Höhlen

Ideon Cave

Anogia, Rethymno · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

The cave where Zeus grew up.

The Ideon cave lies on the slopes of Mount Psiloritis, at 1,538 m, above the Nida plateau. According to Greek mythology, the young Zeus was raised here, hidden from his father Cronus, who wanted to swallow him. The Kouretes danced at the entrance, clashing their shields to cover the baby's cries.

The cave was one of the most important places of worship in Crete, from Minoan to Roman times. Archaeologists found bronze shields, jewellery, weapons and other offerings, now in the Heraklion museum.

A road leads from Anogia to the Nida plateau, and from there a short path climbs to the cave entrance. The landscape around is wild and beautiful.

Anogia is a proud mountain village on the slopes of Psiloritis, famous for its musicians, weavers and shepherds. The area around it is high and wild, with the Nida plateau, the Ideon cave where Zeus grew up and the path to the highest peak of Crete. Life here follows old traditions, and the food is hearty: lamb cooked over wood, local cheeses and wild greens. Come for the music, the views and the mountain air.

Around Anogia

Nearest town: Agia Galini, about 23 km by road
Nearest airport: Heraklion airport (HER), about 46 km by road

Rethymno sits between the mountains and two seas, and it is the easiest region to combine with the rest of the island. Its old town and Fortezza are among the best preserved on Crete, with Venetian doorways, Ottoman wooden balconies and a long sandy beach right next to the centre. More about Rethymno