Neraidospilios cave - Astrakiano Gorge

In the "gorge of Astrakia", north of the bridge of Astraki, is the cave Neraidospilios.

According to archaeologist Paul Foret, it was the sanctuary of Athena Tertiary. This adjective is related to the ancient Greek name of the river Karteros, meaning "Triton", who was born in the sanctuary of the goddess.

In the cave is one of the springs of the aqueduct of Astrakia, which supplied part of the water that was necessary for the city of Heraklion at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Astrakian gorge is one of the largest in the area, with a total length of about 12.5 km. The river Karteros flows in its bed. In this place there is an old aqueduct, in use until today, that supplies water to Heraklion. In the Astrakian gorge before the war, there were 10 watermills.

It is located very close to Heraklion, about 20 km.

The duration of the route? can not be calculated,… first of all because you forget! Maybe 3-4, maybe 7-8 hours depending on the stops. You hear nothing but birds and running water.

Here is Nearaidospilios, next to the desert village of Kato Astrakon, shortly after Myrtia, the place of origin of Nikos Kazantzakis.

Legend has it that this cave, located deep in the gorge with its many springs, clear running waters and lush vegetation, was chosen by the fairies (fairies, ancient Greek mythology of the Nereids) as their home!

One night, a young lyricist heard their song, and his curiosity led him to the cave.

There he saw fairies dancing and singing, bathing in the light and dressing in transparent veils! Fascinated by the sweet melody in the air and their dance, he chose his lyre and accompanied their dance.

The next and the following night, led by some invisible force, he found himself again in the cave and with his lyre, he played non-stop for the Dancing Fairies. Slowly, his gaze stopped on one of them and he could not get enough of looking at it! He was in love with her! When she realized this, she went to an old woman and asked for her help.

The old woman, after listening to him carefully, told him that when the time came for the roosters to crow (so the Fairies are lost), to grab the one he loved by the hair and not to leave it in any way. The night came and the young man took his lyre and went to the cave, where he began to play as sweetly as he could, for dance purposes. In a little while, the Fairies appeared and were caught dancing. Shortly before the roosters crowed, the young man left his lyre and we did as the old woman had advised him. The Fairy resisted with rage, became fierce, raised her voices, but nothing! The young man was holding her tight! She then began to transform sometimes into a dog, sometimes into a fire, sometimes into a snake, sometimes into a camel, but the lyre player held her tightly by the hair and would not let her go.

Suddenly, the roosters crowed and the other Fairies disappeared. Then the one that the young man was holding became beautiful again, as it was before and followed him to his house. She lived with him for a year, gave birth to a son, but never heard her words! Γε So he went to the old woman again and asked her for advice. She urged him to heat the oven well and then take the child from his wife's hands, pretends to throw it in the oven and say: “Are you not talking to me? Then I throw your child in the oven too ". She faithfully followed her advice, but the moment she pretended to throw the child in the fire, the Fairy fell on him, shouting: "Not my child!". She snatched it from his hands and they became useless, mother and child together.

Desperate he looked for them with voices, pleas and cries, but in vain. The Fairy - mother and child, never appeared again. She told her sisters, but they did not accept her. They did not forgive her for leaving a man and touching and infecting her. That's why he had to go a little further to a fountain called Loutra. There they see her two or three times a year holding the child in her arms and crying. "Her tears fall on the water and blur it, which is why the waters of the Fairy Cave appear cloudy sometimes - when".

The walk-in Neraidospilio can be combined with a visit to the Kazantzakis Museum in Myrtia.

You can take a walk in the abandoned village of Kato Astrakon. Among the houses left in time, you will admire the churches of Archangel Michael, Agios Georgios (demolished) and Panagia with interesting frescoes.

How to get to Neraidospilios

Neraidospilios, also known as the Cave of the Fairies, is a popular attraction located near the village of Zoniana in Rethymno Prefecture, Crete. Here's how to get there:

By Car:

The most convenient way to reach Neraidospilios is by car. From Rethymno town, take the National Road (Ethniki Odos) towards Heraklion. After approximately 20 kilometres, take the exit for the village of Zoniana. Follow the signs for Zoniana and then for Neraidospilios. The cave is located a short distance from the village centre.

By Bus:

 While there are no direct buses to Neraidospilios, you can take a bus from Rethymno to the village of Zoniana. Buses are operated by KTEL Rethymno and depart regularly from the central bus station in Rethymno. Once you arrive in Zoniana, you can either walk or take a taxi to the cave entrance.

Guided Tours: 

Another option is to join a guided tour to Neraidospilios. Many tour companies in Rethymno offer excursions to the cave, often combined with visits to other nearby attractions such as the Ideon Cave or the Arkadi Monastery. This option provides transportation and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, be sure to check the accessibility of Neraidospilios, as they may vary depending on the season. Additionally, wear appropriate footwear and clothing for exploring the cave, as the terrain inside can be uneven and slippery. With its stunning stalactites and underground chambers, Neraidospilios promises a memorable adventure in the heart of Crete's natural beauty.