Cretan Odyssey: Immersive Cultural Journey to Shepherd’s Shelter

Embark on a captivating journey through Crete’s cultural tapestry with a visit to the Shepherd Shelter on Psiloritis mount. This stone-built haven, lovingly crafted by local hands, immerses you in the heart of Cretan traditions. Dive into seasonal activities like sheep milking, cheese-making, and raki distillation, experiencing the timeless rhythms of local life. Extend your exploration to Greece’s vast caves. The tour reaches its pinnacle at the main square of a village, where sipping Greek coffee and sharing stories with locals creates moments of genuine connection. Join us for this special tour, uncovering the soul and authenticity of Crete’s cultural treasures. This immersive experience not only acquaints you with the essence of Cretan life but also leaves you with enduring memories of the island’s enchanting landscapes and the warm embrace of its hospitable people.

Anogeia Rethymno is located at an altitude of 730 meters, on the ridge of the Armi hill, Psiloritis and has a population of 2,322 inhabitants, according to the 2011 Census. They are 54 km from Rethymno.

Their name is due to the location where they are built, i.e. on the upper ground. They are also known as Axikanogeia, or Great Anogeia. The town of Anogeia consists of the districts of Armi, Mesochorio or Mesochoria, Perahori, Metohi and Synoikismos.

Anogeia is part of the special geographical unit of the former Mylopotamos District, where they belonged, which was Epano Mylopotamos together with the villages of Zoniana, Livadia, Kalyvos, Krana, Veni, Katergiana, Chochlidio, Axos and Livada.

The Sfendoni Cave (or Sfentoni) is located in the village of Zoniana in the Prefecture of Rethymno and is 43 km. from Heraklion and 52 km. from Rethymnon.
It occupies an area of ​​approximately 3,000 sq.m. In the 270 meters of its route there are massive columns that create labyrinthine apartments. Innumerable stalactites and stalagmites, diverse and colorful, decorate its rooms while in many places there are stone water basins and cave pearls.

The special tour path allows a safe visit to the cave even for disabled people. The cave is part of the Psiloritis Natural Park which in turn belongs to the European network of Geoparks, a network of protected areas with special geological heritage under the auspices of UNESCO.

Admission fee 5.00 Euros / Person

Zoniana is a village and seat of the homonymous community of the Municipality of Mylopotamos in the Regional Unit of Rethymno in Crete. The village is 43 kilometers W.-SW. from Heraklion and 52 km E.-SE. from Rethymnon. They are located in Psiloritis (Mount Idi) at an altitude of 630 meters. During the 2011 census, the village had 1,117 inhabitants, who are mainly engaged in animal husbandry and agriculture.

The Museum
The visitor has the change to see the waxen images of Theotokopoulos (El Greco), Kazantzakis, Vintzetzos Kornaros e.t.c.

We have many reports on the, mythology of the island with the images of Minoas, Theseus, Ariadnes, where the interest is focused on historical facts from Byzantium and Venetocracy to the holocaust of Arkadi and the interesting image of Eleftherios Venizelos.

This historical trip in combination with the natural beauty in all the seasons of the year and the hospitable spirit of the villagers, make the visit to Zoniana an unforgettable experience.

Experience the convenience of the stone-built shepherd shelters (mitata), made to house the local families and their rural activities. Distinct Cretan traditions and lifestyle, cheesemaking, raki distillation, local recipes, as well as wild life and lots of walking paths constitute a unique experience for every visitor.

Pastoral life
The shepherds’ way of life – close to the earth – is one that we can learn from. Where the best of the old combines with the best of the new: The flocks are still being cared for on the highland pastures and the cheese is being made in the traditional way. It’s worth preserving (even if not without change).

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• Pick-up from Heraklion Areas
  Add
  Pick-up Areas: Hersonissos, Piskopiano, Koutouloufari, Anisaras, Analipsis, Gouves, Karteros, Heraklion, Amoudara, Lygaria, Agia Pelagia
  Share Tour: Maximum 4 people per vehicle
  Semi-Private Tour
  Duration: 8 hours
  Traditional Cretan Meal: Big Cretan Fest with lots of food and unlimited wine and raki
  Outback’s of Crete: driving through villages and up to Rugged Mountains, arriving at 850 meters above sea level
  Premium 4WD SUV
  Pickup included

• Premium 4WD Vehicles with maximum 4 guests in each one

• Admision Fee at Sfendoni Cave 5 Euros / Person (Guided Tour)
• Admission Fee at the Wax Museum 3.00 Euros / Person
• Personal Expences

Trending Crete Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

Your Tour voucher does not include admission fees for Sfendoni Cave and Zoniana Wax Museum

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Cretan Safari | True Crete.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Athens.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.