Exploring the Dikteon Cave known as the birthplace of Zeus in Crete, has been on our list since we saw a documentary on the cave few years back. During our fall 2021 trip, we visited this cave.
History of the Cave
Dikteon Cave in Crete, known also as Dikteon Andron, Dictaean Cave, Psychro Cave, and Cave of Zeus, is considered a sacred cave throughout many ages in history. Known in Greek Mythology as the birth place of the God, Zeus. Legend has it that Rhea is the mother of Zeus and Kronos is his father. Unfortunately, Kronos had the odd issue of eating his children after they were born. It was because of this that his wife Rhea decided to go into the mountains and have her baby secretively and hide him from his father. Thus Zeus, who became the supreme god, was born in this cave and hidden here.
Other places in Greece also stake claims to having housed the hidden baby and child. One of these places is in Naxos. We visited this cave as well a few days later and I will be blogging on that at a later date.
Location
Dikteon Cave is located in the Lasithi Plateau in Eastern Crete North of Malia. Near this cave you can also find the Windmills of Lasithi and visit the town of Krasi. We visited the Windmills and had lunch at Krasi in 2019 but ran out of time for the Cave that year. This entire area is a beautiful drive and well worth the time. Note that the road is quite curvy at times so it does take a bit of time to reach this area.
The Hike to the Cave
Once you park your car, the hike to the cave is easy to find. The path is not difficult but it is steep and uphill. You will see beautiful views. Once to the cave you can see the panorama of the Lasithi Plateau before you. There is also a spot to get a drink. Note, that it was a requirement to show our passports and our Covid card at the entrance. Luckily they were on us. It would have been awful to have to go back and get them and then return up the steep path again!
The Cave
From above, the cave looks like just a large hole in the ground, but as you descend down you start to see how large it is. Inside, the cave is illuminated and you can see all of the beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. They are quite beautiful and impressive. The steps are a bit slick, but not difficult, just know you will have to return up them again. Also note that the cave is quite chilly inside. As it was a hot day it felt good in there! Dikteon Cave is a beautiful birthplace for Zeus to arrive in this world!
The Return Down
The return path down winds around to the other side and is an easy trek. We found ourselves just about back at the start. At the end of the path was a little snack shop where I had an awesome iced Freddo and Steve enjoyed a Lemon Fanta.
Conclusion
I am not a cave person but I really was impressed with this one. Even though it was not easy to get to, both by car and foot, I would recommend a visit if you are in the area. Dikteon Cave was interesting to explore, in addition, the mythology of being the birthplace of Zeus added to its allure. After the cave we continued to drive past the Plateau and through the mountains to Agios Nikolaos and then to where we were staying in Elounda. It was a very enjoyable drive through many small villages and beautiful countryside.
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Follow these links for more posts of my 2021 Greece Vacay:
Matala Beach Caves, Crete, Sept 2021
Hike to Martsalos Beach, Sept 2021
The Chapel at Georgioupoli, Sept 2021
Koutalas Beach and Sea Cave, Sept 2021
A Walk Through Chania, Sept 2021
Temple of Poseidon, Septs 2021
You can also follow my other Crete adventures here:
Elounda Peninsula Hotel, Sept 2019
Knossos Palace, Crete Sept 2019
Seitan Limania Beach, Sept 2019
Katholiko Monastery, Sept 2019
Links to our 2018 and also 2019 Trip can be found in this post:
10 Days in Greece Athens, Crete, Santorini 2019
8 Days in Greece, Athens, Milos, Santorini 2018
Diary of a Gen-X recommendations for hotels and restaurants are based on our own experiences. We do not receive compensation for recommending at any of these nor are we affiliates of any hotels or restaurants. The only hotels we recommend are places we stayed which are clean, comfortable, and provided exceptional hospitality.
Such interesting, amazing geological structures & stunning cavern photography, Lori! Thank you for sharing, and have a happy Thanksgiving 🙂
It really was a fantastic cave! Thanks for reading, Phil and have a Happy Thanksgiving too!!
Such incredible structures!
I agree!
Those caves are cool! Hope to see it in person someday. ☺️
It was pretty cool! Nature does a good job!
Another great reason to travel there!
I love Crete!!!
Awesome as always
Thank you!
I am not really a cave person either Lori, especially if they are smaller as I tend to be a bit claustrophobic. This one definitely looks worth a look. Glad you got there. Stay well. Allan
I am with you on that, Allan. This was wide and I could see the opening at all times! Lori
that would be fun to visit, just for the history alone…
I agree. I was more interested in the history than the actual cave!
caves make me a little nervous…
Me too! A few days after we left the cave there was an earthquake in the area! Glad we missed that!
that would have been awful, to be in a cave during an earthquake. glad you missed it…
Im pretty sure you have covered every inch of Greece!! 🙂
Not yet! We have our 2022 trip booked now and plan on going to some
Mainland areas and Corfu!
yeah!!!!
yeah!!!
It’s crazy how similar the entrance looks to Carlsbad Caverns! Looks like a cool cave, hope you enjoyed it even if you aren’t a cave person.
I did enjoy it! I was at Carlsbad when I was very little… like 1969 maybe. I remember I was there but that’s about it!! Lol
What a great Cave and a legend to match it! Maggie
The legend made it all the more fun!!
What a unique cave! Dikteon Cave is nothing short of dramatic, naturally-formed stalagmites and stalactites, as you captured in your photos. Caves are truly wondrous and worthwhile places to visit while in any country! Definitely a remarkable place for a god like Zeus!
We were pleasantly surprised by how awesome this cave is!
Looks like such an adventure 🙂
It was fun!!
Oh my gosh these caves are so amazing. Never been to Crete but will add this to my list.
Crete is amazing! I would move there if my husband would go too!! Lol
🥰
The caves are so amazing! We never miss them if it happens to come across with any. And the legends make them even more interesting🙂
Thank you for sharing!
Christie
Thanks for reading!! I love the legend with this cave!!! It was all around a fun place!
What an unique and interesting cave! Great sharing! Thanks!
Thanks for reading!!