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Last updated on June 17th, 2025 at 11:18 am
If you’re planning to spend your summer holidays on the Greek Island of Andros, it’s worth adding Foros Cave to your itinerary.
A hidden world of impressive natural sculptures that date back millions of years, Foros Cave is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets.
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The Origin of The Cave’s Name
Foros Cave was one of the first caves to be discovered in Greece. The fascinating tales it has to tell start from its very name. There are two explanations as to the origin of the name Foros. According to the first one, the name derives from the Italian word foro which means opening or hole.
The second version is more of a superstition of the inhabitants of the village near the cave. It was believed that, whenever an animal fell into the cave and disappeared, it was some kind of tax paid by the locals to appease the evil spirits. Φόρος (foros) in Greek means tax.
A Brief History of Foros Cave
Cave Foros was discovered in 1937 by speleologist couple Anna and Ioannis Petrocheilos, who conducted the first exploration of the cave.
In 1982, a complete mapping of the cave was carried out when it was explored in greater detail under the direction of the Hellenic Speleological Society, an official association founded by the same speleologist duo. Foros Cave is the 15th recorded cave in the official list of caves in Greece.
Where Is Foros Cave
Foros Cave is situated in the village of Aladinou (or Aladinos) in the middle of Andros Island, near Chora.
What To Know Before Visiting Cave Foros
Cave Foros has a steady temperature of 16°C to 17°C throughout the year so dress accordingly. Moreover, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes when visiting Foros Cave as its interior can be a bit slippery.
The cave is open to the public all year round. That said, sometimes you can only visit by appointment. Furthermore, Cave Foros is only accessible as part of a guided tour that lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. Led by the knowledgeable Froso, these insightful guided tours are available in English and Greek.
At the entrance of the cave, you’ll be handed the necessary equipment – a protective helmet and a flashlight – for a safe tour that will also add a sense of adventure to what you’re about to experience.
Foros is a small cave. There are five halls, four of which are open to the public. The length of the path you will follow during the tour isn’t great. Yet, this doesn’t mean that you’re not in for an impressive spectacle that features massive columns, huge pillars, labyrinthine departments and ponds of water.
Foros Caves is abundant in jaw-dropping natural wonders, such as impressive stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and gour formations, alongside shiny marble or colourful limestone touches. You’ll be marvelling at all these while your guide narrates the cave’s history and provides insight into the different forms of life inhabiting the dark depths of Foros Cave.
Check the cave’s Facebook page for opening times, fees and contact information.
How To Get To Foros Cave
Andros is the second-largest island in the Cyclades. As such, it’s best to explore by renting a car and driving around. It’s an easy drive to Foros Cave from anywhere you’re based, such as Andros Town (Chora) or Gavrio Port. Once in Aladinos Village, park near the old stone Aladino Bridge and start your short walk to the cave.
By the way, the old bridge of Aladino is a sight to behold in its own right. This arched bridge was built in 1680 AD by builders from Epirus, a Greek region renowned for its stonemason traditions.
Once you cross the quaint bridge, the traditional cobbled road that leads to Foros Cave coincides with one of the island’s several hiking trails. If you’re into hiking, you should know that Andros is a hiker’s heaven with its wide network of ancient paths that crisscross the entire island, featuring scenic trails through rich vegetation, past archaeological sites and breathtaking vistas.
Side Trip: Stichiomeni Bridge
After visiting Foros Cave, you can continue your exploration of the area to reveal the wonders that lay hidden in the countryside of Andros. Stichiomeni, yet another old arched bridge, is in close proximity to Cave Foros. Στοιχειωμένη (stichiomeni) means haunted in Greek. The story behind this stone bridge is part of an old legend common to many regions in Greece.
According to it, a bridge could never be complete unless the head builder’s wife – or daughter, but you get the misogynist picture – was sacrificed right there on the construction site. On some occasions, they would actually build the unfortunate female within the stone bridge itself. How could she not possibly haunt the freaking bridge afterwards? Hence the name.
You can reach Stichiomeni Bridge on foot from a hiking trail starting at the old bridge of Aladinos village.
Alternatively, jump into your car, leave the Aladinos old bridge behind and keep on the main road until you spot a tiny signpost marking Andros Route 1 on your left. Park on the side of the road and start descending the stone steps at the foot of the signpost. The way back is quite uphill so bring water and take your time.
We hope you enjoyed this short article about not only one of the best-kept secrets of Andros Island but also one of the least-known caves in Greece. We know Andros Island quite well and we can safely say that apart from the countless beautiful beaches in Andros, the island’s countryside is worth exploring, too.
To discover everything that Andros has to offer, apart from Foros Cave and other of its most important attractions, read our list of the best things to do in Andros, complete with all the practical information and Andros travel tips you need to plan the perfect trip.
WORDS & EDITING: Maria
IMAGES: Katerina
4 Comments
Now that looks exciting! I love getting known these less known places for my later travels 🙂 And those little legends…aren’t they superinteresting? Often spooky and who knows if true but it interesting! 🙂
Hey there, thanks for your comment! I know, these stories are always so interesting to hear! I’m glad you added Andros to your future travels list. You’re going to love it!
This is such a great article with so much useful information. I have never heard about this cave but I am certainly going to add it to the list of places I want to visit. Keep up the good work. Love your content and photos!
Hey Polly thank you so much for your lovely comment! Andros island is full of treasures, like Foros Cave, and you should definitely visit as soon as you get the chance 🙂