Paxos Blue Caves

Yiannis Mastoras

9/12/20244 min read

The west coast of Paxos is a paradise for adventurers, especially those who love discovering hidden gems along the coastline. Among the highlights are the spectacular sea caves, with their crystal-clear waters and breathtaking rock formations. To experience these caves, you'll need a boat—whether you rent one or join a boat tour. The best time to go is early in the morning before the rush of boats and cruises that arrive after 11:00 AM. Alternatively, if the weather stays calm, the late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) offers quieter waters and stunning lighting as the sun begins to set.

Our journey started in Loggos in the early morning, with a small boat around 8 meters long. The day promised an unforgettable adventure, weaving in and out of these natural wonders. Below, I’ll walk you through some of the most impressive caves, accompanied by stories and photos. At the end of the blog, you’ll also find a handy map of the cave locations.

As we headed west from Loggos, the first cave we came across was just before Ypapanti, right after Catergo. This small yet charming cave is a great introduction to what lies ahead. The water is a stunning blue, and the rock formations are full of character—perfect for warming you up for the majestic Ypapanti Cave.

Local legend has it that during World War II, German planes mistakenly bombed Catergo, thinking it was the Greek submarine Papanikolis. Some believe the submarine actually hid in the caves behind Ortholithos.

Before Ypapanti

Next up was the Grava of Ypapanti, the largest and most famous sea cave on Paxos. This place is absolutely breathtaking. The water inside is a vibrant, almost electric blue, and as you get deeper into the cave, the sandy bottom and light sulfur smell add to the atmosphere. The cave walls are speckled with purple hues, making the sight even more unique.

Ypapanti is massive—20 meters tall at the entrance, and deep enough that only small dinghies and kayaks can make it all the way to the back. If you're daring enough to venture that far, you'll need a flashlight, as the cave gets pitch black. On windy days, the cave's acoustics create eerie, almost mythical sounds that echo through the space.

When I was younger, my mother would jokingly call me "Grava Ypapantis" whenever I had a bad cough, comparing my loud, raspy coughs to the booming noises of the cave. It’s funny how those little things stick with you.

Unfortunately, the monk seals that once made their home here are rarely seen anymore, likely due to the increase in boat traffic. There's also an old urban legend about this cave—some say a secret tunnel once led from the back of the cave all the way to the Ypapanti church, which is how the cave got its name.

Ypapanti Cave/Grava Ypapanti's

Further along the coast, we came upon the Achai caves—a trio of caves that are just as impressive. The first two are connected, and the second cave has a partially collapsed roof, allowing sunlight to stream through in dramatic rays. The third cave is the real treasure, with a small, secluded beach inside. Boats can enter the first cave easily, but be cautious about leaving your boat inside—it's better to anchor it just outside and swim in.

On windy days, the caves produce deep, rumbling noises, making you feel like you've stumbled into Poseidon’s personal realm. In fact, some legends say that Poseidon himself had a marble palace hidden inside the first cave.

Achai Caves

As we rounded the next point, the towering rock of Ortholithos came into view. Its name means "standing rock," and it really does look like it fell from the heavens and landed right there in the sea. Behind Ortholithos are two floatable caves, both worthy of exploration.

The second cave is particularly impressive—it’s large enough to turn a boat around inside, and when you do, the view of the entrance with Ortholithos standing tall in the background is unforgettable. Many artists have captured this exact scene in paintings and photographs, and now I can see why!

Ortholithos

Finally, we arrived at the Moggonisi caves on the southern side of the island. These small, yet beautiful caves are often referred to as the "Blue Caves" due to the way the water reacts when it splashes against the rocks. The foam from the water sparkles in a light, almost glowing blue, creating an otherworldly effect.

Exploring the sea caves of Paxos is like stepping into another world. The natural beauty, coupled with local stories and legends, makes this a must-do when visiting the island. Whether you're captivated by the bright blue waters, the towering rock formations, or the quiet mystery of the caves, this adventure will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Check out the map below to start planning your own sea cave journey!