Melidoni Cave
Σπήλαιο Μελιδονίου
A limestone cave with a stalactite-filled chamber. It was a sacred site for Hermes in ancient times. In 1824, hundreds of villagers were smoked to death by Ottoman troops inside the cave, making it an important memorial site in Crete.
The cave entrance is on a hillside. A path leads down into a large main chamber with well-developed stalactites and stalagmites, lit for visitors. The walk takes about 20-30 minutes. A side chamber holds stone sarcophagi commemorating those who died in 1824. In antiquity this was a sanctuary of Hermes Tallaios, and offerings with inscriptions were unearthed here. The entrance fee is about €4. The cave floor is slippery, so wear shoes with good grip. It is about 28 km from Rethymno. Turn off the north coast highway, and it can be combined with Bali beach and Margarites on the same route.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–19:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Bali
- Margarites
- Ancient Eleutherna & Museum
- Arkadi Monastery
- Anogeia
- Idaean Cave & Nida Plateau
- Rethymno Beach
- Venetian Harbour & Lighthouse of Rethymno