Cave “Foros” is located in Aladino village and is 4 km far from Hora. It occupies approximately 500 sq.m. and it is one of the first discovered caves of Greece. You can start your exploration of the area at the old bridge which was constructed in 1680 AD from Epirotis master builder Kitsos Zois and his guild. A traditional cobbled road leads to the cave. It starts from Aladino Bridge where you can see the “big river” with all the ducks, turtles and eels, and after hiking for 300 meters you will see the cave between the oak trees and wild pear trees. You will meet signs on the way and while hiking, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Aladino village and the natural scenery (cypresses, olive trees, orange trees and lemon trees).
At the entrance of the cave, the tour guide will provide you with all the necessary equipment (a helmet and a flashlight) for a safe exploration of the cave. For your own convenience, it is advised to wear closed toe shoes and carry a long-sleeved blouse with you.
Halfway through the route you will have the opportunity to enjoy an aesthetic spectacle: Huge pillars create labyrinthine departments while stalactites and stalagmites decorate the place and reflect their beauty on the ponds of water that form on the ground. Different forms of life, completely adjusted to darkness and minimal food, can be found inside the cave.
The cave offers a sense of adventure as the visit is done in groups of 6 people after everyone has been given a helmet and a flashlight and with the guidance of a tour guide. The temperature in the cave is always at 16 - 17°C throughout the year and the level of humidity is up to 75%. Aladino village is at 120 meters on the foot of Gerakonas mountain. The temperature in winter ranges between 4 – 17°C while in summer it is between 23 – 37°C.
There are two possible stories as to how the cave got its name. Based on the first story, the name comes from the Italian word “foros” which means “opening”. Another story says that every time livestock died, the inhabitants of the village considered it as a way of paying their “foros” (=taxes) in order to appease the evil spirits.
The first exploration of the cave took place in 1937 by John and Anna Petroheilos. Mandated by the Hellenic Speleological Society (ESE) in 1982, a complete mapping of the cave was done by A. Petroheilos and S. Diakogiannis. Cave Foros is the 15th registered cave in Greece on the official list of caves discovered by the Hellenic Speleological Society (ESE).
Access
By car:
- From Gavrio port, take the road to Hora Androu. Turn right at the instersection of Messaria (Koumani) and after 50 meters turn right again towards the direction of Aladino. In approximately 1.300 meters you will arrive at the Old Bridge.
- From Hora Androu, take the road to Gavrio and turn left at the intersection of Agios Spiridonas. Head straight towards the direction of Aladino till you see the Old Bridge.
- From Korthi, take the road to Hora Androu through Syneti. At Hora, turn left to Gavrio and follow the abovementioned route.
By bus:
- Get off the bus at Aladino bus stop, walk down the road till you arrive at the Church of the Holy Trinity (Ekklisia Agias Triadas) and then continue till you see the Old Bridge.
Open Hours:
- 01/01 – 30/06: by appointment only
- 01/07 – 31/08: Tuesday – Thursday – Saturday – Sunday, 11.00 – 13.00 & 17.00 – 20.00 / Monday – Wednesday – Friday by appointment only
- 01/09 – 31/12 by appointment only
To schedule an appointment please contact Mrs. Kaladami at 6939696835
