Cave of Diktaion Andron — Attraction in Municipality of Oropedion Lasithiou

I love me a cave, I love me some mythology and I love a good hike so this place ticks all my boxes. There are two options to traverse up, I opted for the path. The first part of which was a strenuous incline, turning the corner it gets a tad easier. But holy WOW when ya get in there it's like a little piece of heaven on earth. The views are amazing considering that it's already 800+ metres above sea level after the drive up alone, then over 100 meters walking up . It's so cool , literally and figuratively. Considering the stalactites and stalagmites only grow 1 cm every hundred years, it is plainly obvious due to the vast columns how many million years of natures wonder is right there as a sight to behold with awe and wonderment. That feeling of mythical mystical vibes surrounding the space. There is an down/up one way system which makes the traverse easier once people follow it. I did meet people on the way down the up side and that's a tight squeeze. It is not only a visualisation but sensational experience also. I made a packed lunch and when I came back out sat on a shaded wall and was glad to refuel before making my way down again. There are eateries at the base but they are so expensive so be mindful of that. A bottle of water at the summit cost 4euro which is super expensive by local standards (50 cent usually) but having proper chilled water after the trek that is worth the treat. I did bring water for the trek up too, because I did have to stop and sup a few times and I am a seasoned hiker. You do not pay the €6 (bargain) fee until you reach the top, which is super fair because I am sure some people will falter in the extreme heat. Our tour bus was the first there at like 10 am ish by the time we came out there was already a Q building to enter while we just went on in Fun facts to explore when there... It is located above the Lassithi plateau, those views hey It is a Minoan sacred site, many artifacts discovered and counting It is surrounded by the myth that this is the birthplace of Zeus hence the...

For those who love Greek mythology, this place is a must

The the most powerful god of the ancient Greek civilization. I still remember the stories I used to read and all those movies our family used to watched on TV. Minotaur (mythical creature half man half bull), Hercules (Roman hero and god), Aphrodite (goddess of beauty and love), Apollo (god of music and art), Medusa (winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair), Ares (god of war), Artemis (virgin goddess of the hunt and wilderness), Athena (goddess of reason and wisdom), Demeter (goddess of grain agriculture and harvest), Dionysus(god of wine and parties) and Hades (king of underworld) among others.

According to the Greek mythology this cave is the birth place of Zeus, so this place had to be on my itinerary no matter what. You have to start walking through rocky trails, some of them I believe are granite which dues to the so many visitors have become a little slippery. You can also request to travel by mules or donkeys. We felt bad for this four legged friends so we decided to walk. Once you get to the area where the cave is, you get a warning about not being claustrophobic since you will start going down through a narrow set of stairs and the temperature will drop several degrees down. It is a little dark, but then you get to the cave where green illumination allows you to see the beautiful heart of the cave.

Not too far away there is a store where you can buy small souvenirs of all Greek gods and Greek thinkers and philosophers. Quite honestly I wanted to get one of each, but I knew my journey was just starting so I gave up.

Great place to stop by if you love...

Diktaion Andron Cave, also known as the Psychro Cave or Cave of Zeus, is a significant archaeological and mythological site located on the Lasithi Plateau in eastern Crete. According to Greek mythology, this cave was the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the gods. The cave is situated at an altitude of 1,025 meters (3,363 feet) and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

How to get there:

The Diktaion Andron Cave is located about 48 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Heraklion. The most convenient way to get there is by car. There is a parking lot near the cave entrance. You can also take a taxi or bus from Agios Nikolaos or Heraklion.

Opening hours and entrance fees:

The cave is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer months (April to October) and from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM during the winter months (November to March). The entrance fee is €6 for adults and €3 for children.

What to see and do:

The Diktaion Andron Cave is a large and impressive cave with several chambers and passageways. Visitors can explore the cave at their own pace and admire the many stalactites and stalagmites. There are also several archaeological finds on display, including pottery, figurines, and tools.

Here are some additional tips for your visit to the Diktaion Andron Cave:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as the cave floor can be uneven and slippery. • Bring a flashlight as some parts of the cave are dark. • Be respectful of the archaeological site and do not touch any of the artifacts. • Allow plenty of time to explore the cave as it is...