Full Day Visit with family the Highland Pastures of Psiloritis

Built with their own hands, this traditional stone-built Shepherd Shelter (Mitato) is located at 848m on a slope of the renowned Psiloritis mount. In this welcoming Shepherd Shelter, we are ready to share with you our passion for the distinct Cretan traditions and lifestyle.
The visit to Shepherd’s Shelter offers a lifetime experience to every visitor. Depending on the season, you have the unique opportunity to view the sheep milking, join the cheese-making, experience the sheep-shearing or participate in the fiesta of raki distillation.
Join us in herbs collection and traditional cooking and indulge yourself with the local delicacies and wine we offer. Want to have more stunning pictures from your holiday in Crete and memorable experiences to talk about? Visit us in the Shepherd’s Shelter and live like a Cretan for one day!

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.

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.

At the entrance of the village is the Sfentoni cave or “the Hole of Sfentonis” with rich stalactite and stalagmite decoration.

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.

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 Area
  Add
  Pick-up Points: Agia Pelagia, Lygaria, Amoudara, Heraklion city, Karteros, kokkini Hani, Gouves
  Share Travel: Share travel using 5 and 7-seater 4WD SUV
  Duration: 8 hours
  Lunch: Lunch prepared by the shepherds’ family
  4WD SUV: Mitsubishi Pajero
  Jeep Grand Cherokee
  VW Tuareg
  Pickup included
• Pick up from Hersonissos Area
  Add
  Pick-up Areas: Analispi, Anissaras, Hersonissos, Piskopiano, Koutouloufari,
  Share Tour: Using 4WD 5 and 7-seater SUV
  Duration: 8 hours
  Lunch: Lunch prepared by shepherd’s family with lots of delicacies and wine
  4WD SUV: Mitsubishi Pajero
  Jeep Grand Cherokee
  VW Tuareg
  Pickup included

• Admission at Sfedoni Cave (5.00 Euros / Person)

Trending Heraklion Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by LocalTrips4U “Experience 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 12 Travelers is accepted for booking.