Dikteon Andron Cave (Psychro Cave) - East Crete

The magnificent stalactite cave of Dikteon Andron (or the Cave of Zeus) is located in the interior of the eastern part of Crete, on the southern edge of the Lassithi Plateau. The cave is hidden in the middle of the local Dikte Mountains, at an altitude of 1025 metres, close to the small village of Psychro (which is why it is sometimes referred to as Psychro Cave).

According to Greek mythology, the Cave of Zeus or Dikte is the birthplace of Zeus, the supreme god and ruler of the other Olympian gods. The goddess Rhea must have given birth to the baby Zeus in secret, as his father Kronos once heard a prophecy that one of his offspring would one day deprive him of his power. He would not let this happen, and so he swallowed each of his children immediately after birth. But this time Rhea used a ruse, gave birth to the child secretly in a cave in Crete, and slipped Kronos a stone wrapped in a diaper. He didn't recognize anything and swallowed the stone. Since Rhea could not care for little Zeus, the mythical goat Amalthea provided him with milk, and the nymphs (Melissa the nymph) and Kourite then helped raise him. When Zeus came of age, he fulfilled the prophecy and, together with his rescued siblings, cast Cronus into Tartarus.

Archaeological excavations suggest that the cave was known to humans in the Neolithic period, when it was used primarily as a burial place. It acquired religious significance during the Minoan era, as evidenced by the many objects found (statuettes, vases, jewellery, funerary talismans), which were most likely used for worship and sacrifice. At the entrance to the cave there was also a shrine with a paved floor and offerings of thanksgiving. The artifacts found in the cave are now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. With the advent of Christianity, interest in the cave waned and it was probably known only among hunters and herders.

The Cave of Zeus is a popular tourist destination and the village of Psychro is well prepared for the interest of visitors. Because whether you use the services of a tour operator or drive yourself here in a rental car, it is the village of Psychro that you will head to first. There are plenty of parking spaces and several restaurants available for tourists. From the village you have to walk up to the cave. There are two paths to the cave - one paved and the other natural, rocky. However, there is another option to get up there, and that is on the back of a donkey.

Dikteon Andron is an impressive cave, covering about 2,200 square metres and more than 40 metres deep. Today it is well lit (previously tourists were given a candle to take with them into the cave) and the built trails inside the cave measure 250 m in total. An altar still stands at the entrance of the upper cave, where a number of Minoan objects have been found. There is also a large stalactite cave and a beautiful water lake. The crater wall behind the lake is known as "Zeus' mantle". The cool environment of the cave (warmer clothing is recommended) and the darkness is an ideal home for bats, wild pigeons and various arthropods.

Caves of Ideon Andron - Western Crete

In the western part of Crete, on the slopes of the Ida Mountains, lies another interesting Cretan cave, Ideon Andron. It is not particularly significant geologically, but it is connected with a strong mythological story, according to which the greatest Greek god Zeus grew up here. According to Greek mythology, Zeus was born in the cave of Dikteon Andron in the eastern part of Crete. However, for his safety, he was then moved to the cave of Ideon Andron, where he spent his childhood. The entrance to the cave was guarded by the warriors of Kourites who, whenever little Zeus cried, would bang their swords on their shields, dancing and stomping to mask Zeus' cries so that Kronos could not hear his offspring.

Another legend says that Zeus was born here. Greek mythology also mentions King Minos, son of the god Zeus and Europa, in connection with this place. King Minos was the most powerful and longest reigning king of Crete and is said to have regularly visited the cave of Ideon to consult with his father Zeus. According to another myth, Minos was also born here.

The Cave of Ideon Andron is located at an altitude of 1538 metres, on the western edge of the Ida Plateau. The cave is much smaller than the Diktaean Cave with its 800 m2 of floor space, and is internally divided into three parts and a sanctuary. As a mythological and ritual site, the cave was already known in the Minoan period, and archaeological work has also uncovered a magnificent carved altar used during ancient ceremonies. Artefacts from the cave (ceramic vessels, terracotta figurines, swords, jewellery, etc.) are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Among the most important finds are the copper shields (from the 8th to the 7th century BC) depicting Zeus surrounded by Kourites with drums.

Geologically, the Ideon cave is not as impressive as the much better known Dikteon Andron, but here too we can come across some stalactite formations. For example, the entrance to the cave is decorated with three magnificent stalactites.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Tips for trips on Crete: Cretaquarium (sea aquarium), Zeus Caves, Kournas Lake, Minoan Palaces, Zeus Island, Gramvousa Island, Samaria Gorge, Waterpark Water City

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.