“Old Lady’s Pies”: Crete’s Geological Formation
- Explore one of Crete’s rarest geological formations just outside Prinias, Central Heraklion.
- Discover natural “pies” formed over 6 million years ago, no hiking boots required.
- Get there comfortably and stress-free with a car rental from AUTOWAY, trusted since 1986.
A natural marvel you won’t find in any tourist brochure.
Tucked away in a quiet creek near the village of Prinias lies one of Crete’s most peculiar sights,Pites Grias, or “Old Lady’s Pies.” These massive, pie-shaped limestone rocks appear mysteriously stacked like ancient offerings. Smooth, white, and each about 20 meters wide, they’re surrounded by shallow grooves that complete the uncanny resemblance to baked goods of mythical scale.
Formed by time, weather,and a bit of ancient drama.
The rocks are composed of Neogene limestone rich in sea fossils like urchins and bivalves, dating back six to seven million years. Originally part of a nearby hill, they were sheared off and carried into the creek bed. Over centuries, wind and water sculpted them into their now-famous round, layered form,nature’s answer to a geological pastry.
A scenic drive that’s half the adventure.
The route to Prinias takes you through olive groves, sleepy hamlets, and sweeping plateaus that offer perfect photo stops. It’s remote but accessible,exactly the kind of place best reached with your own vehicle. You can find the location of Pites Grias on Google Maps here. With a car hire from AUTOWAY, you can build your own itinerary and explore these off-the-beaten-path wonders without time constraints.
Plan smarter with peace of mind.
When renting through AUTOWAY, you’re covered with top-rated insurance and customer service backed by more than 3000 reviews. Their flexible policy options, clearly outlined in the Rental Policy, make your Crete road trip smooth from start to finish. Have questions? The FAQs page answers everything you need to know before you book.