Crete tourist guide

The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.

Sfendoni Cave

According to the data of the Greek Speleological Society, there are over 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.

Road to the cave entrance Access to the cave

The Sfendoni Cave was shaped by nature on the southern slopes of the Chalepa hill at an altitude of 630 meters and belongs to the Psiloritis National Park. It is located approximately one kilometer northeast of Zoniana and 43 kilometers from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and 52 kilometers from Rethymno.


Sfendoni is one of the most important and also the most beautiful caves in Greece and the richest in Crete in terms of natural decorations. To protect its natural beauty and the uniqueness of its fauna, it is under UNESCO protection. The fact that the creation of such protection was needed is evidenced by the fact that several dozen years ago local residents were able to cut down stalactites and stalagmites, ignoring the value of the cave.

Zoniana, Sfendoni, Hole of Sfendoni

The cave is known by three names. The name Zoniana was taken from a nearby town. The term Sfendoni, on the other hand, has a different genesis and comes from a partisan fighter named Sfendonis, who was said to have been hiding in this cave once.
The last name of the Hole of the Sfendoni ( Σφεντώνη η Τρύπα ) was used by the locals because the cave entrance was once literally a hole one square meter in size.
The cave is 145 meters long and covers an area of 3000 square meters. Visitors can see a path about 270 meters long, which runs through about two-thirds of the cave's surface. The route is well prepared and tourists walk on landings secured with ropes on both sides.

In Cave

Visitors to the cave move on the platforms

The cave consists of successive chambers with rich stalactite and stalagmite decorations. These chambers have their names given by Anna Petrocheilou, the most famous Greek speleologist: Harmony Hall , Fairy Sanctuary, Chapel, Palace, Parthenon, Panorama, Diocese, Lost Child. The individual chambers vary in size, generally about 18-20 meters long, 9-12 meters wide and about 3-4 meters high. One of the caves, called Parthenon, is distinguished by the dimensions of about 30 x 30 m. It is filled with stalactites and stalagmites up to 6 meters high.

Scheme of the Sfendoni cave Schematic of the Sfendoni Cave

While visiting the cave, you will definitely notice that the walls are illuminated in a variety of bright colors, creating a slightly psychedelic atmosphere. There are water reservoirs in several places. You can also see the so-called "cave pearls". This is a type of calcium carbonate infiltrate that resembles pearls. Some rock formations containing calcium carbonate crystals sparkle in the spotlight as if they were sprinkled with glitter. Although it is difficult to find silence during the tour in a group, you may be able to hear the drops falling into the water. It is worth stopping by to feel the extraordinary atmosphere of this unique natural architecture.

As the French say:

The cave is a kingdom of silence and loneliness,
in
which man is not afraid of loneliness,
face to face .

Due to the fact that the entrance to the cave is closed with a tight door, the temperature inside is constant and amounts to 16-17 degrees Celsius. In summer, a trip to this place is a moment of rest from the heat outside. Maintaining a constant temperature and humidity is necessary for the unique organisms that inhabit Sfendoni to survive. It is because of them that it is not allowed to take pictures with flash.


Since the Palaeolithic times, the caves have been used not only as places of worship, but also as a shelter. It was the Minoans who initiated the custom of worshiping their gods in small palace and home chapels, and those built on mountain peaks, as well as in sacred caves. In more modern times, the caves have long served as a refuge for locals at a time when Crete was under foreign occupation.

It was no different with Sfendoni. As evidenced by the archaeological works conducted in its area in 1987 by E. Gavrilakis, this cave was inhabited during the early Minoan period (3500-2300 / 2150 BC), as well as in the late Roman period. The remains of 95 bones of various animals (lambs, goats, pigs, deer) and stone tools from the Neolithic period and later have been found here.


Currently, the cave is inhabited by small animals such as mice, rats, cave invertebrates and about 400 bats belonging to three species. About 20 species inhabiting this cave are endemic animals, that is, found only in this cave. The most important of them are equipedes, pseudo-scorpions, twin scorpions and snails, which form small populations here and constitute a characteristic biosociality. One of the most interesting creatures is the endemic equinox Graeconiscus guanophilus , found only in the Sfendoni cave. The remaining invertebrates are rather difficult to notice during an ordinary visit to the cave, because they are small and generally colorless. The lack of light inside the cave has made them also blind. Neither of them would survive in the weather conditions outside the cave.

Sfendoni Cave

Originally illuminated interior of the Sfendoni cave

Legends associated with the cave

Several legends have arisen around the cave. Characteristically, they are related to one character. As there is supposed to be a grain of truth in every legend, who knows ...

Spfendonis

As mentioned above, one of the cave names used comes from the Cretan partisan Sfendonis. He came from Sfakia, which is the southern mountainous and wild region of Crete famous for its tough and very warlike people. Sfendonis, fleeing the Turks occupying the island, took refuge in this cave. One day, while he was sitting in the cave entrance and cooking meat, a young man saw him who approached Sfendonis and asked him for a piece of meat. The Spfendonis, out of fear or anger that the man might hand him over, kicked him so hard with his stivania , a traditional Cretan boot, that he killed the unfortunate man.

The legend of the fairy

Once upon a time there was a beautiful fairy who hid in a cave and went out at a certain time of the day to drink water at a neighboring spring. The shepherd saw the fairy many times, but once he tried to approach her, the fairy escaped and hid in a cave. Driven by lust and curiosity, the shepherd waited in front of the cave for the fairy to come out again. When she finally showed up, he threw a stone at her using the fabric belt. The wounded fairy managed to take refuge in the cave again, but while escaping from the cave entrance, she dropped the bloodied handkerchief that the shepherd had found her.

There is also a second, slightly different version of this legend. According to her, the shepherd approached the wounded fairy and, charmed by her beauty, tried to kiss her. The fairy, however, pushed him away and promised to give him a special roll of silk if he didn't hurt her. Thanks to this roll, the shepherd's family could spin silk endlessly. Despite such a tempting offer, the shepherd could not help but kiss the fairy despite her clear objection. In order to punish the insistent man, the fairy placed the "curse of trembling hands" on him and his whole family.

Missing child

Another story relates to the skeleton of a small child found in the last northernmost chamber of the cave. This skeleton was completely covered with chalk material, indicating that it had been in the cave for many centuries. Probably a child entered the cave and could no longer get out. However, many local residents believe that it is the skeleton of a boy killed with a Sfendonis shoe.


How to visit

Visiting the cave is possible only in the presence of a qualified guide who is a resident of the village of Zoniana. No wonder, because the inhabitants of this nearby village grew up in the vicinity of the cave, before it was even allowed for tourist traffic. The guide speaks Greek and English, German and Russian are also possible (depending on the group). Self-tour is not allowed for the safety of visitors and the protection of the cave. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk next to the car park. In a small cafe you have to wait for the group to gather. In the summer season it usually takes 20-40 minutes, depending on how long the previous group entered the cave. The ticket in 2019 cost 5 € for individual guests. For organized groups the admission ticket costs 4 €. There is also a tavern and a gift shop in the building.

The building in front of the cave

In the middle of the cave, photos are allowed, but as mentioned above, no flash.

Depending on the size of the group, the tour takes 35-40 minutes . There are regular stops during it, so there is a lot of time to take photos. The guide carefully describes the corners of the cave shown, and it's definitely worth listening to.

Cave entrance times depend on the season. Between April 10 and October 31, the cave can be visited between 10:30 and 17:00. From November 1 to April 9, between 10:30 and 14:30.

west
central
east

Interesting places on Crete

↤ click the appropriate part of the island to change the bottom map

Knossos
Knossos

Knossos

Knossos is one of the flagship monuments visited by tourists, it is also the most popular place where organized trips go.

X
more
Heraklion
Heraklion

Heraklion

Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest city in Greece.

X
more
Margarites
Margarites

Margarites

Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.

X
more
Heraklion - airport
Heraklion - airport

Heraklion - airport

International airport. Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion is currently the largest airport in Crete.

X
more
Heraklion
Heraklion

Heraklion

Heraklion (Iraklion) is the largest city of Crete. With almost 140,000 inhabitants, it is the fourth largest Greek city.

X
more
Moni Arkadiou
Moni Arkadiou

Moni Arkadiou

The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.

X
more
Moni Arkadiou
Moni Arkadiou

Moni Arkadiou

The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.

X
more
Rethymnon
Rethymnon

Rethymnon

Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.

X
more
Thrapsano
Thrapsano

Thrapsano

Thrapsano is a small town inhabited by slightly over 2,500 people, the vast majority of which until recently maintained their activity as a potter.

X
more
Skinaria
Skinaria

Skinaria

Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism

X
more
Skinaria
Skinaria

Skinaria

Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism

X
more
Jaskinia Idi
Jaskinia Idi

Jaskinia Idi

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.

X
more
Tripiti
Tripiti

Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

X
more
Tripiti
Tripiti

Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

X
more
Tripiti
Tripiti

Tripiti

Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.

X
more
Plakias
Plakias

Plakias

Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.

X
more
Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.

X
more
Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.

X
more
Preveli monastery
Preveli monastery

Preveli monastery

Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.

X
more
Gorge Kourtaliotiko
Gorge Kourtaliotiko

Gorge Kourtaliotiko

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.

X
more
Minoan Agia Triada
Minoan Agia Triada

Minoan Agia Triada

Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.

X
more
Fajstos
Fajstos

Fajstos

Około 60 kilometrów na południowy zachód od stolicy Krety - Heraklionu znajdują się ruiny drugiego co do wielkości starożytnego pałacu - Fajstos.

X
more
Melidoni Cave
Melidoni Cave

Melidoni Cave

Currently, Melidoni Cave (originally called Gerontospilios) is associated mainly with the tragic events that took place here in 1824.

X
more
Koules Fortress
Koules Fortress

Koules Fortress

This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.

X
more
Archeological museum
Archeological museum

Archeological museum

It is one of the most important and largest museums in Greece and one of the most important in Europe.

X
more
Tylissos
Tylissos

Tylissos

Tylissos is one of the few places in Crete that has kept its name since ancient times.

X
more
Damnoni
Damnoni

Damnoni

Plaża w Damnoni jest położona po sąsiedzku z Plakias - popularną turystyczną miejscowością

X
more
Agios Pavlos
Agios Pavlos

Agios Pavlos

Agios Pavlos is a small town located on the southern coast of Crete near Saktouria.

X
more
Triopetra
Triopetra

Triopetra

Triopetra is located at the foot of the Siderotas mountain about 52 km south of Rethymno.

X
more
Agia Galini
Agia Galini

Agia Galini

gia Galini (Αγία Γαλήνη) jest jednym z najpopularniejszych nadmorskich kurortów na południowym wybrzeżu Krety.

X
more
Skinakas Observatory
Skinakas Observatory

Skinakas Observatory

The observatory is located at the top of the Skinakas mountain at an altitude of 1750 m. The idea for its construction was born in 1984.

X
more
Armeni
Armeni

Armeni

The Late-Romanesque cemetery in Armeni is located on the outskirts of this town, located less than 10 km south of the center of Rethymno.

X
more
Military Museum
Military Museum

Military Museum

The museum presents the dramatic history of Crete written over the last several hundred years.

X
more
Argyroupolis
Argyroupolis

Argyroupolis

The modern settlement known as Argyroupolis was built on the site of the ancient city of Lappa (also called Lambi)

X
more
Lentas
Lentas

Lentas

Lentas is a good idea for those who want to get away from villages steeped in industrial tourism.

X
more
Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos
Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos

Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos

This ancient quarry, consisting of two parts by modern times, is called Λαβυρινθάκι and Λαβύρινθος.

X
more
Archeological Museum in Eleftherna
Estiatorio Chrisopigi
Estiatorio Chrisopigi

Estiatorio Chrisopigi

If anyone of you is looking for a good restaurant near Matala and Kalamaki, then we would like to recommend estiório Chrisopigi.

X
more
Gortyna
Gortyna

Gortyna

Gortyna is considered one of the most extensive excavations in Greece.

X
more
Psiloritis - Timios Stavros
Psiloritis - Timios Stavros

Psiloritis - Timios Stavros

Psiloritis (Timios Stavros - Holy Cross) is the top of the highest mountain of Crete, rising to 2456 m above sea level.

X
more
Rouvas Gorge
Rouvas Gorge

Rouvas Gorge

Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.

X
more
Matala
Matala

Matala

Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.

X
more
Monastery of Odigitrias
Monastery of Odigitrias

Monastery of Odigitrias

The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.

X
more
Kali Limenes
Kali Limenes

Kali Limenes

Kali Limenes (meaning Dobre Porty or Piękny Przystanie) is a coastal town located in the Asterousia Mountains on the southern coast of Crete.

X
more
Vathipetro
Vathipetro

Vathipetro

In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.

X
more
Kommos
Kommos

Kommos

When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.

X
more
Sfendoni Cave
Sfendoni Cave

Sfendoni Cave

Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl

X
more
Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse
Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse

Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse

The old Venetian port and the lighthouse are one of the most recognizable elements of Rethymno.

X
more
Nice
Nice

Nice

Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also called the village hidden in the gorge.

X
more
Data publikacji:
Data modyfikacji:
Średnia: NAN
Liczba ocen: 0
  • 0.5
  • 1.0
  • 1.5
  • 2.0
  • 2.5
  • 3.0
  • 3.5
  • 4.0
  • 4.5
  • 5.0
 
 
Oceniłeś na:
 
Wszystkie treści i zdjęcia występujące w serwisie są naszą własnością.
Wykorzystanie ich w dowolnej formie wymaga pisemnej zgody autorów.

Komentarze

2021-01-05 19:14:18

Na Majorce też takie cuda w Costa

2021-01-05 20:41:48

Póki co byliśmy tylko w Melidoni. Jeszcze wiele przed nami

 CRETE - Kreta
CRETE - Kreta
2021-01-06 19:13:01

Melidoni to bardzo smutne miejsce. Tragedia jaka tam się wydarzyła sprawia że nie da się tak na spokojnie zwiedzać tego miejsca. Sfendoni na szczęście to po prostu piękna jaskinia.

2021-01-06 19:15:56

CRETE - Kreta to dobrze. Faktycznie historia robi swoje i przytłacza piekno jaskini, ale warto zobaczyć. Następnym razem zaliczymy tą i będziemy mieć porównanie ♥️

1
 gość}
gość karmin
2022-09-24 17:01:50

Sfendoni

Czy są wycieczki z Heraklionu? Do jaskinie można dotrzeć tylko samochodem a nie mam. Na stronach greckich biur podróży nie znajduje tej jaskini.

Gosia | crete.pl
Gosia | crete.pl
2022-09-25 18:20:30

Tak, są takie biura które organizują wycieczki do Sfendoni. Zwiedzanie jaskini jest zazwyczaj połączone ze wizytą w  okolicznych wioskach.

Wypełnij poniższy formularz aby dodać komentarz

lub kliknij w poniższy link aby skorzystać z możliwosci komentowania przez facebooka:
https://www.facebook.com/crete.poland/posts/10157656042862551

Nazwa użytkownika:

Adres e-mail:

Tytuł:

Treść:

Przepisz kod z obrazka:
Kod obrazka

Wpisanie prawidowego kodu oznacza zgodę na przetwarzanie danych w celu wyświetlania komentarza.
Kontakt Administratorem Danych Osobowych zgromadzonych na stronie możliwy jest pod adresem mailowym [email protected]

Zapisz komentarz
Zapisz komentarz

Inne strony tej kategorii

Ida - the mythical shelter of Zeus

Ida - the mythical shelter of Zeus

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.

Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos - ancient quarries or the Minotaur labyrinth

Labyrinthaki and Labyrinthos - ancient quarries or the Minotaur labyrinth

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.

Agia Sofia - cave of God's Wisdom

Agia Sofia - cave of God's Wisdom

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.

Booking.com

Polecamy:

Oliwa i kosmetyki organiczne Olivaloe


Parklot

Najnowsze komentarze:

Καλή Σαρακοστή ☺
Warto zobaczyć, byliśmy jest pieknie
Piękne miejsce.
Prace wykonane przez Evansa, tak bardzo kontrowersyjne, doprowadziły jednak do tego, że Pałac w Knossos jest najchętniej odwiedzanym zabytkiem na Krecie. Pałac w Zakros czy nawet Fajstos, tak bardzo autentyczne, nie mogą się poszczycić taką popularnością. (...)
Niezapomniane wrażenia
Byłam, widziałam, poczułam moc tego miejsca
Warto zwiedzić.
Nádherná památka byla jsem tam 2x ❤️
gość PiotrWie : Już i na południu jest sporo ludzi - pamiętam puste plaże za Asterousią a w 2019 i w Tris Ekklisies i w Lentas a nawet na plażach Tripiti i Trachoulas było sporo ludzi.A na Serifos czy Kimolos byliśmy sami ewentualnie z jakąś drugą dwójką.
Zostaje mniej oblegane południe , ja pamiętam Kretę z przed 2 dekad i Balos gdzie prawie nie było ludzi :)
Taknpomyślałam, że pewnie trochę zatrzęsło... A wówczas nawet wykonane prace zabezpieczające nie dadzą 100% bezpieczeństwa. Dobrze, że nikt nie ucierpiał
gość PiotrWie : My wybieramy się w maju na Ikarię. Tam czegoś takiego nie będzie jeszcze jakiś czas. Polecam wyspy na którym nie ma lotnisk międzynarodowych - chętni na takie resorty nie uznają podróży z przesiadkami. Np Serifos, Sifnos czy Astipaleę.  
Dobrze, że są miejsca gdzie udało się odsunąć te plany. Typu Plakias , Falassarna
To już nie będzie Kreta dzika i swojska. Będą tłumy i komercja.
Masakra
Pamiętam lekki chłód w porównaniu z upałem sierpniowym poza wąwozem i taką duszącą wilgoć
Ciekawe miejsce. Idąc tam , próbowaliśmy cofnąć czas, wyobrażając sobie wioskę w pełnym rozkwicie…
Parklot

Ciekawe miejsca na Krecie

CRETE Copyright © 2009-24 Linki | Kontakt | Polityka prywatności | Kontakt | Newsletter
ukryj
Zapisz się do
Newslettera