Caving in Crete
- There are over 3000 caves in Crete out of which only 850 have been explored. What is really exciting in such deep enclosures are the fossils as well as the animal and vegetation life. The effect of the stalagmites and stalactites which hang majestically and form various impressive decorations and the mystery attached to this inexplicable beauty raise many questions.
We invite you to explore some of the known or unknown caves of Crete together with our guides who will help you to venture the mystics of this unforgettable experience. All you need is to be a group of 4-6 people ready to follow the steps of the most ancient origins of our island. All the gear and transportation will be provided by us.
Here below we have a list of some of the known caves in Crete.
The cave of Sentoni Zoniana. This is Crete's richest cave in terms of natural decoration. It is located in Rethymno, 13 km. west of Anoghia and 1 km. from the village of Zoniana at an altitude of 800 m.
The Diktian Cave (Dikteon Andron). The legendary birthplace of Zeus, located on Mount Dikti at the Lassithi Plateau.
The Idaian Cave (Ideon Andron) . 20 km. south of Anogia, on the plain of Nidas, on Mount Psiloritis, lies this sacred cave, where according to mythology, Goddess Rhea hid the baby Zeus from the murderous Kronos.
The Cave of Eileithyia (Ilithiia) . This cave was used for cult rituals from the Neolithic era up to the 5th century B.C. Lying 1 km. south of Amnissos, it was dedicated to Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth. Archaeological excavations uncovered idols of a woman in the act of giving birth or praying. Figures of animals, neolithic fossils and tools were also found.
The Cave of Aghia Paraskevi Skotinou. 22 km. from Heraklion. This very interesting cave was used for cult worship both in antiquity and during the Christian era.
The Kamares Cave. Northeast of the village of Kamares (57 km. from Heraklion) lies the Cave of Kamares, established during the Minoan period as a sacred spot, possibly dedicated to the worship of the goddess Eilethyia. The impressive Kamares vases found in this cave are displayed in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Reaching the cave entails a 4-hour walk from the village.
The Gerani Cave . 6 km. from Rethimno, this is a cave of prehistoric, paleontological and archaeological interest. Finds from this cave can be seen in the Rethimno Archaeological Museum.
The Melidoni Cave . 3 km. from the village of Melidoni (26 km east of Rethimno), this was used for cult worship during the Neolithic, Minoan and Archaic periods.Important notice: In order to arrange for you the above, we need you to inform us at least 5 days in advance from the date you wish to book. -
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Agency's Info
Blue Aegean Travel Agency Malikouti Str. 2 Heraklion, Crete +30 2810 300 480 www.blueaegean.com sales@blueaegean.comWe will contact you as soon as possible to give you more details and to confirm your request.
