The reopening of Diktean Cave has brought an important tourist attraction back to the Lasithi Plateau after roughly 20 months of closure. But a new parliamentary intervention argues that reopening has not resolved the problems facing visitors, local businesses and workers.
Lasithi MP Katerina Spyridaki has again called on the Greek government to address the economic impact of the prolonged closure and remaining issues surrounding the major restoration project.
The main issues
- Businesses lost income for almost two years. Restaurants, shops and tourism-related businesses around the cave were deprived of a major source of visitors during the closure. Local businesses say the losses included reduced turnover, fewer working days and serious pressure on liquidity.
- No dedicated compensation scheme was introduced. The parliamentary question asks the government to assess the economic and social damage and consider financial, tax, insurance or other support for businesses that can demonstrate losses.
- Accessibility remains a major concern. The project was partly designed to improve access to the archaeological site, particularly for older visitors and people with disabilities. However, the planned lift system was abandoned, and a comprehensive alternative solution has yet to be delivered.
- Parking is still a problem. There is reportedly insufficient space for tourist coaches and private vehicles. Coaches may have to stop around 500 meters from Europe Square, creating an additional challenge for visitors arriving on organized tours.
- The cave is not open every day. Despite reopening after a long closure, Diktean Cave is currently reported to be closed on Tuesdays due to a temporary staffing shortage. The reported opening hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Other project works have faced delays. Questions have also been raised over the completion of Europe Square and other components of the wider project, with some works continuing after previously announced completion dates.
- The local tourism economy is still recovering. The cave is more than an archaeological attraction. It is a major driver of visitor traffic to the plateau, supporting restaurants, shops, accommodation providers and seasonal employment.
What happens next?
The parliamentary intervention asks the government to provide a clear timetable for completing the remaining works, guarantee reliable daily operation of the cave, resolve coach and vehicle access, and establish a practical accessibility solution.
It also calls for an official assessment of the losses suffered by local businesses and workers during the closure.
For visitors, the message is simple: Diktean Cave is open again, but the surrounding infrastructure is still a work in progress.
For the people of the Lasithi Plateau, however, the issue is considerably larger. After nearly two years without one of their most important tourism assets, they are asking whether reopening the cave is enough, or whether the project must now deliver the accessibility, visitor infrastructure, and economic support originally promised.