beach and a cluster of sea caves, the largest of which is know as "Giant cave". Boat trips are available from the coastal towns of Syvota and Parga, as well as from the nearby island of Corfu.

A few tips

Some boats also offer floating equipment for people who can`t swim but still want to get off board, check it in advance with the crew or provide it for yourself. Even if you are not the swimmer type, you will be tempted to take a plunge in the incredible blue water of these caves.

See also our Boat Trip Checklist for tips and ideas about your perfect cruise experience in Greece.

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