Apidima Cave, Archaeological cave in Areopoli, Greece.
Apidima is a cave on the western coast of the Mani peninsula, formed from several chambers created by limestone weathering. It sits just a few meters above sea level between two bays in a steep rock face.
Researchers found skulls in the cave during the 20th century dating back more than 210,000 years, some of the earliest traces of humans outside Africa. The excavations also brought to light several additional skeletons from different phases of the Old Stone Age.
The cave takes its name from the nearby cape and sits in a landscape of limestone cliffs above the sea. Visitors today see a site opened by excavation, showing how people during the Old Stone Age sought shelter in this area.
Access to the cave lies along a steep coast and requires careful footing, especially in wind or rough seas. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and consult local guides familiar with the terrain and tides.
Around 10,000 years ago, the cave stood above a small valley that extended to the nearby town, until rising seas flooded the plain. Today visitors look directly onto water that was once dry and inhabited.
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