Get ready for a breathtaking journey through the Crete of ancient myths and history via a cultural road route of 386 km. Every mountain, every cave, and almost every location on the island hides a story from Greek mythology. Discover where Zeus was born and raised, where Apollo was worshipped, and where, when, and how the god Dionysus is honored to this day. This itinerary will reveal Crete’s secrets and bring you closer to the myths that defined the ancient world.
Start your adventure at the Cave of Psychro on the slopes of Mount Dikti. This impressive cave was one of Crete's most important places of worship from 2000 B.C. to the 7th century B.C. According to myth, Rhea took refuge here to give birth to Zeus and protect him from Cronus. As you descend into the cave, the cool air, the shadows of huge stalagmites and stalactites, and the sound of water drops falling into the small lake at the bottom create an atmosphere of mystery and awe. In one of the lower chambers, there is a small recess locals call the "Cradle of Zeus," while another chamber features the "Mantle of Zeus," a spectacular, oversized folding stalactite that literally hangs from the roof. The precious finds brought to light by archaeological excavations at the Dictaean Cave since the 19th century are now kept in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion and the Archaeological Museum of Lasithi, as well as in major foreign museums such as the Louvre and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. The Dictaean Cave is not just a cave; it is a mythical place where nature, history, and legend unite to offer you an unforgettable experience.
Another cave connected to the myth of Zeus's birth and upbringing is the cave Idaion Andron on Mount Ida (Psiloritis), at an altitude of 1,498 m and a distance of 20 km from Anogeia, Rethymno. According to myth, this is where Rhea gave birth to and hid Zeus in her attempt to protect him from his father, Cronus. The goat Amalthea nourished the infant with her milk, while the Kouretes—young warriors and guardians—made noise by striking their shields to mask his crying. Excavations have confirmed the use of the cave from the 4th millennium B.C. to the 4th century A.D., while worship in the cave is indicated for the first time in the latter half of the 2nd millennium B.C. The sanctuary saw its highest visitor numbers during the Geometric and Archaic periods. The importance of the cave is documented by numerous votive offerings, including bronze votive shields from the 8th–7th century B.C. featuring engraved and hammered depictions, considered some of the finest works of art of the ancient world. During the Classical era (5th century B.C.), the cave acquired a mysterious and "chthonic" character, while inscriptions indicate that a powerful priesthood was established, to which Cretan cities paid an annual tribute.
Next stop, Mount Juktas, dominating the valley of Heraklion. Considered the Tomb of Zeus by ancient writers, it impresses with its anthropomorphic shape: the morphology of its western side forms the profile of the god's face! There are four sacred caves on the mountain, one at each cardinal point. During the Minoan era, they functioned as sites for rituals, sacrifices, and food storage. If you love running, every March the semi-mountainous running and hiking event "Knossos Run" offers an alternative way to get to know the area through four unique routes that connect myths with the beauty of Cretan nature.
The worship of Dionysus also held a special place in Minoan Crete. The god of wine and revelry was the husband of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos. Discover how ancient myths survive in Greek tradition through the "Apokrigiomata." This unique event, held on Clean Monday in the village of Gergeri, Heraklion, has its roots in ancient Dionysian rituals. Wearing goat skins and bells, the men of the village dance to frenzied rhythms, like modern-day Satyrs in Dionysian ecstasy.
In Ancient Gortyna, the capital of Crete during its peak in Roman times, you will walk in the footsteps of Apollo, the god of light and music. In the archaeological site, which spans 4,000 acres (approx. 1,000 hectares), you will discover impressive monuments such as the Odeon, which hosted musical and theatrical performances, and the Sanctuary of Pythian Apollo, the city's most important religious center until the establishment of Christianity. From the temple of Pythian Apollo comes the colossal statue of Apollo Kitharodos (Apollo the Cithara Player), which you can admire at the Archaeological Museum of Messara, located within the archaeological site of Gortyna. Placed in a prominent position in the raised niche added to the temple during the Roman era, it depicted the god of music playing the lyre.
The colossal statue of Apollo Kitharodos, which you can admire at the Archaeological Museum of Messara, 1 km from the archaeological site of Gortyna, comes from the temple of Pythian Apollo. Placed in a dominant position in the raised niche added to the temple during the Roman era, it depicted the god of music playing the lyre.
The journey into the ancient myths of Crete concludes at the archaeological site of Aptera, southeast of Souda Bay, near Chania. The prevailing founding myth attributes its name to an epithet of Artemis, its patron goddess. According to another version, the Muses dueled with the Sirens; the Sirens were defeated, plucked off their wings (thus becoming apteres or "wingless"), and fell into the sea. Explore the remains of one of Crete's most important city-states, which flourished from the Late Classical to Roman times and reached the peak of its glory during the Hellenistic and Roman eras. Tour the temple of Apollo and Artemis, the Roman baths, the theater (which hosts cultural events during the summer months), and the impressively preserved paved road dating back to the Hellenistic period
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