Cave Ideon Antron — Attraction in Municipality of Anogia

We think this is a 5* day if combined with a visit to Sfendoni caves at Zoniana. Whilst Ideon cave itself is a little dank, we loved the visit because of the geology of the cave, the birdlife (incl. crag martins and vultures soaring above) and the historical significance. But most of all we loved the surroundings - the beautiful Nida basin which looks like a piece of savanna, and the stunning drive to it. Oh, and we saw a goat in a tree, which totally made our day!

Traveller tips @ May 2023:

Google maps is still wrong: DO NOT take the road south from Zoniana - it does not lead to the cave, but will take you up to a 1700m church under the summit of the mountain - fascinating, but on a rubble strewn road that's not for the fainthearted! And it will take 1.5 hours out of your day. The road from Anogeia is the only route to the cave. There no longer seems to be a charge for parking. They shut the gate to the cave at around 3.30pm one the day we visited (Tuesday). Not sure if you can get to it after this. In theory you can drive up the track to a parking place close to the cave; we saw a little hire car manage it, but it's pretty rough. Better, if you can, to park at the disused mountain centre and walk up the stony path which takes around 20 mins and has points of interest and shady places to rest. It's nice to walk down the track, as it's easier to admire the view down into the valley. The whole plateau has been populated with information boards and walk routes, including a loop of Nida, which we didn't do but...

We visited this cave for the first time about 6 years ago and wanted to return again. Some might see the drive as long and winding but we enjoy the scenery and views. The cave is free to visit although both times there has been someone to talk through the history. Another post mentioned the rails - I think they add to the experience as it gives a good insight on how the archaeologists may have excavated the area. A couple of tips - 6 years ago we found it very easily coming from the north west. This time we had two aborted attempts trying to find it using Google Maps which will always try to take you the most direct route even though some of the roads are not suitable for hire cars. Use Google Maps from Anogia. Secondly, there is a new archaeology site recently opened at Zominthos which is worth popping in - you can't wander through the walls of the ruins as there is still a lot of excavation that needs to happen but it is different to many of the other sites on Crete and you pass it on the way...

The cave has a beautiful drive up to it through the mountains, which is well worth stopping and having a look at. The site is not well signposted so even at the carpark we were unsure if we were in the right place. Parking was €3 and is the only option. You start either on a path to the left or up some stairs. If you can I recommend the path started by stairs, it's quicker and more fun but very rocky and steep .The second path is smooth but longer, theyre are signs recommending the use of a donkey, PLEASE DO NOT USE THE DONKEYS. They struggled to stand, had bald areas and no water. If you cannot walk the paths you shouldn't go. Once you're at the top you pay entrance to the cave at €6, there is one signpost which tells you a brief outline of Zeus being there and thr discovery of the cave but it's very short and sadly the only information you get. The cave is impressive but more could be done with lighting and signs. Overall it's was enjoyable but maybe not worth driving...