Sfendoni
This massive cave, one of the most beautiful in Greece, is consisted of 14 chambers and occupies 3.300 square meters. It is located in the Zoniana area and is part of the Natural Park of Psiloritis, protected by UNESCO. The cave’s interior is stunning and a home to several species of animals like bats, snakes and spiders. There is access for people with disabilities.
Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge, nestled in the rugged landscape of southwestern Crete, Greece, is a natural wonder renowned for its breathtaking beauty and unique hiking experience. Carved by the flowing waters of the Samaria River, this narrow canyon stretches over 16 kilometers, making it one of Europe’s longest gorges. Trekking through the gorge offers adventurers a chance to immerse themselves in stunning scenery, from towering cliffs to lush vegetation, while navigating its winding paths and crossing wooden bridges. Along the way, hikers encounter diverse flora and fauna, including rare Cretan wild goats known as kri-kri.
Melidoni Cave
The Melidoni cave is located close to the Melidoni village and has a great archeological and historical significance. According to archeologists the cave was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic to the Late Roman period. In October 1823, 370 Melidoni citizen found refuge in the cave to escape the Ottomans. After some unsuccessful attempts of recapturing the cave, the Ottomans blocked the cave and light a fire. The bones of the victims are still kept in the central chamber of the cave.
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
Named after the Kourtaliotis or Big River, this extraordinary gorge is famous for the variety of Cretan birds and wild animals that live there and for its impressive natural scenery. The river’s water have to travel a long way under old bridges and over beautiful waterfalls before it can reach the sea and the palm trees of Preveli beach. The gorge is 3km long with cliffs of 600 meters in height and along with the neighboring lake of Preveli, is part of the Natura 2000 Network.
Kotsifos Gorge
Kotsifou is a 1.8 km long with almost vertical cliffs, up to 600 meters high. It is noted for the high number of Cretan endemic plant species that grow there and the amount of water that it holds during the winter and spring time. Somewhere in the middle of its length there is a Agios Nicolaos church, built in a cavity of a huge rock.
Ideon Andron Cave
This cave is located at a high altitude (1538 meters)on the mountain Ida. According to the Greek Mythology it is the cave that Zeus, the father of gods and ruler of Olympus was raised in secrecy. Except from its natural beauty the cave is also very important from the archaeological point of view. The excavations that started in 1884 have brought to light many artifacts and ritual objects that provide evidence of the importance this cave had in ancient times, as a place of worship and a sanctuary. Outside the cave the visitor can see an altar that was carved in the rock. This is the main reason thousands of people visit it every year. The 800 square meters of the cave are divided into three compartments and a sanctuary.
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