Voulismeno Aloni
Located roughly 15 kilometers west of Heraklion near the village of Marathos, Voulismeno Aloni is an impressive geological formation right along the old national road to Rethymno.

Geology & Formation:
Geologically classified as a karst doline (sinkhole), the site spans approximately 90 meters in diameter with sheer limestone walls dropping 15 to 50 meters to its flat floor. Scientists believe it was formed during the Pleistocene epoch by the underground collapse of a massive subterranean cave system. Today, its steep vertical cliffs serve as a popular sport climbing crag with dozens of bolted routes.

The Name & Folklore:
The name translate to "Sunken Threshing Floor". According to local Cretan legend, a farmer insisted on threshing his wheat here on the holy feast day of Prophet Elias (July 20th), ignoring religious customs. As divine punishment, the ground suddenly collapsed beneath him, swallowing the farmer, his family, and his threshing oxen whole. Local lore claims that on the night of the feast day, phantom creaks of hay and faint singing can still be heard echoing from the bottom of the crater.

Rider’s/Explorer's Notes:
The Access: Extremely easy to access right off the Old National Road (EO90) near Damasta/Marathos. There is pull-off parking adjacent to the road, and a foot path on the southwestern rim leads down into the basin of the sinkhole for exploration on foot.