Crete: Lassithi Plateau, Zeus Cave & Kera Monastery Tour

Overview

Your day begins at the historic Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, a peaceful nunnery surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and known for its miraculous icon and 14th‑century frescoes. You then continue into the Lassithi Plateau, an inhabited highland framed by the Dikti Mountains, dotted with traditional villages, old windmills, and fertile fields shaped by Venetian engineering. The tour includes the legendary Cave of Zeus near Psychro, mythological birthplace of Zeus, where impressive stalactites and stalagmites create a mystical atmosphere. In Psychro, you also visit a local pottery workshop to see traditional ceramics. Your final stop is Tzermiado, the plateau’s oldest village, where you can enjoy free time and optional lunch with fresh local produce. On the return, you visit a traditional olive oil factory to learn about production and taste high‑quality Cretan olive oil.

Itinerary

1. Kera Kardiotissa Monastery

   Panagia Kera, which played a major role and suffered significant damage during the Cretan Revolt

   45 minutes · Admission not included
2. Lassithi Plateau

   Pottery workshop, where you can watch the skilful craftsmen make beautiful ceramic pots.

   30 minutes · Admission included
3. Windmills Of Lasithi Plateau

   The whole Plateau was once covered with 10.000 windmills and it's considered as the biggest windmill park of the world. Today there are only a few left.

   Pass by

4. According to ancient mythology, this is the birthplace of Zeus, the father of the gods, hidden here by his mother Rhea to protect him from Kronos. A short uphill path leads to the entrance, where the temperature drops and the atmosphere becomes almost otherworldly. Inside, dramatic stalactites and stalagmites form natural sculptures shaped over thousands of years, creating a mystical setting that blends geology with myth. The cave’s depth, echoing chambers, and cool air offer a striking contrast to the bright plateau outside, making this visit a memorable highlight of the Lassithi region.

   1 hour 30 minutes · Admission included
5. Psychro

   Traditional Pottery Workshop
   The village of Psychro is known for its long tradition of handmade ceramics, a craft passed down through generations. During your visit, you step inside a local pottery workshop where artisans shape clay using time‑honored techniques. You watch the process from raw clay to finished piece, learning how everyday objects and decorative items are formed, fired, and painted. This stop offers an authentic glimpse into the craftsmanship that has defined the Lassithi Plateau for centuries and adds a cultural dimension to your journey.

   20 minutes
6. Tzermiado

   Tzermiado, the main village of the Lassithi Plateau, known for its traditional stone houses and beautiful mountain views. Here you will have free time to relax, stroll through the quiet streets, and enjoy lunch at a family‑run tavern. The dishes are prepared with fresh, locally grown ingredients—Lassithi is famous for its vegetables and authentic Cretan flavors—offering a genuine taste of village life.

   1 hour 15 minutes
7. Malia

   Olive Oil Factory Visit
   The final part of your day includes a visit to a traditional olive oil factory at the foothills of the Lassithi area. Here you discover how extra virgin olive oil is produced—from the harvesting of local olives to the cold‑pressing methods that preserve their rich flavor and nutritional value. You follow each step of the process and learn what defines true Cretan quality. The visit concludes with a tasting of extra virgin olive oil and other local products, offering a delicious glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage.

   30 minutes

Meeting and pickup

The pickup time is at 08.50 a.m. for hotels Chrissi Ammoudia, Cretan Garden, Villa Malievi, Mylos Appartments

Good to know

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.