Crete: Explore Lassithi Plateau, Myths & Cretan Cuisine

Crete: Explore Lassithi Plateau, Myths & Cretan Cuisine

If you’re heading to Crete and craving an adventure that combines natural beauty, fascinating history, and delicious local flavors, this Jeep safari tour might just be your ideal day out. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, detailed reviews and the itinerary highlight how it offers an immersive experience into Crete’s wild side, rich culture, and legendary stories.

What makes this tour special? First, the chance to see a sunken village beneath Aposelemis Dam—a haunting sight that photographers love. Second, the visit to Dikteon Cave, the legendary birthplace of Zeus, which brings myth to life. And third, the inclusion of a traditional Cretan lunch paired with local wine, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

A potential consideration is the off-road nature of the journey, which might not suit travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer smooth roads. This adventure suits those who love authentic, active experiences that reveal Crete’s true heart, especially if you enjoy scenic drives, storytelling, and local cuisine.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic off-road adventure through Crete’s mountainous interior
• Historic and mythological sites like Zeus’s birthplace and old villages
• Stunning landscapes including windmills, gorges, and panoramic plateau views
• Knowledgeable guides offering rich insights into Crete’s culture and stories
• A mix of nature, history, and food making for a diverse day out
• Ideal for active travelers who want a full-day, immersive experience

Exploring Crete on a Jeep Safari: What You Can Expect

This tour offers a comprehensive look at Crete’s hidden corners, combining off-road excitement with cultural education. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll hop into a comfortable 7-seater Jeep Commander, suited for small groups or private experiences. The vehicle’s off-road capabilities allow you to access areas that are otherwise difficult to reach, ensuring a sense of adventure from the start.

The Sunken Village of Sfendili

Your journey begins at Sfendili, a village partially submerged beneath the Aposelemis Dam. The sight of a village “underwater” is both eerie and captivating—perfect for photos and awe. Reviewers note that this stop offers a “dramatic scene” and a chance to witness a rare landscape that looks straight out of a movie. It’s a reminder of how human engineering can dramatically alter the land, creating surreal vistas.

Wild Gorge and Monastery Stop

Next, you’ll follow an off-road trail alongside the Embasa Gorge, where you can enjoy scenic views and perhaps spot some wild goats clambering on rocky cliffs. The Kardiotissa Monastery provides a brief but scenic stop against mountain backdrops, ideal for photos and soaking up some local spirituality or history.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Krasi Village and Ancient Trees

In Krasi Village, you’ll be enchanted by a 2,000-year-old plane tree—a living piece of history—and a traditional stone spring. As one reviewer mentions, “wandering through this spot where history and nature intertwine is a highlight,” especially for those who love discovering authentic local villages away from tourist crowds.

Mountain Villages and Wildlife Spotting

Traveling through Gonie, Aski, and Kastamonitsa, you’ll get a taste of traditional mountain life, with stone houses and narrow lanes. Ascending to around 1,100 meters altitude, the off-road drive offers chances to see Cretan goats, vultures, and eagles—a real treat for nature lovers. Expect to pause at a mountain-top stop to enjoy fresh seasonal fruits and local drinks while taking in sweeping views of Crete’s rugged terrain.

The Myths of the Lasithi Plateau and Zeus’s Cave

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to Dikteon Cave, famously known as the birthplace of Zeus in Greek mythology. The cave’s interior is a cool, dark labyrinth, and the story alone makes it a memorable stop. Reviewers appreciated the “scenic views on the way” and the time spent exploring the mythological site, which lasts about 1.5 hours.

Scenic Loop and Windmills

After the cave, you’ll circle around the Lasithi Plateau, dotted with traditional windmills and vibrant with history. There’s a photo stop here, giving you a chance to snap images of the landscape that has inspired stories for centuries.

Traditional Cretan Meal and Local Wines

The tour concludes with a lunch at a family-run mountain taverna, where you’ll enjoy authentic dishes paired with local wine and water. Reviewers mention that the food is excellent, and the knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories behind each dish.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins with pickup from one of four convenient locations: Heraklion, Malia, Analipsi, or Sisi. The early start allows for a full-day immersion, with each stop carefully timed to balance sightseeing, adventure, and nourishment.

Your first real stop is at Aposelemis Dam, where a 15-minute photo walk highlights the massive structure and the landscape it created. Next, you’ll pass through Gonies and Avdou, giving you a glimpse of traditional villages and rural life.

The Gorge of Embasa-Virgin Mary takes about 20 minutes, where the off-road trail reveals the rugged beauty of Crete’s gorges. Continue into Krasi, a village famous for its ancient plane tree, for a brief walk and photos.

As you ascend into Lasithi Plateau, a 40-minute scenic drive offers spectacular views and photo opportunities. The highlight here is a visit to Dikteon Cave, involving a 1.5-hour walk through its dark corridors—an experience that fans of mythology and natural caves will love.

After the cave, you’ll enjoy a one-hour traditional lunch with local wines, and later, a quick stop at the windmills of Psichro. The final short stops include Mochos, a charming village perfect for capturing last-minute photos, before heading back to your hotel.

Real Traveler Insights and Practical Tips

Based on reviews, guests loved the expertise of the guides—who offered plenty of Greek lore and local tips. The small group size makes for a more intimate and personalized experience, allowing plenty of time for questions and photos.

One traveler mentioned, “The guides knew so much about Crete’s history and mythology,” which enhanced the mythological stops like Zeus’s Cave. Another appreciated the excellent selection of local wines, emphasizing how well the wine paired with the traditional meal.

The cost of $96 per person is quite reasonable considering the length of the tour, the inclusion of lunch, drinks, and hotel transfers. The vehicle’s off-road capabilities also mean you can reach areas inaccessible by regular tours, making this experience stand out.

The duration of 8 hours is enough to cover a lot without feeling rushed, and the hotel pickup adds convenience that many travelers appreciate. However, it’s worth noting that entrance fees to Zeus’s Cave are extra, so budget for that if you wish to explore inside.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventure seekers, history buffs, and lovers of Greek mythology. If you’re comfortable with off-road driving and enjoy scenic hikes or walks in historic sites, you’ll find it highly rewarding.

It’s also a fantastic choice for foodies eager to enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine in a relaxed setting, paired with local wines. The tour’s storytelling component adds a rich layer of understanding to Crete’s legends and landscapes.

Travelers who appreciate small group experiences will value the personalized touch provided by knowledgeable guides, making the day both educational and fun.

The Sum Up

This Jeep safari offers a well-rounded day immersed in Crete’s natural beauty, ancient stories, and hearty cuisine. It combines adventure with cultural insight, making it a compelling option for those wanting to see the island’s authentic side.

The experience’s strength lies in its expert guides, stunning landscapes, and the unique opportunity to stand beneath a 2,400-year-old plane tree or inside Zeus’s legendary cave. The included lunch and local wine add to the feeling of genuine hospitality that Crete is famous for.

While it’s a physically active day, it’s ideal for travelers who want to cover diverse sights without the hassle of planning—all in a comfortable, small-group setting. If you seek a memorable, myth-filled adventure that showcases Crete’s scenic and cultural richness, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with pickup and drop-off included from your hotel.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered from Heraklion, Malia, Analipsi, or Sisi. Be ready in your hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled time.

What kind of vehicle is used?
A 7-seater Jeep Commander designed for off-road terrain, ensuring access to the more rugged and remote sites of Crete.

Are meals and drinks included?
Yes, a traditional Cretan lunch with local wine and water is part of the experience, along with seasonal fruits or snacks and unlimited raki.

How much does the Zeus Cave entrance cost?
Entrance fees are not included. General tickets for EU citizens are €6, with discounts for students and over 65s. Non-EU citizens pay similar prices.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with walking and off-road driving. Those with mobility concerns should consider the nature of the terrain and walking involved.

This tour invites you to uncover Crete’s mythological past, relish its wild landscapes, and enjoy authentic local flavors—making for a truly memorable island experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: