Idaean Cave & Nida Plateau
Ιδαίον Άντρον
The mythical Idaean Cave on the plateau of Mount Ida (Psiloritis) at about 1,500 m, where Zeus is said to have been raised. The Nida Plateau is the starting point for climbing Crete's highest peak.
From the village of Anogeia, a winding mountain road climbs about 20 km to the Nida Plateau. Shepherds' stone huts (mitata) dot the open alpine pastures, which are full of sheep in summer. After parking at the end of the plateau, it takes about 15 minutes' uphill walk to reach the Idaean Cave. Its wide entrance opens into a cave chamber, where large numbers of bronze ritual objects were excavated in ancient times, now held in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Climbers can ascend the 2,456-metre summit of Mount Ida from here, a round trip of about 6-7 hours. A small restaurant on the plateau is open in summer. The mountain is about 10 degrees cooler than the coast, so bring a jacket. The roads are narrow, so avoid driving at night. It is about 60 km by road from Rethymno (about 37 km as the crow flies).
Opening hours
Caves usually open during the day, free of charge; closed in winter due to snow
Nearby sights
- Anogeia
- Margarites
- Ancient Eleutherna & Museum
- Melidoni Cave
- Bali
- Arkadi Monastery
- Rethymno Beach
- Late Minoan Cemetery of Armeni