Sandy beaches · Phaistos
Matala Beach & Caves
Sandy bay overlooked by cliffs honeycombed with ancient caves.
Caves
Mythology underground
Caves played a big role in Minoan religion and Greek mythology. Several are open to visitors with paths and lighting.
Caves · Lasithi Plateau
Dikteon Cave
Cave above the Lasithi plateau, mythological birthplace of Zeus.
Caves · Anogeia
Ideon Cave
The cave where Zeus grew up.
Caves · Anogeia
Sfendoni Cave
Crete's most beautiful show cave.
Caves · Hersonissos
Skotino Cave
A huge cave and ancient Minoan sanctuary.
Caves · Mylopotamos
Melidoni Cave
A cave with a tragic history.
Gorges & hikes · Kissamos
Topolia Gorge
A gorge with the Agia Sofia cave.
Caves · Agios Nikolaos
Milatos Cave
A cave of tragic memory.
Churches & monasteries · Chania
Katholiko Monastery
Ruined cave monastery in a gorge on Akrotiri.
Caves · Platanias
Cave of Saint John the Hermit
A pilgrimage cave on Akrotiri.
Caves · Chania
Arkoudospilio (Bear Cave)
A cave with a bear shaped rock.
Caves · Apokoronas
Elephant Cave
An underwater cave with elephant fossils.
Caves · Kissamos
Agia Sofia Cave
A cave church in Topolia gorge.
Hidden gem
Caves · Heraklion
Cave of Eileithyia
Ancient cave of the goddess of childbirth.
Hidden gem
Caves · Archanes-Asterousia
Fairy Cave of Astrakoi
A small cave in a gorge, linked to fairy tales.
Hidden gem
Caves · Sitia
Pelekita Cave
A big cave on the coast.
Hidden gem
Caves · Phaistos
Kamares Cave
A Minoan sacred cave high on Psiloritis.
Hidden gem
Caves · Lasithi Plateau
Trapeza Cave
A cult cave near Tzermiado.