Kamilaris Cave
Kamilari Cave, one of the most beautiful in Crete, is located near the settlement of Tylisos, which is 14 km from Heraklion. The cave entrance is situated almost on the old national road Iraklion-Rethymno. Still, the fact that there is no information sign makes it difficult for the visitor to find it. It has a typically large opening of 10 meters wide and 4 meters high. It consists of four vaulted rooms with impressive decoration. E. Platakis, as far as the geology and palaeontology of the cave are concerned, speaks of Jurassic limestone, a creation of nature almost 199 million years ago. The giant stalagmites and stalactites create a unique colourful spectacle with off-white rocks and crimson like blood touches in some places. The cave reaches a length of 200 metres, making it one of the largest in Crete.
The drip is intense in many parts of the cave, which is still active and creates stalagmites and stalactites. Inside the cave, shells that date back to the Minoan, Protogeometric, Geometric and Roman periods have been found, while the place may have also been a worship area of a deity.