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Caves & Gorges

Crete’s limestone landscape is home to thousands of caves, many serving as sacred sites for the ancient Minoans. This collection features the legendary Diktaean and Idaean caves, both historically revered as the mythological birthplace of Zeus. Visitors can explore the impressive dripstone formations of Sfendoni and Melidoni, the latter also serving as a poignant memorial to the 1824 Ottoman siege. These subterranean sites offer a unique look at the island's geological evolution and its deep-rooted connection to Greek mythology and revolutionary history.

Pavel Dokladal / CC-BY-SA

A

Psychron cave;Psychron Cave, Cave of Zeus

Psychro Cave is an ancient Minoan sacred cave in Lasithi plateau in the Lasithi district of eastern Crete.

Jerzy Strzelecki / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Melidoni Cave

Historically significant site known for the 1824 massacre during the Ottoman siege. The cave features a large central chamber with massive stalactites and a memorial ossuary.

Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0

C

Ideon Andron

Psychro Cave is an ancient Minoan sacred cave in Lasithi plateau in the Lasithi district of eastern Crete.

Schuppi / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Milatos Cave

Site of an 1823 tragedy during the Greek War of Independence, this cave contains a small chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas and multiple chambers spanning approximately 2,100 square meters.

E

Cave of Sfendoni

An overlooked but very intriguing place, especially because of the dripstones. The guides are well-informed and worth listening to.

Robert Pashayan / CC-BY-SA

F

Cave of Cyclop Polyphemes

Located near the village of Koustogerako, this cave is traditionally associated with the mythological home of the Cyclops Polyphemus from Homer’s Odyssey.