Caves and stalactite caves in Crete

Crete is an island full of geological wonders, and its caves are among its most fascinating attractions. Over 3,000 caves are known on the island, many of them with great historical, mythological and archaeological significance.

One of the most famous caves is the Dikteon Cave on the Lasithi Plateau, believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. This impressive cave, located deep in the Dikti Mountains, is rich in stalactites and stalagmites and attracts visitors who want to immerse themselves in the mythical atmosphere.

Also significant is the Ideon Cave in the Ida Mountains, which, according to legend, served as a refuge for the young Zeus. This cave was an important cult center in ancient times, and archaeologists have discovered numerous offerings and artifacts here that point to the religious significance of the site.

The Melidoni Cave, which has a tragic history, is another example of the historical importance of Cretan caves. During the Greek War of Independence, hundreds of Cretans sought refuge here from the Ottoman troops, but they died when the cave was besieged and set on fire. Today, a memorial in the cave commemorates these victims.

Not to be forgotten is the Sfendoni Cave near Zoniana, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Crete. It is known for its impressive limestone formations and offers a fascinating underground labyrinth that can be explored in several chambers and halls.

Crete's caves are not only geological wonders, but also places deeply rooted in the island's history, mythology and culture.

Ag. Sofia
Small cave with a chapel of the same name outside the village of Topolia. Just a few metres from the cave you can enjoy a wonderful hike.

Asfentou
in the Sfakia region near the village of Asfendou, with rock carvings from ancient times.

Drakoulaki Cave
The starting point is the village of Agios Ioannis in the White Mountains, in Sfakia. The tour is only possible with a guide and a speleologist.

Elephant Cave
An underwater cave near Plaka. Only partially explored so far. It got its name because fossils of miniature elephants and dwarf deer were found there.

Gourgouthakas
A cave about 1200 metres deep, with springs, waterfalls and rivers inside.

Cave of Panos or Lera
Near Mount Vardies in the village of Stavros Kydonias.

Ioannis o Xenos
Located in western Crete near the village of Marathokefala.

Kournas
Located above Lake Kournas, before the village of the same name. The key and guided tours are available from the taverna next door.

Krioneridas
Cave near Vafes, can only be explored on your stomach.

Samonas
Travelling via the AF Kalyves from the national road Rethymnon - Chania. Then via Armeni in the direction of Neo Horio and right to Stylos. Before the village, a hairpin bend to the left leads up to Samonas. This cave was only discovered in 2004. Ladders lead vertically down into the cave. There, visitors can see a lake and countless magnificent stalagmites and stalagnites. The cave has not been explored or developed. Please take a torch and a jacket with you. The key is available in the village (ask in the taverna) or ask in Kalyves at the mayor's office.

Theriso
Coming from Chania approx. 3 km before the village. Stairs lead up to the entrance.

Water cave near Sfakion
Small interesting cave that flows into the sea.

Agia Foteini Cave
The starting point is the village of Avdou, approx. 45 km south-east of Heraklion.

Ag. Antonios, Foumari
Located near Patsos.

Eileithyia Cave
Approx. 7 km east of Heraklion. It was used as a place of worship from the Neolithic period until the 5th century BC. The goddess of birth Eileithya was worshipped here. During excavations, female figures in a birthing position, images of animals and tools from the Neolithic period were found.

Honos Cave
Approx. 3-4 km north of Kato Asites near the village of Sarhos.

Idaion Andron
Approx. 20 km south of Anogia, on the Nida plateau. According to mythology, Rhea hid her son Zeuss here from his father Kronos. The cave served as a place of worship for a long time and many votive offerings were found. These can be found in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

Moroni Labyrinth
Located in central Crete from Zaros > Agii Dekka.

Skotinou
Approx. 22 km from Heraklion > direction Pano Gouves and then approx. 2 km > Skotinou. Also an important cult site and well worth seeing.

Caves near Roufas
On the route from Mires to Roufas.

Gerani Grotto
Approx. 6 km west of Rethymnon. It is of great scientific interest. All artefacts are in the Rethymnon Museum.

Cave near Prinos with cave chapel
In Stavrosmenos, take the old road to Prinos.

Kamares
Near the village of Kamares, 57 kilometres south of Heraklion. It was also a sacred place in Minoan times, dedicated to the goddess of birth Eileithyia. The famous Kamares vases in the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion come from here. The cave can only be reached on foot in a four-hour hike from Kamares.

Melidoni Grotto
Approx. 3 km from the village of Melidoni and 25 km from Rethymnon. This cave was also a sacred place of worship. It has beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. The entrance is protected by a small chapel.

Sfendoni Zonianon
Approx. 13 km west of Anogia, 600 m above sea level. Its morphological diversity makes it the most beautiful on the island. It is 3000m2 in size and 300 metres long and well developed for visitors.

Dikteon Andron
Approx. 52 km west of Agios Nikolaos near the village of Psihro. This is where ZEUSS was born in Minoan mythology. The cave served as a place of worship for a long time and yielded many important artefacts. You can also walk from the village by donkey. Caution is advised when descending into the cave.

Gaidourotrypa = donkey hole
Halfway between Kritsa and Katharo, geologically and florally interesting.

Koufota Cave
Approx. 6 km east of Sitia at the archaeological site of Agia Fotia.

Latsidi Cave
Located approx. 25 km south of Sitia near the village of Sitanos.

Pelekita Cave
Near Kato Zakros, approx. 350 metres long.

Trapeza
Located on the Lasithi plateau near the village of Tzermiadon.

Vreiko
Near the village of Pefkis (south).