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According to the data of the Greek Speleological Society, there are more than 3,000 caves in Crete, many of which have great scientific value and are of archaeological, palaeontological and historical interest. Of this huge number of caves, however, only a few are open to the public. The Sfendoni Cave belongs to the group that tourists can see. It is also the largest cave in Crete that has been made available to visitors.
Less than 50 km from Chania between Topolia and Koutsamatados is an interesting cave known as Agia Sofia and Wisdom of God. It is located on the main road connecting Elafonissi beach and Kissamos village.
This ancient quarry, consisting of two parts by modern times, is called Λαβυρινθάκι and Λαβύρινθος. According to some scientists, it was here in Knossos that there was a mythical labyrinth of King Minos.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge. In the middle part of this cave there is a large stalagmite next to which there is a small water tank. Standing at the right angle and arming with a large dose of imagination can be seen in this stone block of bear that gave the name for this place.
Currently, Melidoni Cave (originally called Gerontospilios) is associated mainly with the tragic events that took place here in 1824. Archaeological excavations carried out in this place, however, prove that the history of this beautiful cave is much longer and goes back to Neolithic times. During the reign of Minoans there was one of the important places of worship here. Mention of Melidoni also appear in legends and myths, according to which the bronze giant Talos was to be protected.
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave. Ida Cave is just an empty and unlit big hole in the rock. Quite steep descent to the bottom is built of old railway sleepers. At the bottom of the cave there is a wooden platform, there are also remnants of the former excavations. The cave is located on the eastern slope of the Psiloriti, in the central part of Crete - about 20 kilometers from the village of Anogia. Its total area is approximately 800 square meters. It consists of four chambers, of which the largest, main chamber is about 40 meters long and 50 wide.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology. This cave, according to the beliefs of ancient Greeks, was considered the birthplace of Zeus. It is mythology that distinguishes this cave among 3,000 other caves located in Crete. It is also worth emphasizing that the history of human existence in this place is over 6,000 years.
