Melidoni Cave
Discover Melidoni Cave, a subterranean wonder on Crete with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and a deeply moving history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour buses
Melidoni Cave
Best Time
Fewer tour buses
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Melidoni Cave, a subterranean wonder on Crete with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and a deeply moving history.
"A breathtaking experience! Melidoni Cave's vast chamber and haunting history left us in awe."
🎟️ Ticket Price
Entry is typically €5 per person. Worth it for the history and formations!
🚶♀️ Easy Access
The path and stairs are well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Stalactites and Stalagmites
Main Chamber
Marvel at the impressive natural formations, beautifully illuminated to showcase their grandeur.
The Tragic History
Throughout the cave
Reflect on the poignant story of the 1824 massacre, brought to life by informative displays.
Panoramic Views
Near the entrance
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Cretan countryside and mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Ticket Price
Entry is typically €5 per person. Worth it for the history and formations!
🚶♀️ Easy Access
The path and stairs are well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Comfortable Temperature
The cave stays a cool ~15-16°C (60°F) year-round. No need for a heavy sweater. :snowflake:
📸 Photography is Allowed
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of the dim lighting. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Ticket Price
Entry is typically €5 per person. Worth it for the history and formations!
🚶♀️ Easy Access
The path and stairs are well-maintained, making it accessible for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Comfortable Temperature
The cave stays a cool ~15-16°C (60°F) year-round. No need for a heavy sweater. :snowflake:
📸 Photography is Allowed
Capture the beauty, but be mindful of the dim lighting. :camerawithflash:
☕ Cafe Nearby
There's a cafe with outdoor seating, perfect for a post-cave refreshment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Melidoni Cave for its stunning natural formations and poignant historical significance. The well-maintained pathways and cool interior are appreciated, though some note that only a portion of the cave is accessible. The tragic history of 1824 is a powerful element of the experience.
"Well done cave but small. Beautiful cave able to be seen in under 15 minutes. (We spent 5-10 inside plus the small walk from the entrance.) It’s essentially one room that you enter via a two-way staircase then do a small loop within one main room once inside. The path is decently lit (for a cave) but it is still relatively dark. It’s a comfortable cool inside (~15-16C/60F) but didn’t require a sweater.
They provide a brochure/guide plus have a few small signs in multiple languages within the cave.
It did get a little busy when we were entering via the stairs but not uncomfortably so.
Cafe had decent outdoor seating, though on our way out all tables were taken so we skipped it.
Toilets in the car park were nicer than expected.
Car park can get quite busy though there is a bit of turnover with people leaving. They indicate to be careful when parking 11-1 certain days as used as a bus turnaround spot."
Becky T
"An amazing and serene experience. Steps down into the chamber lead you around the fascinating rock formations which are enhanced by subtle lighting. There are history boards around as you walk, giving interesting information on the creation and habitation of the cave throughout history including the incredibly sad event of 1824 with over 300 women and children trapped and suffocated in the cave by invaders."
Eric Binns
"Very interesting place with great view inside and also on the surrounding area. Right next to it is a restaurant which also serves great snacks. Only caveat was that you can’t enter all of the rooms of the cave but only the main hall, which wasn’t fully clear from the start."
Fabian S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
If you're driving from Chania, Melidoni Cave is accessible via a scenic route. The road leading to the cave is generally not difficult. Many visitors combine a trip to Melidoni Cave with other stops in the region, like Kournas Lake, as part of a day trip by car.
Yes, once you're in the vicinity of Melidoni village, follow the pointers that will guide you to the cave entrance.
While public transport options might be limited, renting a car is the most convenient way to reach Melidoni Cave and explore the surrounding Cretan countryside.
There is a car park available, but it can get busy, especially with tour buses. Be mindful of designated bus turnaround spots on certain days.
The road leading to the cave is generally well-maintained and paved, making for a smooth journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ticket price for Melidoni Cave is typically €5 per person. This fee grants access to the main chamber and its historical displays.
Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always worth inquiring at the reception desk upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the latest information closer to your visit, but generally, it's open during daylight hours.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site at the reception area upon arrival.
Yes, the cave is generally accessible for all ages, with well-maintained paths and stairs. However, very young children might need supervision.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 15-20 minutes inside the cave, including the walk from the entrance and a brief loop within the main chamber.
Inside, you'll find impressive stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated pathways, and historical dashboards detailing the cave's past, including the tragic 1824 event.
The cave is decently lit along the pathways, but it is still relatively dark, as expected in a natural cave environment.
You can only enter the main hall and a designated loop path. Not all rooms of the cave are accessible to visitors.
Yes, there are restrooms located in the car park area, which are reported to be quite clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is permitted inside Melidoni Cave. However, due to the dim lighting, it can be challenging to capture clear shots without a tripod or good camera settings.
Focus on areas with the most dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations, and where the lighting best highlights the natural structures.
While a flash can help, it might also wash out the details of the formations. Experiment with your camera settings to find what works best in the low light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the cave is dimly lit, which might be a bit spooky for very young children, but generally, it's a safe and engaging experience. The nearby cafe offers a nice spot for a break afterwards.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Consider combining your visit with a stop in a local village for lunch or exploring the coastline. The cave provides a unique blend of natural beauty and historical depth, making it a worthwhile detour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Poignant History of Melidoni Cave
+2Informative boards are placed within the cave, detailing this harrowing incident and other historical periods of habitation, dating back to the Neolithic era. Visitors often describe the experience as deeply moving and a significant part of understanding the cave's significance beyond its natural beauty. The subtle lighting within the cave enhances the atmosphere, allowing visitors to reflect on the past while admiring the present natural formations.
Exploring the Cave's Natural Wonders
While you can't explore every nook and cranny, the accessible parts of the cave offer a substantial visual experience. The cool, constant temperature inside the cave makes it a pleasant escape, especially during the hot Cretan summers. The journey to the cave itself is also often noted for its scenic beauty, offering glimpses of the surrounding countryside.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit