Oropedio insights 🌾

Diktaean Cave

“The majestic Dictaean Cave, or Psychro Cave, with ancient artefacts found there, and a stunning view of the Plateau. Inside you will find marvellous geological features of Crete and there’s no doubt why this cave was labeled the place of birth of Zeus even from Antiquity! ”

Kronio Caves

“Another cave of the municipality, this time in the northern end of the Plateau, providing a stunning view and understanding of the region”

Spathi

“If you are fan of hiking, you should definitely check visiting Dikti Mountains’ highest peaks, eg Spathi! It provides an amazing view from the Libyan Sea up to Santorini ”

Lasithi Plateau Windmills

“Another great experience is visiting the Kampos, as the locals call it, the plain inside the Plateau. There you can see the remaining windmills or even go safari, which is somewhat a tourism scam, but if you are into this, check the available prices and vehicles from Heraklion, Hersonisos or Malia and decide if it’s for you! Kampos is cold at night even in the summer due to high humidity and you should pay attention to the abandoned wells, so you don’t fall inside! If Kampos is not your thing, you can just visit Seli Ampelou, at the north-western entrance of the Plateau (road from/to Heraklion), where you can see the old windmills used for providing the villages with flour, and not water, which was what the plain « Kampos » iron windmills did. ”

Psychro

“Apart from the Cave, Psychro is famous for its «Dictaean» festival (Ta Diktaia), every August, with cultural, educational and music events. Another highlight of the village is the popular Zeus Run, or Diktaioi Agones, the last Sunday of each August, which offer a unique opportunity to run in this mountainous terrain, with categories from children to semi-marathon 24km. The events are organised by the cultural association Xenios Zeus (Ξένιος Ζεύς) and more information can be found there. ”

Agios Georgios

“A traditional settlement, the second largest village in the Plateau, with significant cultural output. Visit also the ethnographic and Eleftherios Venizelos museum to learn about the local and Cretan culture and history. ”

Tzermiado

“The capital of the municipality, the most active village of all with a lot of options for eating and tasting local cuisine. Don’t miss the Potato Festival (Yorti Patatas) every August, organised by the local cultural association, which hosts famous Greek singers and local performers and you can east unlimited local potatoes cooked in a variety of ways. ”