Malia: Lasithi Plateau Zeus Cave Guided Tour

If you’re looking to explore Crete beyond the typical beaches and tourist hotspots, the Lasithi Plateau and Zeus Cave tour from Malia offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s interior. This guided day trip is designed for visitors eager to experience authentic Cretan scenery, mythology, and local crafts—all while enjoying the comforts of a well-organized tour.

We love that this tour combines stunning landscapes with rich stories about Crete’s myths and traditions. The stops at traditional villages, olive groves, and the sunken village of Sfentili deliver a genuine sense of local life. Plus, the opportunity to learn how olive oil and cheese are produced makes this more than just a sightseeing jaunt—it’s a taste of Crete’s living culture.

One potential drawback? The Zeus Cave will be closed from late September 2024 to late 2025, which might disappoint those eager to visit the legendary birthplace of Zeus. Still, the tour’s other highlights and scenic drives hold plenty of appeal. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy history, nature, and a touch of mythology, all wrapped into a full-day adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits curious travelers who want to see Crete’s inland beauty and learn about local traditions firsthand. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate scenic drives, cultural insights, and authentic culinary experiences. If you prefer guided tours that balance fun and education without feeling rushed, this tour fits the bill.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: The routes take you through lush olive groves, mountain trails, and picturesque villages.
• Cultural immersion: Learn about local life, traditional crafts like olive oil and cheese production, and Crete’s mythology.
• Scenic drives: Travel along beautiful dirt roads at high altitudes, offering some of the best views on the island.
• Expert guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, humor, and ability to tailor the experience.
• Authentic experiences: Visit a traditional olive mill, shepherd’s farm, and Roman aqueduct remains.
• Flexible and well-organized: Includes pick-up and drop-off at multiple locations, plus lunch and entrance fees.

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

This tour is a carefully curated journey into Crete’s lush central regions, offering a richer understanding of the island’s landscapes, myths, and customs. Priced at $89 per person, it provides an excellent value considering the full day’s itinerary, expert guiding, meals, and transportation.

Starting from Your Hotel or Selected Pickup Points

The tour begins with a convenient pick-up from 12 locations around Malia, Heraklion, and nearby areas. The transportation is modern and comfortable, with drivers who are both experienced and attentive. Its flexible pickup options mean you can meet the group easily, even if your hotel is in a less accessible spot.

First Stop: Aposelemis Dam and Sfentili Village

Driving past olive groves and traditional homes, you’ll reach the Aposelemis Dam. Here, a brief photo stop offers a chance to admire this impressive structure and the sunken village of Sfentili—an evocative reminder of the island’s changing landscape over the years. The guide highlights its history and significance, setting a tone of both wonder and appreciation.

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Visiting the Olive Oil Mill

Next, you’ll visit a traditional olive mill—a highlight for many. Here, you’ll see how Crete’s famous olive oil is produced using age-old methods. The guide explains the process, and you’ll get the chance to buy pure olive oil directly from the source—making this a practical souvenir and a taste of local craftsmanship. The reviews praise guides for their engaging explanations, making even the most mundane process interesting.

The Shepherd’s Farm and Cheese Tasting

A visit to a shepherd’s farm offers insights into Cretan cheese-making. You may see goats and sheep, and learn about traditional cheese production methods. Sampling some regional cheeses is included, and many travelers mention the delicious flavors and authentic atmosphere. It’s a chance to connect with the rustic side of Crete that’s often hidden behind tourist spots.

Zeus Cave: Myth and Limited Access

The highlight—or perhaps the most anticipated—stop is the Zeus Cave. According to mythology, Zeus was born here, making it a significant cultural site. The cave visit costs 6 euros per person, and although the cave is temporarily closed from late September 2024 to late 2025, the guide still shares stories and photos that evoke its legendary status.

Those who have visited in the past speak highly of the experience, with one reviewer noting, “The guide and driver Andreas was witty, humorous and well informed. He made our trip memorable.” The cave’s significance combined with the scenic surroundings makes this stop a memorable one, even if the interior is off-limits during certain periods.

Traditional Cretan Meal and Local Tastes

No trip to Crete is complete without sampling its cuisine. The tour includes lunch at a local tavern, offering authentic dishes that showcase regional flavors. Expect olive oil, fresh bread, cheeses, and perhaps some regional wine or raki. Travelers consistently rave about the quality of the meal, with one mentioning, “Lunch was fantastic with something for all, wine and Raki included!”

Scenic Drive at 1,150 Meters

After lunch, the journey continues along dirt roads at high altitude—up to 1150 meters—where the views become breathtaking. This is what many describe as the “best part” of the trip, with panoramic vistas of the Lasithi Plateau and surrounding mountains. Photographers will love this section, as the landscape offers rugged, untouched beauty that’s perfect for memorable photos.

Kastamonitsa Village and Roman Aqueduct

Descending from the heights, you’ll visit the traditional village of Kastamonitsa. Here, the remains of a Roman aqueduct tell stories of ancient ingenuity, and the guide provides context about its role in local history. The village exudes rustic charm, making it a worthwhile stop for culture and photo opportunities.

End of the Day: Scenic Route and Return

The tour wraps up with a scenic drive through beautiful landscapes, ending back at your hotel or designated drop-off points. Many reviews mention how the day felt full but not rushed, with ample time at each stop to soak in the atmosphere.

What the Reviews Say

This tour maintains a stellar 4.9 out of 5 rating from 88 reviews, with many praising the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and authentic experiences. Travelers love guides like George and Marios for their humor and insight, often describing the trip as “brilliant,” “eventful,” and “full of surprises.” The food and wine tastings receive frequent kudos for their quality and local flavor.

Some travelers note that weather can impact the experience—particularly the fog and rain on the plateau—but guides are flexible, adjusting the itinerary accordingly. As one review states, “Despite the weather not being great, the itinerary was adjusted to include additional time and points of interest.”

The only significant caveat is the temporary closure of Zeus Cave, which might disappoint those especially eager to explore the mythological site firsthand. Still, the tour compensates with scenic drives, cultural stops, and engaging storytelling.

Transportation, Duration, and Value

Traveling around in a comfortable vehicle with a small group (ensuring personalized attention), you’ll spend about 8.5 hours exploring. The price of $89 covers transportation, guide services, a substantial lunch, and entrance fees where applicable—making it a solid value for a full-day experience.

The tour’s duration and structure give you enough time at each stop to enjoy without feeling hurried. Plus, the small-group atmosphere fosters friendly conversations and makes for a more intimate experience.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided journey is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see Crete’s interior and connect with local culture. If you enjoy scenic drives, storytelling, and authentic cuisine, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guides with a sense of humor and deep knowledge—which many reviews attest to.

While it’s not ideal for those determined to visit Zeus Cave itself during its closure, the surrounding landscape and cultural experiences compensate. For travelers looking for a full-day immersion into Crete’s heartland, with memorable scenery and meaningful local encounters, this tour offers excellent value.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes free pickup and drop-off from multiple locations, and transportation is by a comfortable, experienced driver.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8.5 hours, with multiple stops along the way.

Do I need to pay for anything extra?
Entrance to Zeus Cave costs 6 euros (for EU citizens) if visiting inside. Lunch and visits to other sites like the olive mill and cheese farm are included in the price.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are guides available in?
Tours are conducted in Dutch, English, German, and French.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially for those interested in nature, mythology, and local culture.

What about the weather?
Weather can be unpredictable at high altitudes, especially on the plateau. Guides are flexible and will adapt the itinerary if necessary.

This tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Crete’s inland beauty, culture, and mythology. For those wanting a meaningful day outside the beach resorts, it’s a compelling choice—combining scenic vistas, local flavors, and fascinating stories, all bundled into a manageable and enjoyable package.

You can check availability for your dates here: