To the Caves & Beyond......

Today we ventured into and beneath the ground, for a moment of amazement at one of Greece’s geological gems.
The ‘Cave of Lakes’ (http://www.kastriacave.gr/) is situated 17km’s south east of Kalvryta near the village of Kastria and today the operation happens to be run by one of the Grigoria’s good family friends Thanasis.

The caves themselves were first discovered in 1964. They first opened to the public in 1965 and are feted by scientist worldwide for their extraordinary rock formations, the result of centuries of water erosion. To date the caves consist of 1.5km explored tunnels/lakes, however only 500m is accessible to the public via gantries, bridges and suspended walkways.
Although the rock formations and lake terraces were amazing I found myself wanting to get a leg on, on the way out, with the sight of bats flapping about!

After the exercise of the caves we (more like I) were ready for some lunch which Thanasis had kindly arranged for us.
Typically for the area we dinned at an amazing fish restaurant. Like I found in Egypt, fresh farmed fish is rare and something to savour when you get the chance. This particular restaurant farmed trout in the fresh rivers of mountain water.

By now everyone had their favourite way for the fish to be cooked and I went for a combination of baked with almonds – stunning! A short walk to settle the food and we were heading back home to Kalvryta.

Later in the evening we met Grigoria’s Aunt Christina for some more typical Greek food of aubergines, meats and salads, which closed a great day nicely.