Milatos Cave
A historic cave with a poignant past, featuring a small chapel and offering scenic drives and nearby dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Milatos Cave
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cave with a poignant past, featuring a small chapel and offering scenic drives and nearby dining.
"Beautiful cave with a tragic history, offering a peaceful moment and stunning views."
🔦 Bring a flashlight
The cave can be dark; use your phone's flashlight for better visibility inside.
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The path to the cave is rocky, so avoid flip-flops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Cave
Inside the cave
Explore the cavernous space, a poignant reminder of past events, with a small chapel nestled within.
Scenic Drive
Road leading to Milatos Cave
Enjoy breathtaking sea views on the drive up to the cave, a beautiful prelude to your visit.
On-site Restaurant
Adjacent to the cave entrance
Dine with incredible views after your exploration, a perfect spot for lunch or a break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Milatos Cave
Historical Significance & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a flashlight
The cave can be dark; use your phone's flashlight for better visibility inside.
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The path to the cave is rocky, so avoid flip-flops.
☀️ Prepare for sun
There's no shade on the walk to the cave, so wear sun protection.
🚗 Easy parking available
Parking is readily available just past the restaurant.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a flashlight
The cave can be dark; use your phone's flashlight for better visibility inside.
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The path to the cave is rocky, so avoid flip-flops.
☀️ Prepare for sun
There's no shade on the walk to the cave, so wear sun protection.
🚗 Easy parking available
Parking is readily available just past the restaurant.
🧘♀️ Seek peaceful moments
If you're lucky, you can enjoy a quiet, peaceful experience inside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Milatos Cave to be a beautiful and historically significant site, with a scenic drive and easy access from the nearby restaurant. While the cave itself is free to enter and offers a peaceful atmosphere, some note the need for sturdy shoes and a flashlight due to the rocky terrain and darkness inside. The historical context of the cave is a major draw for many.
"The road up to the cave has a lot of nice views. Parking is easy just passed the restaurant. You have to walk through the restaurant to get access to the trail towards the cave. It's a easy walk for about 5-10 minutes. The cave its self is nice and if you take a moment (if there's no one else) you can enjoy a peaceful moment.."
Peter Paul van Doorn
"Beautiful cave up in the hills above Milatos. Easy little walk from the restaurant, with ample parking. The cave, all be it very beautiful has had quite a history. There is a church built into it where, so I told, every easter a service is held to commorate 3600 lives that were lost while they were hiding in there to seek refuse from invaders. Free to visit."
Ian D
"A nice cave with a small church at the back of it. It was a bit dark getting through the cave but just used our torches on our phones. It's free to visit"
Steven Adams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cave is accessible by car, with a scenic drive offering beautiful sea views. Parking is available near the restaurant adjacent to the cave entrance.
The drive is generally considered beautiful and straightforward, with easy access to parking.
It's an easy, short walk of about 5-10 minutes from the restaurant to the cave. However, the terrain is rocky, so sturdy footwear is recommended. +1
Information on direct public transport is limited, but local tours often include Milatos Cave as a stop.
Yes, Milatos Cave can be visited during winter months, offering a different, perhaps quieter, experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Milatos Cave, making it a free attraction.
Milatos Cave is generally accessible throughout the day, as it is a natural site. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
While you can visit independently, guided tours are available and can provide historical context and a more structured experience.
Due to the rocky terrain and potentially dark, enclosed spaces, it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
The cave is historically significant as the site of a tragic massacre during the 1823 Cretan Revolution, where many hid from invaders.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a natural cave formation with a small chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas, commemorating the victims of the 1823 massacre.
There is no artificial lighting inside the cave, so it's recommended to use your phone's flashlight or a portable torch.
The accessible parts of the cave are explorable, but some areas might be difficult to navigate due to the rocky and uneven surfaces.
The cave offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical solemnity. It can be peaceful, especially if visited when not crowded.
Basic facilities like parking are available. The adjacent restaurant offers dining options. There are no specific facilities within the cave itself.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic sea views on the drive up, the cave entrance, and the interior with its chapel. The natural light filtering in can create interesting shots. +1
It can be challenging due to low light conditions. Using a flashlight to illuminate subjects and a steady hand or tripod will help.
Landscape photography of the surrounding coast and interior shots focusing on the cave's natural formations and the chapel are popular.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light on the drive and surrounding landscape, while morning light can be softer inside the cave.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the children's comfort with enclosed spaces, as some parts of the cave can feel a bit tight. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Adventure Seekers
🏛️ History Buffs
Learning about the massacre and the subsequent building of the chapel within the cave provides a profound historical context. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Milatos Cave
Today, the cave stands as a solemn memorial. Visitors can explore the cavernous space and reflect on the events that transpired. The presence of the chapel, dedicated to Saint Thomas, adds a layer of poignant remembrance to the natural beauty of the cave. It's a place that offers a powerful connection to Crete's past, reminding visitors of the resilience and struggles of its people.
Exploring the Cave: What to Expect
Inside the cave, it can be quite dark. While there's no artificial lighting, using your phone's flashlight or a small portable torch will illuminate the way.
The Culinary Experience Nearby
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the cave, the region offers opportunities for culinary exploration. Some tours include stops at family-run olive oil factories for tastings of oil, olives, and local spirits, followed by a group lunch at a restaurant.
This provides a broader taste of Cretan hospitality and local produce, rounding off a day of exploration with delicious flavors. 
Social
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