Do you know that near Kalikratia and the resort in Halkidiki, there is a cave where the oldest evidence of fire use in Europe was found? In addition to fire, there is also evidence (skull) dating back 200,000 years.

The cave is a very significant place for researching human history, and by visiting it, you can step into a truly distant past.

How to reach Petralona Cave?

Petralona Cave is located in Halkidiki, about 35 km southeast of Thessaloniki and 10 km west of Nea Kalikratia.

Traveling from Thessaloniki:

It is easily accessible via the E79 road from Thessaloniki, then turning towards Kalikratia and further towards the village of Petralona. Clear signs will lead you directly to the cave. If you are coming from Thessaloniki, the drive to the cave takes approximately 40 minutes by car, and parking is available near the entrance.

Traveling from the direction of Halkidiki:

If you are on vacation in Halkidiki and returning from popular resorts such as Nea Moudania, Kassandra, or Sithonia, Petralona Cave is a perfect stop on the way back. From resorts on the west coast (Kassandra and Sithonia), you can take the E79 road towards Thessaloniki and follow the signs for Kalikratia. Along this route, there is a turnoff for the village of Petralona, and signs will lead you to the cave itself. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your starting point in Halkidiki.

Ticket Price for Petralona Cave

The ticket price is 7 euros for individual visitors. For groups larger than 25 people, the price is 5 euros per person, while students on school trips pay 4 euros. In the summer months, the cave is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while in the winter months, it closes at 4:00 PM.

Photography and filming inside the cave are not allowed to protect natural formations.

More about Petralona Cave

Petralona Cave is located on the western slopes of Mount Katsika in Halkidiki. It was accidentally discovered in 1959 by a local resident, Philippos Hatzaros. However, the cave’s greatest significance was revealed when anthropologist Aris Poulianos began research in 1960. He found a human skull dating back approximately 200,000 years, known as the “Archanthropus of Petralona”, which is one of the oldest human remains in Europe.

The cave is rich in fossils of animals from the Ice Age, including remains of bears, elephants, and panthers, as well as evidence of fire use, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in Europe.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the cave was restored and opened to the public, with the addition of a museum showcasing numerous fossils and archaeological finds.

Visitors can now enjoy exploring the cave and its impressive natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as learning about its rich history through exhibits in the accompanying museum.

During the visit, guides provide detailed information about the cave’s history, archaeological finds, and geological formations. Guided tours are an excellent way for visitors to learn about all the important aspects of this significant archaeological site.

Check out the official website of the cave at https://petralonacave.gr/ where you can find many photographs and take a virtual tour through prehistory.