We have recently noted and written about the great natural beauty of Greece that often goes quite a bit beyond the typical coastal landscapes that are characterised by a specific kind of beach – with soft white sands and unreal blue waters – which people seem to conjure when thinking of the country. There is a lot more to Greece, beautiful as that kind of scenery can be, and a lot more to be discovered. One of these incredible and unique places is Cape Matapan, a small landmass located at the end of the Mani Peninsula, that is home to a legendary surprise.
An intriguingly suggestive and atmospheric beauty, the cape is characterised by rugged hillsides featuring tufted grasses and rolling slopes that curve down to meet the sea. This is also where you will find the Caves of Cape Matapan, which are legendary natural creations that are steeped in Greece’s myths. If you have found a vacation rental in Peloponnese and are exploring the area, come take in these pretty seaside peaks (particularly lovely during Golden Hour before sunset) and the mysterious caves that are hidden within them.
An intriguingly suggestive and atmospheric beauty, the cape is characterised by rugged hillsides featuring tufted grasses and rolling slopes that curve down to meet the sea. This is also where you will find the Caves of Cape Matapan, which are legendary natural creations that are steeped in Greece’s myths. If you have found a vacation rental in Peloponnese and are exploring the area, come take in these pretty seaside peaks (particularly lovely during Golden Hour before sunset) and the mysterious caves that are hidden within them.
The Ancient Greeks believed that this cave system, located right on the tip of the cape, was the entrance to Hades, the underworld of Classical mythology. It is the site where Orpheus is said to have entered the underworld in search of his lost love, Euridice, and where Hercules descended into the land of the dead.
It was also an important place of worship for the Spartans, who built many temples to the gods in the area. Ruins of a temple to Poseidon is located just above the entrance to the cave. With the arrivals of the Byzantines, the temple became a site of Christian worship and today is merely a tourist attraction. The caves are also an important tourist attraction in the area and, though partly submerged, can be visited by boat tour. Their impressive stalactites and stalagmites, which inspired legends of gates to hell must be seen.
Steeped in natural beauty, ancient legend, and historic heritage, this is must-see for those exploring this part of Greece!
It was also an important place of worship for the Spartans, who built many temples to the gods in the area. Ruins of a temple to Poseidon is located just above the entrance to the cave. With the arrivals of the Byzantines, the temple became a site of Christian worship and today is merely a tourist attraction. The caves are also an important tourist attraction in the area and, though partly submerged, can be visited by boat tour. Their impressive stalactites and stalagmites, which inspired legends of gates to hell must be seen.
Steeped in natural beauty, ancient legend, and historic heritage, this is must-see for those exploring this part of Greece!
Photo credit: G Da / CC BY-SA 3.0