Sfentoni Cave
Sfentoni Cave
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Sfentoni cave, located at the foot of Psiloritis, is one of the region’s most impressive natural wonders. Teemed with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as strange and impressive formations carved by nature, it will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
390 reviews
Excellent
209
Very good
139
Average
31
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Melanie d
5 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Caves are worth seeing with wonderful stalagtites and stalagmites but organisation poor - we arrived at 10am when they opened but a bus tour had clearly pre booked into the first tour so we had to wait. Nice cafe with good views for doing this but we were told we would be called for our slot and this didn't happen. Seemed to be no organisation and a bit of a free for all with those who turned up after us getting on a tour slot in front of us! They could do with timed slots and issuing tokens or similar. When we did get into the caves the guide was friendly and did tour in English and Greek. It was very basic though with little information and seemed to be more about supervising than actually guiding. We were probably in there for 25 minutes in total after having waited an hour.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dasreiseteam
Bad Pyrmont, Germany1,503 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We arrived at the cave at 11.30 AM and were told the next guided tour would start at 12.15 PM. We bought our tickets at 5 Euro each and waited. As more people arrived we asked what the group size was going to be and the answer was 20. At 12.10 we decided not to take part because of the crowd. Even though everybody is required to wear a mask there is no way to go into a cave with a group of 20 people and keep the required distance of 2 meters! We doubt, that this would be approved by the authorities. We got our money back but left very disappointed.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mapsia
London, UK17 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We loved visiting this cave. The fabulous spectacle was perfectly complimented by our guide who explained how these formations were created, was knowledgeable and keen to answer our questions. We also saw a few bats! Highly recommended! 👌
And with a steady temperature between 16-17 degrees, it makes a nice break from the outside heat! 😅
And with a steady temperature between 16-17 degrees, it makes a nice break from the outside heat! 😅
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul175T
Selby, UK4,437 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
We had hired a car for a few days and went on a discovery mission. The caves looked like a good option so we drove up there. We had to wait half an hour or so as another party were before us so we had drinks in the restaurant that has the most impressive views.
A short walk to the caves and the guide was so friendly and informative, very passionate about the caves too. The cave itself was very impressive and we learnt the history of the discovery and just how many years it takes for stalagmites to grow which makes you appreciate what you are seeing. A good recommendation for sure and great on hot days as the caves are only 16 degrees! (Learnt that on the day!!) 😜
A short walk to the caves and the guide was so friendly and informative, very passionate about the caves too. The cave itself was very impressive and we learnt the history of the discovery and just how many years it takes for stalagmites to grow which makes you appreciate what you are seeing. A good recommendation for sure and great on hot days as the caves are only 16 degrees! (Learnt that on the day!!) 😜
Written July 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralph S
Crawley, UK4 contributions
Aug 2022
very cheap at 5euros each, was nice to see and informative. we drove a hour out to get there and thought it would have been a longer visit, we were in there for aprox 20 mins start to end which was a shame, you are not allowed to touch anything and we was reminded of this when my small child touched a rock when pointing at it which was surprising due to her only being little.
the lights were pretty but they are made to look like it with spot lights.
was a good place but dont go with high expectations.
the lights were pretty but they are made to look like it with spot lights.
was a good place but dont go with high expectations.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarile15
Innsbruck, Austria21 contributions
Sep 2021
The Sfentoni cave is absolutely worth a visit. We made a round trip, so it was on our way back to Rethymnon. There are only guided tours and i think thats a very good decision. The guide tells a lot about the cave itself, the stalaktites and the stalagmites and also about the animals who are living in there. The cave is in public hand, so the ticket income is for themself and for the conservation of the cave.
Written March 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael W
Paddock Wood, UK29 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We’ve hired a car for a few days, and although this was an hour away from our hotel, we seen good things.
The tour itself is about 40 minutes and is guided.
They time the tours every 45 minutes so give time back to the cave to return to its natural temp. The guide explains it all very well.
Have to say, we found them amazing and beautiful.
The views from the cafe are stunning. And in a cooler day this was perfect.
The tour itself is about 40 minutes and is guided.
They time the tours every 45 minutes so give time back to the cave to return to its natural temp. The guide explains it all very well.
Have to say, we found them amazing and beautiful.
The views from the cafe are stunning. And in a cooler day this was perfect.
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iva S
Prague, Czech Republic700 contributions
Sep 2020
16.9.2020 The perfect experience. Great guide, spoke perfect German, explained everything in detail. Beautiful cave. It's not even cold in it. I recommend to all. More
youtube travel video PSIS-visit. Iva + Petr CZ Prague
youtube travel video PSIS-visit. Iva + Petr CZ Prague
Written February 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff76543
Jerusalem, Israel13 contributions
Dec 2011 • Couples
To be fair, this is not a review of the cave itself, which we were unable to see. It is a review of the Officials at the site of the Sfentoni Cave - and a word of caution to anyone who is planning to make the long trip to the cave.
My wife and I drove to the Sfentoni cave from the city of Rethymno. We had heard from the tourist information office in Rethymno that the cave is spectacular - and it may be that it is spectacular. It is about an hour and a half drive from Rethymno to reach the cave, which is located in the mountains and, at least once you reach the mountain roads, it requires driving on very narrow and winding roads (we were almost run off the road by a speeding bus coming around a curve in the opposite direction).
Before deciding to go to the cave -- on the way to another destination -- we asked the tourist information office to check whether the cave was open during the winter and the times that we could visit. He called the site and was told that the cave would be open on Saturday until 14:30. Nothing more than this was said about visiting times.
After making the long journey to the cave, we arrived there at 12:40 (the time is important) and saw two people sitting outside the entrance of the cave. As we learned from what transpired when we walked up to them, they were the guide and another tourist site official. We asked them where we should pay to enter the cave and they said that we could only enter the cave in an organized tour with the guide and the next tour was in 50 minutes, at 13:30. We asked if there were people in the cave now and, not surprisingly, since our car was the only car in the tourist parking lot, we were told that no one was in the cave (and from the answer we received it seemed fairly clear that no one had visited the cave any time that day). Since no one was in the cave and we could not wait 50 minutes to begin the 30 minute tour of the cave, we asked whether the guide could take us now -- since he would finish before 13:30 in the unlikely case that someone else arrived. The official said no. We asked why, especially since there was no tour that began whenever it was that they decided that the previous tour should begin. The official shrugged. We said that in that case we would have to go - and the official shrugged again.
What can be learned from our experience. 1) If you go to the Sfentoni Cave, you should try to arrive by half past the hour (and at least an hour before the cave closes), unless of course the cave official decides that the hours for tours on the day that you visit are at a different time -- for example, on the hour. 2) Don't go to the cave if you don't have a lot of time to spend there -- preferably close to an hour and a half. 3) Perhaps it is also possible to learn from this that there are some tourist officials in Greece who think that they are paid a salary to sit and be physically present at their place of work, doing the absolute minimum that they can. I would like to add that in our experience this was an isolated case, as at the archiological sights that we visited in Crete, we did not have similar experiences -- and in general Greek hospitality and willingness to be helpful is much higher than can be found in most other countries.
My wife and I drove to the Sfentoni cave from the city of Rethymno. We had heard from the tourist information office in Rethymno that the cave is spectacular - and it may be that it is spectacular. It is about an hour and a half drive from Rethymno to reach the cave, which is located in the mountains and, at least once you reach the mountain roads, it requires driving on very narrow and winding roads (we were almost run off the road by a speeding bus coming around a curve in the opposite direction).
Before deciding to go to the cave -- on the way to another destination -- we asked the tourist information office to check whether the cave was open during the winter and the times that we could visit. He called the site and was told that the cave would be open on Saturday until 14:30. Nothing more than this was said about visiting times.
After making the long journey to the cave, we arrived there at 12:40 (the time is important) and saw two people sitting outside the entrance of the cave. As we learned from what transpired when we walked up to them, they were the guide and another tourist site official. We asked them where we should pay to enter the cave and they said that we could only enter the cave in an organized tour with the guide and the next tour was in 50 minutes, at 13:30. We asked if there were people in the cave now and, not surprisingly, since our car was the only car in the tourist parking lot, we were told that no one was in the cave (and from the answer we received it seemed fairly clear that no one had visited the cave any time that day). Since no one was in the cave and we could not wait 50 minutes to begin the 30 minute tour of the cave, we asked whether the guide could take us now -- since he would finish before 13:30 in the unlikely case that someone else arrived. The official said no. We asked why, especially since there was no tour that began whenever it was that they decided that the previous tour should begin. The official shrugged. We said that in that case we would have to go - and the official shrugged again.
What can be learned from our experience. 1) If you go to the Sfentoni Cave, you should try to arrive by half past the hour (and at least an hour before the cave closes), unless of course the cave official decides that the hours for tours on the day that you visit are at a different time -- for example, on the hour. 2) Don't go to the cave if you don't have a lot of time to spend there -- preferably close to an hour and a half. 3) Perhaps it is also possible to learn from this that there are some tourist officials in Greece who think that they are paid a salary to sit and be physically present at their place of work, doing the absolute minimum that they can. I would like to add that in our experience this was an isolated case, as at the archiological sights that we visited in Crete, we did not have similar experiences -- and in general Greek hospitality and willingness to be helpful is much higher than can be found in most other countries.
Written December 9, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex-and-SarahT
Bagthorpe, UK47 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
My husband and I visited the Sfedoni Cave today and very much enjoyed our time here. Our guide was very good and informative throughout. I agree with other reviewers that the tour lasts approx 45 mins depending on questions and photos. It’s pot luck if you turn up when a tour is already ongoing. We arrived just as one had started so had to wait 40 mins for the next which was fine. We enjoyed the views and a drink whilst we waited. Once inside, the lighting was great to show the beautiful features inside.
Only downside was the journey there - it isn’t very well signposted and you have to go through quite a few small towns. On the positive side it means that hoards of tourists is unlikely in one go!! In my opinion, it looked and sounded better than the Melidoni Cave so we gave that one a miss following the reviews of that Cave.
Only downside was the journey there - it isn’t very well signposted and you have to go through quite a few small towns. On the positive side it means that hoards of tourists is unlikely in one go!! In my opinion, it looked and sounded better than the Melidoni Cave so we gave that one a miss following the reviews of that Cave.
Written September 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the Cave open for visit this summer ?
Written July 13, 2020
Is the Cave open for visit this summer ?
Written July 13, 2020
Cave Sfentoni Zoniana
Zoniana, Greece
It's not open yet . In any case you can check if is open from Google if you write Cave Sfentoni Zoniana.
Written July 14, 2020
Hey was wondering how long of a drive this is from Rethymnon?
Written August 8, 2019
Добрый день! Как с Херсониссоса добраться до пещеры Сфедони без машины?
Written July 10, 2019
Cave Sfentoni Zoniana
Zoniana, Greece
Good morning. The only bus is leaving at 14:00 from Heraklion to Zoniana . But after the next bus from Zoniana to Heraklion is the next day at 7 in the morning. Saturday & Sunday is no busses. Good luck.
Written July 11, 2019
Hi thinking of this for a 3 and 5 year old how far is the walk? is it slippery and what it like under foot?
Written May 18, 2019
No it is not slippery at all.
It is perfectly safe to walk the corridor for yung and old.
The corridor is made out from metal panels with special grip so that it's not slippery at all.
sometimes though little little 3 year olds are scared of dark, other than that no problem at all!!!!!
Written May 19, 2019
Cave Sfentoni Zoniana
Zoniana, Greece
Good morning.
We are open only Saturday 28/12 and Sunday 29/12 from 11:00 until 14:00.
Thank you for contacting us.
Happy new year.
Written December 28, 2018
hi there
I would like to know openning hours in 23/4 & price for seniors enerance
Last question : any discount for group over 20 ?
Is tour GUIDER mUST PAY TOO ?
Written December 23, 2018
Cave Sfentoni Zoniana
Zoniana, Greece
Goodmorning.
At 23/4 we are open from 10:30 until 15:30. The price for all the visitors even for seniors is 5 euros per person. If you are group more than 15 persons the price is 4 euros and the guide is free.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Written December 24, 2018
Cave Sfentoni Zoniana
Zoniana, Greece
Good evening .
Our place is full accessible for wheelchair (cafe , restaurant, wc).
You can also visit the cave with the wheelchair with a little bit help from us or from your partner .
We thank you very much and we wish you a pleasant stay.
Written May 17, 2018
when is the cave open this year?
Written February 25, 2018
Hello, when is the cave open in april 2018.
Written February 25, 2018
Cave Sfentoni Zoniana
Zoniana, Greece
Good morning.
The cave is opening at 15 of April.
It's open from 10:30 until 16:00.
Better send us a new message when you want to come, so we can give you more information .
Thank you very much.
Written March 8, 2018
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