Not far away from Perama in the west of Rethimnon is the small village of Melidoni. Many families have left the village. Slowly, because of the tourism and the caves of Melidoni, some people are comming back. Old houses have been rebuild, some taverns and a school.

The cave becomes popular, when 400 locals fighted against the turkish forces in 1824. Because there is only one entry it was not possible to get access to the cave. The turkish forces closed it with wood and made a fire. All people inside choked to death.

After years the dead people were buryed in a stony tomb inside the cave, a memorial against the turkish cruelty. There is a tavern at the entry.