- The Greek Speleological Society has recorded over 3.000 caves in Crete. Not only astounding examples of nature's talent for interior decoration, many of them are also of great scientific value, being of archaeological, paleontological and historical interest. Man used caves as places worship as well as dwellings from the Paleolithic era on. The Minoans began the custom of worshiping their gods in small palatial or house shrines, in sacred caves and in shrines built on mountain peaks and the tops of hills.
- The cave of Sentoni Zoniana (B6). This is Crete's richest cave in terms of natural decoration. It lies in the District of Rethimno, 13 km. west of Anogia and 1 km from the village of Zoniana at an altitude of 800 m.
- The Diktaian Cave (Dikteon Andron) (C6). The legendary
birthplace of Zeus, this cave can be reached by going to the
outskirts of the village of Psihro (48 km. east of Iraklio and
52 km. west of Agios Nikolaos), where there is a path ascending
to it. Significant archaeological finds indicate that the cave
was long a place of cult worship. One can go from the village to
the cave on foot or by mule or donkey, which can be rented from
the locals. The descent into the fascinating cave demands some
caution. Stalactites of various shapes adorn the lower cave.
- The Idaian Cave (Ideon Andron) (C6). 20 km south of Anogia. on the upland plain of Nidas, on Mount Psiloritis, lies thls sacred cave where according to mythology, Rhea hid the baby Zeus from the murderous Kronos. Cult objects have been found here, along with statues and bronze shields and other finds now on display in the Iraklio Archaeological Museum.
- The Cave of Eileithyia (Ilithiia) (B8). This cave was used for cult rituals from the Neolithic era up to the 5th century B.C. Lying 1 km. south of Amnissos, it was sacred to Eileithyia. the goddess of childbirth. Archaeological investigations here uncovered idols of woman in the act of giving birth, nursing or praying, figures of animals. neolithic shells and tools.
- The cave of Ag. Paraskevi Sskotimou. (B8), 22 km. from Iraklio.
This very interesting Cava was used for cult wordship both in
antiquity and during the Christian era.
- The Kamares Cave (C6). Northeast of the village of Kamares (57 km. from Iraklio) lies the Cave of Kamares established during the Minoan period as a sacred spot, possibly dedicated to the worship of the goddess Eileithyia. The wonderful Kamares vases, on display in the Archaeological Museum of Iraklio were found here. Visiting the cave entails a 4-hour walk from the village
- The Gerani Cave of Rethimno (B4). 6 km. from Rethimno this is a cave of prehistoric, paleontological and archaeological interest. Finds from this cave may be seen in the Rethimno Archaeological Museum.
- The Melidoni Cave (B6). 3 km. from the village of Melidoni (26 km east of Rethimno), this was used for cult worship during the Neolithic/ Minoan and Archaic periods.
