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Milatos cave in eastern Crete |
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Milatos cave is one of Crete's most interesting caves and it has
a very great historical value. The cave is located approximately 50 kilometres
east of Heraklion,
7 milometers east of Sissi and 32 kilometres north-west of Agios
Nikolaos.
Milatos cave in Crete.
The entrance to Milatos cave.
Milatos cave, which is well signposted, has a very tragic past. In 1823 during the Turkish occupation around 2,700 people hid in and around the cave. The Turkish army was after them. Cretan freedom fighters did everything in their power to beat back the Turks. But they were too few and surrendered after almost two weeks of frustrating fighting.
The small chapel in Milatos cave. |
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You can't imagine how claustrophobic it felt hiding in
the cave.
The Turks retaliated and massacred many of the freedom fighters in the cave. Surviving women and children were sold as slaves to Egypt. With that story in the back of your mind, it's not without feeling bad when you visit the cave. It is a liberation to get out of there and instead rest your eyes on the beautiful view. Bring a flash light, there is no light in the cave.
The small coastal village of Milatos, located south of Milatos cave.
Just south of the cave is Milatos beach, a small village by the sea with many seaside taverns. In the village there is a beach that is not one of Crete's best. However, it will do if you want to wash off the cave dust. |
WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU VISIT MILATOS CAVE |
