M/Y Maria: Folegandros

The unexplored cave

Full day cruise to Folegandros approx. 78 NM, 4h30 engine hours, Departure 10am, Return 7.15pm

Our journey will start at the port; Before mooring at Karavostasi for visiting Hora (Folegandros town) we will have a refreshing stop at Livadi beach. Our next visit the unexplored cave of Hrisospilia. Will follow other sea caves and beaches as the famous from the hippies times Katergo. On our way back to Vlychada we will visit the major hot spots of the caldera in Santorini like the picturesque port of ammoudi, the volcano and the hot spings and the south famous beaches of the island

Beaches √ Scuba X Antiquities √ Religion X Speleo √ Natural wonders √ Walk √ Traditional settlements √

Hora

The traditional settlement of Hora is built at an altitude of around 200 metres from sea level. The main features include narrow cobbled streets, many consecutive squares - a unique architectural element in all the Cyclades islands – the well-tended homes with their white-washed courtyards, and the Kastro. It is easy to walk through the streets as access is prohibited to all motor vehicles. The view from the steep northern side of the Kastro, in Pounta square, a midday rest in the shadows in Ntounavides square, and the night-time fun in Piazza square; all these are images that visitors will keep from their first contact with Hora.

Kastro (Castle)

Kastro is the oldest part of the Hora. It is a medieval settlement built to protect the island’s inhabitants from enemy invasions. It has been inhabited continuously since its establishment. Its northern side is built at the edge of a cliff. The houses, some of which are over one thousand years old, are inhabited and maintained in good condition.

Hrysospilia

is a unique natural monument. It is a remote cave on the north-eastern side of the island, about 30 metres above sea level, with a significant speleological and archaeological interest. It has a length of 300 m and two main chambers joined to each other by a small corridor. Roman wells and a large number of shells have been found on the floor of the first chamber, while the second chamber is decorated with impressive stalactite formations. However, the element that makes Chrysospilia a unique monument of the global cultural heritage is the large number of ancient names covering its walls and ceiling. The names date mainly from the 4th century BC and belong to young adults who arrived here from all parts of Greece. The young adults who managed to enter the main chamber inscribed their names on the walls, thus leaving a trace of their visit. It is thought that the nature of the visit was religious and that this difficult venture took place within the framework of a coming-of-age ceremony. Around 400 male names have been recorded (female names are rarer), and many of them are accompanied by surnames recording their place of origin. Also, the existence of human bones at the entrance to Chrysospilia has led the creation of legends that describe the cave as the islanders' hideout from the pirates. Steps built in antiquity lead up to the cave, and are known as the “Hellenic steps”. Access to cave is still difficult and dangerous however, especially when there is a strong north wind blowing.