Trekking, mystery, and suspense in the Cretan Mountains.

We walk through the biggest forest on Crete and then we go underground to explore the secrets at the heart of the mountain in Lasithi.

We will "plunge" into the mysterious physical phenomenon of the cave Neraidogoula, which is a vivid legend for the inhabitants of the surrounding area.

The trip includes walking in a track of the most extended forest of the Cretan mountains, and sub-terrain exploration in the legendary cave.

With the support of our qualified speleologist, will participate in a simulation of a caving expedition, trying to resolve the mystery of the cave's peculiar function that causes the awe of the locals even nowadays!

With a picnic in nature and an early dinner in a small kafenio.

Description

 “In the streams and in the caves, there live the fairies… and when they get angry, they come out and strangle whoever comes across their way!

That is why one should never tread the area around the cave of Neraidogoula - for it may open up and you might be washed away by the gushing water…”

This was what the elders told the young ones to teach them how to respect the mountain and its elements. Indeed, this strange cave would start gushing water at its opening, with no apparent reason, at most unconventional times, even in the summer, during heat-waves…. It was an inexplicable phenomenon.

How can one not believe in fairies or in their wrath?

We will have the chance to explore this mysterious physical phenomenon at the cave of Neraidogoula, which still occurs today. We walk through the biggest forest on Crete and then we go underground to explore the secrets at the heart of the mountain in Lasithi.

Provisional program

- Starting location: Village Selakano
- Stop at the village “Christos” in Lassithi Prefecture. Short guidance
- Arrival at Selakano, trekking in the forest, and arrival at the entrance of the cave. Rest and branch
- Exploring the cave. Discussion upon geological and speleological issues
- Return to the village Selakano and dining in the local kafenio of Mrs. Stella

Price

- Starting from 75 Euros per person (in a group of 12 people)
- Note: THIS TRIP IS A PRIVATE EXCURSION
- Children are allowed to participate over the age of 10, given that they have experience in trekking.
- Child 10 - 12 years old 15 % discount
- Discount is not valid if the participants are only 2.

Included

- Experienced speleologist
- Personal accident insurance, powered by Lloyd's Insurance company.
- Thematic booklet
- Helmets, headlamps, batteries
- First Aid kit
- Walking poles (on request, depending on availability)
- Light lunch in nature
- Early dinner in a local kafeneio
- Water (1 lt)
- Third-Party Liability
- Taxes

Not included

- Transport from your accommodation to the sites proposed and back to the hotel (upon request with extra cost).
- Guided tours in organized archeological sites.
- Drinks, personal expenses, and gratuities.
- Anything not mentioned above.

Duration

7-8 hours

Location

Selakano forest in the mountain of Lassithi, Crete

Difficulty

Easy-moderate. An easy trek of 4-5 hours return is included. The treks take place in a well organized rocky and soil path in the forest of Selakano.

Languages

Greek, English, French
Note: For other languages, the possibility to have a translator, with a supplement.

Please Note 

- Necessary personal equipment: Sunscreen oil, hat, sunglasses, trekking poles, windproof, shoes for trekking, small rucksack with your personal items, if possible, rough clothes that you will not be bothered if they get dirty or damaged 
- PLEASE INFORM US of any dietary needs/particularities you might have (allergies, intolerances) or other health issues we have to take into consideration. Many thanks.