Koutouki Cave

Stalactites and Stalagmites: The Story of Peania Cave

Peania Cave, also known as Koutouki Cave, is a natural wonder of breathtaking beauty. As one of Greece’s most important natural monuments, it captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring atmosphere. Inside, vibrant stalactites, stalagmites, and columns of various colors create fascinating formations that resemble halls, balconies, squares, and winding corridors, evoking a dreamlike world.

This incredible cave was accidentally discovered in 1926 by a local shepherd from Peania. While grazing his herd, one of his animals mysteriously disappeared into the ground. In his search, he uncovered one of Europe’s most stunning caves, where the lost goat had fallen.

What is even more astounding is the age of Koutouki Cave, estimated to be around 2 million years old. Due to its concealed entrance, it had remained hidden and untouched by human presence, unlike many other caves where evidence of primitive human activity has been found.

Visiting Information:

• Opening Hours:
  Saturday – Sunday: 09:00 – 15:50
  Holidays: 09:00 – 15:00
• Ticket Prices:
  General Admission: 5€
  Students, seniors (65+): 3€

The cave’s magnificent formations come alive under the light, with stalactites and stalagmites glowing white or taking on hues of yellow, brown, and rust, depending on the minerals present. If you spot a broken stalactite, you’ll notice concentric rings resembling tree growth rings, reflecting the gradual build-up of calcite over time. Before entering the cave, take a moment to enjoy the panoramic view from the sloping path leading down.

A 17-meter-long tunnel, designed for visitor convenience, leads into the main chamber, with a 350-meter tourist route that winds through the underground grotto. Along the way, visitors can admire the towering stalagmites and stalactites, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each more imaginative than the last.

The cave’s natural entrance is located on its roof, a testament to its unique geological formation.

After exploring, consider heading to the nearby coast for a relaxing picnic or meal. But before we leave Koutouki, it’s worth noting that this cave is the largest and most beautiful of the 60 caves in Attica. Situated at the eastern edge of Mount Hymettus at an altitude of 510 meters, it belongs to the municipality of Peania.

Journalist D. Hatzopoulos was the first to explore the cave, followed by numerous visits from nature lovers. In 1954, the cave was thoroughly mapped by Giannis and Anna Petrocheilou of the Hellenic Speleological Society.

Koutouki Cave is part of the Hymettus underground system, formed due to the high solubility of limestone in rainwater. Over time, this process created the magnificent formations we see today. Inside, visitors can spot the “Olympic Tower,” the “Owl,” “Corals,” “Armor,” and the “Red Falls,” stained by iron oxides that seep into the cave with surface water.

The cave has a vertical height of 38.5 meters and a route length of around 350 meters. The vast central chamber measures 60 x 60 meters, filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 17°C year-round, with 90% humidity, making it a cool retreat no matter the season.