Dörfer & Städte

Melidoni

Mylopotamos, Rethymno · Free

Route

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

The village of the famous cave.

Melidoni is a village east of Rethymno, known for its cave. It's surrounded by olive groves.

Melidoni lies about 30 km east of Rethymno, in the Mylopotamos area. The village is surrounded by olive groves and has a few tavernas. The cave of Melidoni, with its tragic history, is just outside the village. A small museum in the village tells the story of the 1824 massacre.

Mylopotamos lies between Rethymno and Heraklion, stretching from the north coast up the slopes of Psiloritis. The coast has the pretty resorts of Bali and Panormos, while inland you find the pottery village of Margarites, ancient Eleftherna, the Melidoni cave and the mountain villages of Anogia and Zoniana. The area is known for its strong traditions, Cretan lyra music and hearty mountain food, especially lamb and cheese. It's a great area for exploring away from the main resorts.

Around Mylopotamos

Nearest town: Bali, about 7 km by road
Nearest airport: Heraklion airport (HER), about 53 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