Cretan Odyssey Peaks, Valleys, and Cultural Revelations Await You

Embarking on a journey through Crete with a local guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with hidden treasures and cultural immersion. From the rugged mountains of Anogia to the picturesque Dafnes Valley, each stop unveils the charm of Cretan life. A visit to a winery in the Dafnes Valley offers wine tasting and exploration of beekeeping, providing a taste of the island’s bounty. Traversing rugged terrain and quaint villages, the ascent to Psiloritis mountain reveals natural wonders and archaeological marvels, including the ancient Zominthos site and the revered Idaion Andron cave.

Descending to Anogia village, witness the timeless craft of cheese-making by a local shepherd and savor a traditional meal at a charming tavern. This authentic journey blends history, culture, and gastronomy into a single day of discovery, leaving you enriched by the essence of Crete.

Experience the magic of Diamantakis Winery, a family-owned haven in the heart of Crete, Greece. This charming winery encapsulates the essence of Cretan winemaking, rooted in tradition and passed down through generations. Surrounded by the captivating landscapes of Crete, the vineyards of Diamantakis Winery yield indigenous grape varieties, capturing the unique terroir in every sip.

More than a wine-tasting destination, the winery offers a warm embrace of Cretan hospitality, inviting visitors to become part of the family. Diamantakis Winery takes pride in its commitment to sustainable and organic practices, reflecting not only in the remarkable wines but also in a deep respect for the natural beauty of the region. A visit here is a sensory journey, allowing you to savor exceptional wines while basking in the breathtaking views of the Cretan countryside, creating lasting memories of the flavors and warmth that define this hidden gem in Greece.

The Nida Plateau, is a plateau in the Rethymno regional unit on the island of Crete in Greece. It lies between the east and west peaks of Mount Ida, at an altitude of 1,400 meters and approximately 22 km from the village of Anogeia.[1][2][3] The plateau is not cultivated but used as grazing ground. A branch of the European walking route E4 to the Timios Stavros summit of Mt Ida starts west of the plateau.[citation needed] The plateau is used in winter for downhill skiing.[4]

The picturesque village of Krousonas is located at the eastern foothills of the famous and much-sung Psiloritis at a distance of 21 km from Heraklion. It is a mountain village at an altitude of 460 m, built amphitheatrically and during the winter season it gives its visitors the opportunity to encounter snow. An important feature of the area of Krousonas is the sharp transition that takes place, within a few kilometers, from the low, mild and cultivated valleys to the high and rough peaks of Koudouni (1860m), Gournos (1292m) and Voskeros (1119m). ) that belong to the massif of Psiloritis

Zominthos is a small plateau in the northern foothills of Mount Ida (Psiloritis), on the island of Crete. Zominthos is roughly 7.5 kilometers west of the village of Anogia, on the path from Knossos to Idaion Andron, the great sanctuary cave near the peak of Ida. Zominthos is best known for the large Minoan building discovered there; signs of permanent settlement date back to about 1800 BC.

The Skinaka Observatory is a joint research infrastructure of the University of Crete and the Technology & Research Foundation (ITE). Three telescopes with mirror diameters of 1.3 m, 0.6 m and 0.3 m respectively are installed and operating in the Observatory.

The operation of the Skinakas Observatory is supported by staff of the Department of Physics of the Univ. of Crete and the Institute of Astrophysics of the ITE.

The Observatory is located on Mount Idi (Psiloritis) in central Crete at an altitude of 1750 m. Its distance from the city of Heraklion is 25 km in a straight line, while it is 50 km by road. On the road, 20 km before reaching the Skinaka, meets the traditional town of Anogeia, known for its important role in the recent history of Crete. Northwest of the Observatory, at a straight distance of about 6 km, is the Idaion Andron, the famous cave where, according to mythology, Zeus was raised.

Passing thought the hills and valleys behind Krousonas village, heading to the mountain top of Psiloritis mountain.

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

Their name is due to the location where they are built, i.e. the “upper ground”. They are also known as Axikanogeia, or Megala Anogeia and are divided into districts (Armi, Mesochorio or Mesochoria, Perahori, Metohi, and Synoikismos), neighborhoods, and squares. The town is shaped around the respective church around which the social life of the settlement develops, the main arteries, the narrow streets with steps, the densely populated residential fabric, trade, and a network of statues, busts, and monuments.

Ideo Andros or Arsenio is a cave on a plateau on Mount Ida (Psiloritis) in Crete, in which, according to Greek mythology, Zeus, hence the name “Cretan”, was raised from his infancy. Its entrance was guarded by the Kurites, mythical figures, and every time the little Zeus cried, they struck their swords against the shields they held so that Saturn would not hear his cry. According to another version, the Curites danced a dance very intense and fast, which made their heavy armor rattle and covered the crying of the infant Zeus.

Today this cave, also called “Speliara” or “Shepherd’s Cave”, is an archaeological site where excavations have been carried out since 1884, and objects from the Minoan era have been discovered, such as archaic figurines, flasks, bronze shields, etc. which are kept in the Heraklion Museum.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• Pick-up From Agia Pelagia
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  Pick-up Areas: Agia Pelagia, Mononaftis, Lygaria Beach
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  Duration: 7 hours
  Traditional Lunch: Four course Lunch at Anogia Village
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• Pick up Hersonissos Area
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  Pick-up Areas: Gouves, Analipsi, Anisaras, Hersonissos, Koutouloufari, Piskopiano, Stalis, Malia
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  Duration: 6 hours
  Traditional Lunch: Four-course meal at Anogia Village
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• Pick-up from Heraklion Areas
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  Pick-up Areas: Amoudara, Heraklion City, Heraklion Port Passengers Station
  Duration: 7 hours
  Traditional Lunch: Four-course meal at Anogia Village
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• This Tour is Provided by Cretan Safari | True Crete.
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