Full Day Visit with family the Highland Pastures of Psiloritis

Anogia

Anogeia Rethymno is located at an altitude of 730 meters, on the ridge of the Armi hill, Psiloritis and has a population of 2,322 inhabitants, according to the 2011 Census. They are 54 km from Rethymno.
Their name is due to the location where they are built, i.e. on the upper ground. They are also known as Axikanogeia, or Great Anogeia. The town of Anogeia consists of the districts of Armi, Mesochorio or Mesochoria, Perahori, Metohi and Synoikismos.
Anogeia is part of the special geographical unit of the former Mylopotamos District, where they belonged, which was Epano Mylopotamos together with the villages of Zoniana, Livadia, Kalyvos, Krana, Veni, Katergiana, Chochlidio, Axos and Livada.

Zoniana

Zoniana is a village and seat of the homonymous community of the Municipality of Mylopotamos in the Regional Unit of Rethymno in Crete. The village is 43 kilometers W.-SW. from Heraklion and 52 km E.-SE. from Rethymnon. They are located in Psiloritis (Mount Idi) at an altitude of 630 meters. During the 2011 census, the village had 1,117 inhabitants, who are mainly engaged in animal husbandry and agriculture.
At the entrance of the village is the Sfentoni cave or "the Hole of Sfentonis" with rich stalactite and stalagmite decoration.

1 hour

The Sfendoni Cave (or Sfentoni) is located in the village of Zoniana in the Prefecture of Rethymno and is 43 km. from Heraklion and 52 km. from Rethymnon.
It occupies an area of ​​approximately 3,000 sq.m. In the 270 meters of its route there are massive columns that create labyrinthine apartments. Innumerable stalactites and stalagmites, diverse and colorful, decorate its rooms while in many places there are stone water basins and cave pearls.
The special tour path allows a safe visit to the cave even for disabled people. The cave is part of the Psiloritis Natural Park which in turn belongs to the European network of Geoparks, a network of protected areas with special geological heritage under the auspices of UNESCO.

The Shepherds Shelter

6 hours

Experience the convenience of the stone-built shepherd shelters (mitata), made to house the local families and their rural activities. Distinct Cretan traditions and lifestyle, cheesemaking, raki distillation, local recipes, as well as wild life and lots of walking paths constitute a unique experience for every visitor.
Pastoral life
The shepherds’ way of life – close to the earth – is one that we can learn from. Where the best of the old combines with the best of the new: The flocks are still being cared for on the highland pastures and the cheese is being made in the traditional way. It’s worth preserving (even if not without change).