MALIA: Land rover Safari Lasithi Plateau and Zeus Cave

Discover Crete’s Hidden Corners with the Land Rover Safari Tour

For those eager to explore Crete beyond its beaches, the MALIA: Land Rover Safari Lasithi Plateau and Zeus Cave offers an exciting way to see some of the island’s most intriguing sights. Priced at $89 per person, this 7.5-hour guided adventure takes you into the heart of Crete’s rugged landscape, combining myth, nature, and local culture. The tour departs from Malia and includes transportation in a Land Rover Defender or Nissan Pathfinder, making it suitable for small groups seeking a memorable day out.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy off-road excursions, scenic mountain views, and discovering traditional villages. While the trip offers stunning landscapes and cultural stops, it’s important to note that it’s not designed for those with mobility or heart problems. The experience is filled with stories about Greek mythology, local traditions, and the natural beauty of central Crete.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: $89 per person for a 7.5-hour guided safari.
• Inclusions: Pick-up/drop-off, experienced guides, traditional Cretan meal, local wine and water.
• Main Highlights: Lasithi Plateau trails, Zeus Cave (ticket €6), traditional villages, and panoramic mountain views.
• Physical Level: Moderate off-road driving, not suitable for those with mobility issues.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about Cretan mythology, local cheese and olive oil production, and Roman aqueduct remains.

Explore the Wild Paths of Crete’s Mountainous Landscape

This tour takes you far from the crowded tourist spots, guiding you through unknown mountains and lush trails of the Lasithi Plateau. Reaching up to 1150 meters in altitude, the route showcases Crete’s natural beauty with sweeping vistas, verdant olive groves, and rugged terrain. The guides share stories about the region’s geography and history, making each stop both scenic and educational.

The route includes a drive through beautiful dirt roads that wind through the mountains, providing breathtaking photo opportunities. The terrain and views are the main attractions, offering a genuine escape into the island’s less accessible parts. Traveling in a Land Rover Defender or Nissan Pathfinder ensures comfort and capability on these off-road paths.

Visiting the Sunken Village and the Aposelemi Dam

The journey begins with a visit to the Aposelemi Dam, where travelers can view the sunken village of Sfentili. This spot provides a glimpse into Crete’s hydrological history and the contrast between natural landscapes and historical remnants. The stop is brief but offers excellent photo opportunities and insights into the area’s unique environment.

Next, the tour visits a traditional olive mill, where visitors learn how Cretan olive oil is produced. This stop combines educational elements with the chance to purchase pure olive oil and other local products. The tour emphasizes the importance of olive cultivation in Crete’s economy and culinary culture.

Learning How Crete’s Famous Cheese Is Made at a Shepherd’s Farm

Another highlight is a stop at a shepherd’s farm, where the process of traditional Cretan cheese production is explained. Visitors can observe local cheese-making techniques that have been passed down through generations. This experience provides a hands-on understanding of rural life and Cretan gastronomy, adding a flavorful touch to the day.

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Visiting Zeus Cave: Mythology and Cave Exploration

A key feature is the Zeus Cave, where mythology states that the father of the Greek gods was born. Entrance to the cave costs €6 for those interested in exploring inside. While the cave is a major draw, it’s important to note that the Zeus Cave will be closed from 30/9/2024 to 10/11/2025, so check availability before booking.

The visit to Zeus Cave adds a mythological dimension to the day, connecting visitors with ancient Greek stories while experiencing a natural limestone formation. The guides provide details about the myth and the geological features, making this stop both fun and informative.

Enjoying a Traditional Cretan Meal in a Local Tavern

After exploring the natural and historical sites, the tour includes a genuine Cretan meal at a well-regarded local tavern. The meal features traditional cuisine, complemented by local wine and water, offering a taste of authentic island flavors. This relaxed sit-down break allows for socializing and resting before heading into the mountainous regions.

Scenic Drive at Altitude and Panoramic Mountain Views

The most striking part of the tour is a dirt route at 1150 meters altitude. Here, travelers are treated to spectacular mountain landscapes, with expansive views that make for excellent photos. The guides emphasize the natural beauty of the area, and visitors appreciate the opportunity to capture memorable images from this high vantage point.

This route is designed to leave lasting impressions of Crete’s rugged terrain and untouched scenery, making it one of the most visually impressive segments of the day.

Visiting Kastamonitsa and the Roman Aqueduct Remnants

Descending from the mountains, the tour stops in Kastamonitsa, a traditional village where visitors can explore the remains of a Roman aqueduct. The aqueduct showcases the engineering skills of ancient Crete and its importance for local agriculture and daily life. This stop offers a peaceful taste of rural Cretan life and history.

The village visit is short but provides a well-rounded cultural experience, highlighting the historical layers that shape the island.

Concluding the Day with a Memorable Scenic Route

The tour concludes with a beautiful drive along scenic routes, offering more mountain views and countryside scenery. The experience ends at your hotel, filled with personal memories of Crete’s diverse landscapes and local stories. The trip’s pacing ensures enough time at each stop without feeling rushed, allowing you to truly enjoy the environment.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring convenience for travelers staying in Malia or nearby areas. The transportation is provided in Land Rover Defender or Nissan Pathfinder vehicles, with fuel included. Guides are experienced and speak multiple languages, including Dutch, English, French, and German.

The tour’s price covers traditional Cretan cuisine with local wine and water, but note that tickets for Zeus Cave cost €6 (for visitors who want to go inside). The activity is not suitable for people with mobility or heart problems and is best suited for those comfortable with moderate off-road driving.

Reservation is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later, and full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts on the Lasithi Plateau and Zeus Cave Safari

This adventure offers a compelling mix of nature, mythology, and local culture. The scenic mountain views, traditional stops, and informative guides make it worthwhile for those interested in discovering Crete’s less-traveled paths. While the trip involves some off-road driving and uphill walking, it provides an authentic sense of the island’s rugged beauty.

Travelers who enjoy exploring rural villages, learning about local products, and photo opportunities at high altitudes will find this tour particularly rewarding. The €6 Zeus Cave entrance fee is a small price for the chance to connect with Greek myth and geology, but note the cave closure from late 2024 to late 2025. Overall, it’s a well-balanced day that enriches any Crete itinerary with adventure and cultural insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Zeus Cave open for visits?
The Zeus Cave will be closed from 30/9/2024 to 10/11/2025, so check availability before booking to ensure it’s accessible during your planned trip.

What is included in the tour price?
The $89 fee includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation in a Land Rover Defender or Nissan Pathfinder, experienced guides, and a traditional Cretan meal with local wine and water.

Are there any physical restrictions for this tour?
Yes, the activity is not suitable for people with mobility or heart problems, and it involves some moderate off-road driving and walking at altitude.

How much does the Zeus Cave entrance cost?
Entrance to Zeus Cave costs €6 for visitors who wish to go inside.

What languages are available for the tour guides?
Guides speak Dutch, English, French, and German, ensuring clear communication for diverse groups.

How do I book the tour?
You can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby