IN ZONIANA, CRETE
Sfentoni Cave
Discover the largest cave of Crete
The Sfentoni cave, located at the foot of Psiloritis, is one of the region’s most impressive natural wonders. Teemed with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as strange and impressive formations carved by nature, it will surely leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
An area of 3500 sqm
A 270-meter long walkway
14 different chambers
2/3 of its total area accessible to visitors
Psiloritis Natural Park,
under the auspices of UNESCO
Zoniana
At the foothills of Psiloritis, surrounded by unique natural beauty.
Sightseeing
Find points of interest to visit in and around the village.
Visitors can explore about 2/3 of the cave’s total area, always under the guidance of an experienced guide. The special tour trail and the impressive lighting allow children, people with disabilities, and the elderly to visit the cave safely.
The Sfentoni cave
Graeconiscus guanophilus
With a surface area of 3,500 square meters, the “Sfentoni” Cave is one of Greece’s most spectacular caves. It is a large cave with a north-south orientation, a maximum length of 145 meters in a straight line, a total area of about 3000 square meters, and a variety of chambers with fanciful names (The Harmonies, the Sanctum of the Fairy, the Chapel, the Palace, the Parthenon, the Panorama, the Metropolis, the Lost Child, the Fossilized Waves) succeeding each other. The cave features rich decoration with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as several fossilized waves (stony water basins) near its end.
VISIT THE CAVE
Discover the hidden beauty of Sfentoni cave up close. Tickets can be purchased at the cave’s entrance.
Feel free to contact us if you would like to learn more about our special prices for children and groups or to book a (school) trip.
WINTER OPENING HOURS
Sundays:
10:00 – 14:30
SUMMER OPENING HOURS
Daily
10:00 – 17:00
SUMMER SEASON
APRIL 15
to OCTOBER 30
Zoniana
The name Zoniana was established in 1920. It was originally called “Zou o Lakkos” [the pit of Zou]. Both names seem to be related to the word (o)zo, which means animal in the Cretan dialect. However, the older name has also been associated with Zeus.
Things to do in the area
A visit to the cave is an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, as well as the local traditional cuisine.
Combine your visit to the cave with a stop at the village museum and learn more about Crete’s history and culture.
Explore the gorge and discover the unique natural beauty of Psiloritis.
“Ιf you wish to admire the beauties of the world
come to Zoniana to see the hole of Sfentonis”
FAQ
The tour lasts approximately 25 - 30 minutes.
In both winter and summer, the conditions inside the cave are stable. The environment is relatively humid, with temperatures ranging between 19 and 20 degrees Celsius.
The available languages are Greek and English.
A single ticket costs 6€ and can be purchased at the entrance of the cave.
During the summer season (April 15 – October 30) the cave is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00. During the winter season it is open every Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00. If you wish to organize a school trip or a group excursion during the winter season, please contact us.
Special rates are available for children under the age of 15, as well as groups of more than 15 people with their own qualified guide.
You can combine your visit with a trip to the Gorge of Zoniana, a meal at the cave tavern, or a visit to the wax museum of the village.
