Cave Of Zeus
Cave Of Zeus
4
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,273 reviews
Excellent
423
Very good
456
Average
260
Poor
98
Terrible
36
Stretts
Atherstone, UK288 contributions
We were staying in Malia and had hired a car, the Tourist Information Centre guide had recommended the Cave of Zeus and the Lasithi Plateu so off we went. The scenery is stunning and we stopped to take many photos at vantage spots which usually included a cafe. The plateau is amazing...you think your are at sea level.
The car park to the Cave of Zeus was heaving and we had second doubts of going to the cave. There are two paths up to the cave, one is well paved but longer, the other is shorter, unpaved but provides more shelter. Not sure if true, but there is a suggestion that non EC visitors get charged double so brush off your french when you ask for your tickets. There are lots of steep steps down to the cave and obviously back up again so it is a slow experience forcing you to take in your surroundings and marvel at the cave.
The car park to the Cave of Zeus was heaving and we had second doubts of going to the cave. There are two paths up to the cave, one is well paved but longer, the other is shorter, unpaved but provides more shelter. Not sure if true, but there is a suggestion that non EC visitors get charged double so brush off your french when you ask for your tickets. There are lots of steep steps down to the cave and obviously back up again so it is a slow experience forcing you to take in your surroundings and marvel at the cave.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ari
Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg21 contributions
Couples
We went to Lassithi plateau for walking around and visiting some places.
We arrived early morning (suggested time to not find many tourists).
You need to walk up for 15/20mins to get there.
Tickets are a bit expensive, about 6€/person, for the small visit (about 15mins).
The view from the top was amazing!
We arrived early morning (suggested time to not find many tourists).
You need to walk up for 15/20mins to get there.
Tickets are a bit expensive, about 6€/person, for the small visit (about 15mins).
The view from the top was amazing!
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anna P
Gdansk, Poland36 contributions
Friends
The cave is impressive, but not too big. After parking the car you have to do a 15-minute walk uphill. During high season expect a lot of people, there are queues to get in. Entrance fee is 6€, toilet is extra paid 0.50€
Very nice views along the way
Very nice views along the way
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
j b
London, UK6 contributions
Couples
The journey up to the cave isn’t so bad, although it is very tedious. I would definitely recommend trainers as sandals might prove difficult to climb up a steep hill in, the drive to the cave was absolutely beautiful and the views are certainly breathtaking!
The reason for my rating is purely on the fact they have donkeys and horses to climb lazy folk up and down as they see it as a novelty. I have a joint condition and I certainly would not use a donkey or horse to carry me up the hills if I couldn’t carry myself, I think if it’s a issue for you, don’t bother going.
to see extremely overweight people using these poor donkeys and horses to carry them up is pure animal abuse and to top it off they get on with there children/partner too, so that’s 3 bodies on one malnourished horse/donkey.
There’s no excuse for laziness, if they wouldn’t carry there own children up this steep hill in blaring sun, I don’t understand why it’s acceptable for the animals to do it?
For the cave itself, it is very beautiful but ends in about 10 mins, no information posts or anything, I’m really not one to moan but to see these poor horses/donkeys track up and down 100 times a day just doesn’t sit right with me, if you cannot bare your own weight on your legs, don’t expect a donkey to.
The reason for my rating is purely on the fact they have donkeys and horses to climb lazy folk up and down as they see it as a novelty. I have a joint condition and I certainly would not use a donkey or horse to carry me up the hills if I couldn’t carry myself, I think if it’s a issue for you, don’t bother going.
to see extremely overweight people using these poor donkeys and horses to carry them up is pure animal abuse and to top it off they get on with there children/partner too, so that’s 3 bodies on one malnourished horse/donkey.
There’s no excuse for laziness, if they wouldn’t carry there own children up this steep hill in blaring sun, I don’t understand why it’s acceptable for the animals to do it?
For the cave itself, it is very beautiful but ends in about 10 mins, no information posts or anything, I’m really not one to moan but to see these poor horses/donkeys track up and down 100 times a day just doesn’t sit right with me, if you cannot bare your own weight on your legs, don’t expect a donkey to.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sally B
Redditch, UK126 contributions
Family
Nice cave, about 1km up a steep rocky hill. We are all fit and wore trainers so no problem but not for disabled or physically unfit. Also saw a man dragging a buggy up the hill looking like he was about to keel over…
When you get to the cave, it’s a path around the cave which takes 10 mins to walk around.
We drove 1.5hrs to get there… I’m not sure I would ah e bothered if I knew it was so small. But if it was closer wouldn’t have minded so much.
Also we are English so we had to pay more. All attractions kids are free for EU, but now kids are half adults price for non-uk.
When you get to the cave, it’s a path around the cave which takes 10 mins to walk around.
We drove 1.5hrs to get there… I’m not sure I would ah e bothered if I knew it was so small. But if it was closer wouldn’t have minded so much.
Also we are English so we had to pay more. All attractions kids are free for EU, but now kids are half adults price for non-uk.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bexter1234
14 contributions
Family
Definitely worth a visit if Greek mythology interests you. The cave is very mysterious and fascinating. There is a steep walk up but you are greeted at the top by a lovely stall selling cold drinks at reasonable prices, even freshly squeezed orange juice. The only negative is seeing the poor donkeys lugging grown adults up and down the hill, looking very hot and tired. I know it is the livelihood of the local people and that also some people may not be able to do the walk themselves, but it was still unpleasant to see the animals in discomfort.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AlizaIsrael_11
Rehovot, Israel54 contributions
I was not expecting such a hike. I am almost 60, and the paved pathway gives way to a rocky climb. When you finally get there, another 200 steps down into the cave- that you have to climb up. The donkeys at the bottom should have alerted me that there was going to be a big climb. The cave itself is very modest- I have been to much nicer stalagmite caves in many other places. It also is not maintained well and many of the structures are damaged.
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin
6 contributions
Solo
Found the information a bit misleading, saying you need an hour for the cave. Turns out you are only in the actual cave for around 5mins. All the time was taken doing a steep walk to the entrance and back down again, which is around 1km each way.
If you need to take a donkey ride to get to the top, then be prepared for a steep climb into and out of the cave and in places they were very slippery.
I wouldn't recommend making a special trip to see the place, if passing then it might be worth it if you've never been in a cave before.
If you need to take a donkey ride to get to the top, then be prepared for a steep climb into and out of the cave and in places they were very slippery.
I wouldn't recommend making a special trip to see the place, if passing then it might be worth it if you've never been in a cave before.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin M
London, UK1 contribution
We read lots of reviews on this and to be honest were getting put off by all the moans! We went for it anyway. We took the route out of Heraklion, driving through the hills. This had to be the best drive I've ever done. It took around 80 minutes and didn't get out of second gear much, but what a journey - we stopped a few times just to take in the amazing views - the scenery was breathtaking. We came to the end of the road and carried on up the gravel track right up to the tiny visitor centre where a very nice lady said just park where we were which was 20m from the entrance of the cave!
there was no one there but us, we were expecting coach loads!
there was no one there but us, we were expecting coach loads!
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vanessa C
Halstead, UK10 contributions
Family
Great experience, the walk wasn’t as difficult as I had expected, the cave was enjoyable and lovely and cool in the heat. We went around 4pm, easy to park, and we were made to feel very welcome at the local cafes. The view is spectacular. Well worth a visit.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Krissy
Dallas, TX6 contributions
Is this open today, Monday September 2? We read some places are closed on Mondays and don’t want to make the drive there for nothing. Thanks!
Adventure751128
Cranbrook, Canada26 contributions
Sorry I have no idea but if they celebrate labour day, it may be closed. I am home now so sept 2 is most likely over for you now.
Jana S
4 contributions
I would love to join someone, who is going there from 28.7 - 2.8, unfortunately i habe no driving license and cannot hire a car myself.
Are there other ways to get there - not to the other cave - i seem not to find anything, when it comes to this one.
Thank you!
Danielle B
Sparks, Nevada, United States13 contributions
I did a land Rover tour, very fun!
angbna
Hampshire 175 contributions
I am considering doing the "Zeus Cave & Lassithi Plateau (Safari Adventure Offroad Excursion)" guided tour through Adventure Crete Safari Tours.
Is the combined tour necessary? Or would it be advisable to visit Zeus Cave only? If yes, can any of you kindly recommend a guided tour or way, to get to ZEUS CAVE? Would we need to hire a 4x4?
How steep is the hike/climb to Zeus Cave? Would we need to take the same route going down? And what clothing is recommended?
Nicolas K
43 contributions
I take as a fact that you are staying in lraklion city or near lraclion.
l would like to explain to you that there are two caves that the ancient Greeks believed that Zeus was (born) in them, according to the book Theogonia written by Hesiod approx 1.000 years BC.
One is called Dikteon Antron "Δικταιον Αντρον". That is at the Mountains Dikti at the Lasithi plateau.
You can get there by a hired car and then you can walk uphill for 15' approx to the entrance of the cave. Once you are there you can walk in the cave for approximately 100 meters. That is about the Lasithi plateau and the cave which is a nice drive from lraklion with panoramic views. By the way you travel south east for this excursion.
The other cave is called Ideon Antron "Ιδαιον Αντρον " and is near the top of Mountains Ida.
To get there you travel to Anogia,south west, you pass Anogia and after 35km approximately you arrive at the parking spot and then you walk uphill for 15minutes to get to the entrance. once you are there you can walk into the botom of the cave 30 meters approximately.
If you have a 4x4 you can drive up right at the top in the entrance of the cave. The road after the parking spot is not paved and you need a 4x4 vehicle.
Both caves are equally important and they play the same role in Greek mythology. Religious artifacts have been found in both of them.
This trip also has spectacular panoramic views.
To do both trips in one day I think is a bit too much in these winding roads.
l hope this answers your questions.
angbna
Hampshire 175 contributions
How STEEP is the climb? Do any of you have photographs and does the route UP the steep climb, have to be used when making your way back down?
Siouxsie54
Solihull, UK343 contributions
There are two paths to the Ideon cave from the defunct ski resort. You can clamber up the demanding walk that is signposted from the car park. This will take you past the graves of resistance men and also you will see the tree climbing goats. I am not joking. Goats climb trees. But this path requires boots.
There is another path to the left. It is much gentler although quite steep.
We clambered up to see the graves and walked down.
The clamber up the mountain requires a level of fitness.
Was kostet der Eintritt für die Hölle??
syl g
43 contributions
2,50 euros le parking et 6 euros l'entrée de la grotte.
Sc0tspine
dumfries21 contributions
Is it suitable for a 3 year old and 5 year old? Both are reasonably good walkers.
Nicolas K
43 contributions
The 5 year old might be ok if you drive your car a bit further from the big parking spot.
The road after the parking spot is not paved.
If you take the car calf way after the parking on a zik zak road for about 800m
then there is another 300m walking distance side way and up hill to the cave. For the 3 year old you might have to take it on your hands for a little.
The gate shouldn't be a problem when we visited late April there was still quite a bit of snow.
Now should be different after the south winds we had lately.
From the big parking spot to the cave is approx 800 m uphill on a footpath walking distance.
ESTI P
10 contributions
¿Abre los lunes?
Chang-Nam L
Castrop-Rauxel, Germany134 contributions
Durchgängig geöffnet, 7 Tage in der Woche!
Nigel A
Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia3 contributions
Is the Cave of Zeus (Ideon Andron) open in January?
Ohad Eylon
Israel42 contributions
nope. it is closed on january...
Cave Of Zeus (Anogia) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Cave Of Zeus
- Cave Of Zeus is open:
- Tue - Sun 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- We recommend booking Cave Of Zeus tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Cave Of Zeus tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Cave Of Zeus:
- (6.28 mi) Eleonas
- (7.38 mi) Enagron Ecotourism Village
- (6.85 mi) Keramos
- (6.10 mi) Delina Mountain Resort
- (6.81 mi) IDI Hotel
- Restaurants near Cave Of Zeus:
- (6.48 mi) Arodamos
- (6.87 mi) Vegera
- (9.80 mi) Alekos Taverna
- (9.20 mi) Earino
- (7.14 mi) Melange Cafe