Zakros Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and attractions to visit in Zakros, Crete, including hiking/biking routes, local cuisine, and cultural experiences.


Introduction to Zakros

Zakros is a small village in the eastern part of Crete, Greece. Also known as Kato Zakros, it is a peaceful destination that offers both cultural and natural attractions. Zakros is located on a mountainous area with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. The village is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and small beaches. It is an ideal location for tourists who want to explore the hidden gems of Crete and experience the local culture.

List of Places to Visit in Zakros

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Zakros Palace: Zakros Palace is an archaeological site and was the royal palace of the Minoan civilization. It is situated near the village of Zakros and is one of the best-preserved palaces in Crete. The palace dates back to the 15th century BCE and offers a glimpse into the ancient Minoan culture.
  2. Folklore Museum of Zakros: This museum displays traditional objects and artifacts from the old way of life in Zakros, including tools, clothes, and household items.
  3. Monastery of Toplou: A religious site with beautiful frescos and a small museum. The monastery’s architecture is a blend of Byzantine, Venetian, and Cretan styles.

Natural Attractions of Zakros: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Zakros Gorge: A beautiful hiking trail that starts from the village of Zakros and ends at the beach of Kato Zakros. It is a 6km trail, and it takes about 2-3 hours to walk. Along the way, you’ll see impressive limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water springs, and unique flora and fauna.
  2. Gorge of the Dead: A shorter hiking trail that starts from the village of Kato Zakros and ends at the ancient Minoan cemetery. The trail passes through a narrow gorge with towering cliffs and concludes with a visit to the ancient tombs cut into the rocks.
  3. Beaches of Kato Zakros: The area has several small remote beaches, accessible only by hiking or boating, with crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beauty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zakros

Zakros is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several hiking and biking routes available in the region. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  1. Zakros Gorge Hike: As mentioned earlier, the Zakros Gorge hike is a 6km trail that offers visitors stunning views of the beautiful landscape.
  2. Mount Karoumes Hike: A more challenging hike to the summit of the Karoumes mountain. The trail is 7km long, and the hike is moderate to difficult, but the view from the top is worth the effort.
  3. Dirt Bicycle Routes: Zakros offers several dirt bicycle routes, with varying levels of difficulty. Visitors can rent bicycles from local stores or tour companies.

Best Things to Do in Zakros: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Zakros offers several indoor and outdoor activities for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Zakros:

  1. Olive oil tasting: Zakros is an excellent place to sample some of the best olive oil in Greece. Visitors can take a tour of local olive oil producers, learn about the process of extracting oil, and taste different varieties of oil.
  2. Wine Tasting: Crete is famous for its wines, and Zakros is no exception. Visitors can take a tour of local wineries, learn about different varieties of wine, and enjoy a tasting.
  3. Scuba Diving: The area around Zakros is famous for its underwater caves and rock formations. Visitors can participate in scuba diving tours with experienced instructors. The waters around Zakros are rich in fish and other marine life, making it a great spot for underwater exploration.
  4. Cooking Classes: Visitors can take cooking classes and learn about local cuisine from experienced chefs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zakros

Day 1: Arrival and Check-in at Accommodation Day 2: Visit Zakros Palace and Monastery of Toplou Day 3: Zakros Gorge Hike Day 4: Dirt Bicycle Ride Day 5: Beach Day at Kato Zakros Day 6: Scuba Diving Tour Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Zakros

The food and drink scene in Zakros is vibrant, with several local eateries and bars. Here are some dishes and local beverages that you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Dakos: A traditional Cretan dish made with barley rusk, fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, olive oil, and oregano. It is typically served as an appetizer.
  2. Seafood: The area around Zakros is known for its fresh and delicious seafood. Visitors can enjoy grilled octopus, calamari, and various types of fish.
  3. Lamb with Artichokes: A traditional meat dish made with local lamb, artichokes, and fresh herbs.

Local Beverages

  1. Raki: A traditional Cretan drink distilled from grapes. It is typically served as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.
  2. Local Wines: Zakros is located in a region known for its wines. Visitors can try different varieties of red, white, and rose wines.

Where to Stay in Zakros: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Zakros has several options for accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Zakros:

  1. Kato Zakros Palace Apartments: A luxury apartment complex with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
  2. Zakros Hotel: A family-run hotel with traditional Cretan architecture and modern amenities.
  3. Zakros Dream Apartments: Modern and well-equipped apartments with a swimming pool and beautiful gardens.

What to Buy in Zakros: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Zakros can bring home several souvenirs and local products, such as:

  1. Olive oil: The area around Zakros is known for its high-quality olive oil. Visitors can buy bottles of oil from local producers.
  2. Handmade Pottery: Zakros has several pottery workshops where visitors can buy beautiful handmade ceramic items.
  3. Local Delicacies: Visitors can buy local honey, cheese, and other delicacies from local markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Zakros

Zakros is a destination that is proud of its local culture and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Zakros:

  1. Dress Code: Zakros is a conservative village, and visitors are advised to dress modestly.
  2. Tipping: Tipping is not common in Zakros, but guests can round up the bill or leave small change as a gesture of appreciation.
  3. Religious Customs: Visitors should respect the religious customs of Zakros. When visiting monasteries or churches, refrain from loud conversation and dress appropriately.

Best Time to Visit Zakros

The best time to visit Zakros is between May and October. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is perfect for swimming and water sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zakros

Do:

  1. Do try local cuisine, wines, and olive oil.
  2. Do take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, scuba diving, and biking.
  3. Do respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach or in public spaces.
  2. Don’t ignore dress codes at monasteries or churches.
  3. Don’t litter or damage the natural beauty of Zakros.

Safety and Health

Safety in Zakros

Zakros is a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should take the usual precautions, such as locking doors at night and not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Zakros

Visitors to Zakros should ensure that they are up-to-date with routine vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, and rubella. It is also advisable to carry mosquito repellent during the summer months when mosquitoes are prevalent.

Getting to Zakros: Transportation Options and Logistics

Zakros is accessible by several means of transportation. Here are some of the options available:

Airports Near Zakros

  1. Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis”: 148km from Zakros.
  2. Sitia Airport: 42km from Zakros.

Bus Stations Near Zakros

  1. Sitia Bus Station: Buses run regularly from Heraklion and other major cities to Sitia, from where visitors can take a taxi or local bus to Zakros.
  2. Ierapetra Bus Station: Buses run regularly from Heraklion and other major cities to Ierapetra, from where visitors can take a taxi or local bus to Zakros.

Other Options

Visitors can hire a car from any of the major car rental companies available at the airports or cities.

How to Get Around Zakros

The best way to get around Zakros is by car, bicycle, or on foot. Visitors can rent bicycles or cars from local stores or tour companies.

Where to Go Next from Zakros: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Sitia: A charming town with a scenic harbor, Venetian fortress, and archaeological museum. Sitia is located 42km from Zakros.
  2. Vai Beach: A breathtaking beach with palm trees, turquoise waters, and fine sand. Vai Beach is located 55km from Zakros.
  3. Mount Olympus: The highest mountain in Greece and an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. Mount Olympus is located 150km from Zakros.

Conclusion

Zakros is an undiscovered gem of Crete, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and rich local culture, Zakros is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Kato Zakros Kato Zakros