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Situated in the Lassithi Prefecture, just 3 km from the village of Milatos, the Cave of Milatos holds a poignant place in local history, despite its scarcity of stalactites and stalagmites. This site is notably remembered for the tragic loss of approximately 3,600 individuals who were massacred by Ottoman forces in February 1823, amid the fervor of the Greek Revolution.
This period marked a significant uprising against Ottoman domination, with Crete joining the Greeks in their quest for liberation. The Ottoman response was harsh, aimed at quelling the insurrection through widespread violence and destruction.
In a desperate bid for safety, the inhabitants of Milatos sought refuge within the cave, with men guarding the entrance while surrounded by Ottoman forces, effectively trapping them. After enduring two weeks of starvation and dehydration from February 3rd to the 15th, the besieged Greeks made a valiant attempt to break free and confront their adversaries, leading to a tragic outcome where many were slain, including 18 priests who were burned alive. The few who survived were sold into slavery in Egypt.
In memory of this somber event, a small chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas was erected inside the cave in 1935, alongside a memorial containing the remains of those who perished. An annual memorial service is held in the cave to honor their memory.
The cave itself is expansive, covering 2,100 sq.m., with dimensions of 73 meters in length and 63 meters in width, featuring eight entrances and varying heights between one and three meters. Archaeological evidence within the cave suggests it was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic era. Visitors can reach the cave by parking in the valley below and following a narrow, 200-meter-long path that winds through a gorge.
Get directions to Milatos Cave
Find below the list of hotels near Milatos Cave:
Situated in Milatos, just 1.4 km from Plaka Beach, Villa Douloumi features beachfront accommodation with a private beach area, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden and free WiFi. This villa offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The villa has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, snorkelling and cycling are possible in the surroundings and Villa Douloumi can arrange a car rental service.
Volia Beach is 1.5 km from the accommodation, while Milatos Port Beach is 1.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 42 km from Villa Douloumi, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Villa Iliothea is situated in Milatos. This property offers access to a balcony, darts, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa has 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The reception at the villa can provide tips on the area.
Villa Iliothea offers a children’s playground. A car rental service is available at the accommodation, while fishing and hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
Plaka Beach is 2.3 km from Villa Iliothea, while Volia Beach is 2.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 43 km from the villa, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€323
/night
Located only 1.1 km from Volia Beach in Milatos, Beautiful Villa near Sea in Epano Sisi provides accommodation equipped with a terrace, garden and outdoor pool. The accommodation is less than 1 km from the Plaka Beach and features free WiFithroughout the property.
The air-conditioned villa consists of 4 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers a barbecue.
Milatos Port Beach is 1.2 km from Beautiful Villa near Sea in Epano Sisi, while Lake Voulismeni is 25 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 42 km from the accommodation.
from
€52
/night
Set in Milatos, 40 km from Heraklio Town, Vasia Villas boasts a seasonal outdoor pool and barbecue. The accommodation features a hot tub. Hersonissos is 17 km away. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.
All units have a satellite flat-screen TV. Some units include a dining area and/or balcony. There is also a kitchen, equipped with a dishwasher, oven and microwave. A toaster and refrigerator are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. Each unit features 2 private bathrooms with a bath and a hair dryer, and 1 WC. Towels and bed linen are provided.
Ágios Nikólaos is 19 km from Vasia Villas, while Mália is 11 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 37 km from the property.
from
€329
/night
Milatos Seaside Suites has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Milatos, a few steps from Balos Beach.
The aparthotel provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Milatos Seaside Suites offers a picnic area.
Volia Beach is 200 metres from the accommodation, while Aspes Beach is 200 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from Milatos Seaside Suites.
Set 200 metres from Plaka Beach, 300 metres from Balos Beach and 27 km from Lake Voulismeni, Akali Apt Next to the Beach offers accommodation situated in Milatos. The accommodation is 50 metres from the Volia Beach and has free WiFithroughout the property.
This air-conditioned apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen.
Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos is 35 km from the apartment, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 50 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 43 km from Akali Apt Next to the Beach.
from
€131
/night
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