Location: Lasithi Prefecture
Top Things to do in Lasithi Prefecture
6 Caverns & Caves in Lasithi Prefecture That You Shouldn't Miss
Lasithi (Greek: Λασίθι) is the easternmost regional unit on the island of Crete, to the east of Heraklion. Its capital is Agios Nikolaos, the other major towns being Ierapetra, Sitia and Neapoli. The mountains include the Dikti in the west and the Thrypti in the east. The Sea of Crete lies to the north and the Libyan Sea to the south.
Restaurants in Lasithi Prefecture
1. Spilaio Epαnw Peristerα
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Milatos Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By craigrR9972GY
this is definitely worth a visit when in Crete, such peace and quiet and a beautiful little church inside the cave, make sure to wear trainers when walking up to it though, and take a torch
3. Dikteon Cave
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 444 reviews
This underground cave was believed to be the birthplace of Zeus, making it an important religious and cultural center to the ancient Greeks.
Reviewed By L7768EQdavidd - Devon, United Kingdom
Sunday 23rd August and we drove the 42 kilometres, an hours drive, from our hotel in Analipsi to visit the Cave. Psychro Cave is also known as Diktaion Andron and is located in the south of Lasithi Plateau and is 1,025 metres above sea level. Having parked up the car, there was about 15 minute walk, a kilometre, up a steep paved pathway, as we neared the entrance, the pavement disappeared and it became rocky. For those who did not fancy, or unable, to walk to the Cave it was possible to take a donkey rides, €10 each way, there is a weight restriction for the riders. Donkey numbers, in Greece, are in decline and money earned here is used to protect and preserve them. They did all look well looked after and tended. Inside the cave there are 2 chambers, an upper and lower one, with roughly 200 steps from the top to the bottom, there is a handrail to assist. Some of the steps were wet and some were uneven and it is dimly lit in places. There is a jaw dropping array of stalagmites and stalactites in different shapes sizes. In the lower chamber there is a small pool, people toss coins into, perhaps making a wish. Legend has it that the Cave was the birth place of the God Zeus. The entrance fee to the Cave was €6. The wearing of a face mask was mandatory while in the Cave limited photography was permitted but no flashlights were allowed. Not really suitable for those with mobility problems.
4. Cave of Psychros
5. Cave of Zeus
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By 117jakek - Vancouver, Canada
As the legend goes Zeus' father Cronos, intended to devour all his children to ensure his own survival. Zeus mother Rhea managed to save only her son by giving birth and hiding him in this cave. Ofcourse, Zeus went on to kill his father and rescue his siblings. Happy ending? Not really, Cretans complicated this colorful myth by having two caves competing for the same honour. We chose the Psychro cave to visit because it is located in the hillside of the Lassithi Plateau which is a natural wonder in the heart of the island. About 40 kms/1.5 hrs from Herklion by car, the route winds through the mountain range. Hairpin turns, good roads, picturesque villages, windmills, breathtaking views lead to the Plateau. Tucked away, surrounded by the mountain range almost more like a valley, lays this incredibly fertile agricultural land. My personal opinion is that it must have been a body of water once upon a time. Blessed by an over abundance of water from the mountain streams, it laid mostly submerged in January during our visit, making it easy to see how the long, sunny, summer months turn it into the bread basket of Crete. The cave is located at almost the opposite end of the entrance from the mountain pass, after parking at the bottom of the hill, there are two paths up, the newer is easier, both about same time. There are also donkey rides. The cave itself is impressive but it was our first cave so we lack perspective. 200 steps to the bottom. Awe inspiring natural formations, living, breathing rock constantly reforming, quite a sight. Bring water. Only one Tavern was open and the garrish tourist park was thankfully closed as well. We were the only visitors and it was a bit eerie but magical, all you need is your imagination. Don't leave to late if driving, retracing your way through the mountains in the dark not for the faint of heart.
