Visiting the “Dikteo cave”, also known as “Zeus’ cave”, is an unforgettable experience for everybody. The cave is a part of “Lassithi Plateau” which is said to be the birthplace of god “Zeus”.
The experience continues, by visiting the largest aquarium in Europe-Cretaquarim. It’s a place full of mediterranean species and various ecosystems that will inspire you!
The idyllic Plateau of Lassithi, the birthplace of the god Zeus, is located 70km southeast of the city of Heraklion. It is located in a quiet and very fertile area surrounded by the wild high mountains of Dikti and several smaller plateaus. The altitude of the plain ranges from 800m to 850m, which makes it one of the few inhabited island areas of the Mediterranean at such a high altitude. Starting from our hotel, on the way, we will pass opposite Sfentili and we will see the half-submerged village in the water reservoir of Aposelemi. Every winter the plateau is covered with snow and then thousands of Cretans find the opportunity to go out to admire the white landscape. For some years the snow remains on the mountain peaks until the beginning of summer. The 18 picturesque villages of the plateau are built at the foot of the surrounding mountains, leaving the plain free for cultivation. Everything is connected by a 23km ring road. In fact, this beautiful circular route is ideal for cycling. Today will will see thw most of those villages.
What made the Plateau famous are the famous windmills with the white sails, a trademark of the Plateau. These are mainly metal light windmills, most built in the late 19th century, for the purpose of irrigating the Lassithi plain. At the entrance of the Plateau, we find the largest mill with stone windmills in Greece that were used to grind grain. However, the most important attraction is considered to be the Cave of Psychro, next to the homonymous village of Psychro. Better known as Dikteo Cave, the cave has played an important worship role in antiquity, as the legend wanted Zeus, the father of the gods, to be born here. That is why Lassithi is affectionately called the Bethlehem of Antiquity. Also, according to a version of the legend, in the cave Zeus was united with Europe, which gave birth to Minos. In the village of Tzermiado there is the small but important Cave of the Bank, better known as Kronio Cave.
Then , a short tour around CretAquarium, The largest aquarium in Europe.
The magic of the sea floor and the diving experience into such a familiar yet unknown world -the sea world of the Mediterranean – cannot be described in just a few words. This is the reason why we present some of the most interesting species to you during your tour at CretAquarium, as they are preserved in their particular ecosystems. We believe that this vist will inspire and alert you!
A brief tour of the CretAquarium
The magic of the seabed and the experience of diving into such a familiar but unknown world – the marine world of the Mediterranean – can not be described in just a few words. The aim of the Cretaquarium, which is a unique park of research, education, culture and leisure is to spread knowledge about the marine environment. Our tour at Cretaquarium, is beautiful, as they are conserved in their particular ecosystems. The purpose of the Cretaquarium, which is a unique park of research, education, culture and leisure is to disseminate knowledge about the marine environment.
Late In the afternoon we go back to our hotel .
Attention: The excursions will be carried out following the current developments and always with the advice of the experts and the protection measures covid-19 that we are all obliged to follow, in order to be safe.
