The Grava Gardiki Cave is a Paleolithic rock shelter on the southern slope of Mount Agios Mattheos, near the village of Agios Mattheos. The cave is located between the olive groves, at an altitude of 60 meters, overlooking the area.
History Of Grava Gardiki Cave
According to archaeologists, the Grava Gardiki Cave was used towards the end of the Upper Paleolithic period, between 20,000 and 12,000 years ago. The shelter formed a temporary base for hunters and gatherers and due to its altitude of 60 meters, it provided safety and they could overlook the area.
The cave was found in 1966 and excavated in the same year by the Corfiote professor of archaeology and anthropology Augustus Sordinas. During the excavations, several forms of proof of Paleolithic human life were found, including man-made hunting tools and bones of animal prey, including deer, boars, horses, foxes, hyenas, and birds.
The archeological founds are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Corfu and the site of the cave has become a tourist attraction.
Visiting The Grava Gardaki Cave
The Grava Gardaki Cave can be visited for free and there are no opening or closing times. The cave has a horizontal shape with a length of 20 meters and two entrances. From the eastern opening you have a spectacular view over the entire south of Corfu. You can also see the Gardaki Castle, which is only 300 meters away.
How To Get To The Grava Gardaki Cave
The Grava Gardaki Cave is located between the olive groves near the village of Agios Mattheos. To get there, you will need to have your own transportation like a rental car or scooter, or book a tour which includes a stop there, since there is no public transportation.
From Road No. 2206 you have to take the exit towards Prasoudi / Gardiki / Chalikounas and follow the narrow road for about 1.2 kilometers until you see the sign for the cave. From there it’s a 400-meter walk through the olive grove to the entrance of the cave.
