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Kato Zakros Village and Beaches

The village of Kato Zakros Κάτω Ζάκρος is located on the south-east coast of Crete in Greece, 42 km from the town of Sitia in Lasithi region.

The hamlet, whose name means 'lower Zakros', sits by the beach.

The ancient Minoan site of Zakros Palace, dating from 1900 BC, is nestled behind the village and contributes to its protected status, keeping new development minimal. Important artifacts from this site include the beautiful rock crystal vase and bull's head rhyton displayed at the archaeological museum in Heraklion.

A hideaway from the hustle and bustle, this village embodies the relaxed Greek seaside village character. White-washed buildings with blue trims line the shore front, a string of tavernas lines the bay; tranquility reigns.

On the Beach

The clear crisp waters of the Mediterranean beckon, calling us in for a swim, but not before we have tried some local seafood; etheriná tiny crunchy whitebait with fresh lemon juice, washed down with some dopio crassi...local wine.

A few more dishes; octopus, calamari, grilled local fish and olives, fresh salads and bright red hand-picked tomatoes finish us off; we need a sleep on the beach under the pines. We enjoy the pebble beach, a slight breeze and the peace.

Extended walks around Kato Zakros and visits to nearby villages, beaches or a fascinating cave make a visit an adventure. Don't forget to look around and you may see honey buzzards, martins or falcons.

Walkers and hikers may find themselves plunging into the fresh waters after a long walk along the E4 Hiking Trail, which runs all along Kriti and finishes at this beach. A just reward.

This hamlet at the very eastern edge of Crete is so small it is not everyone's taste, yet if you are not afraid of silence, of sitting quietly watching the sun set or the moon rise, then this is the little corner of the earth for you.

Above all, breathing comes easy in this beautiful village.

Zakros Gorge

Zakros Gorge

Inland is the beautiful and rugged Zakros George also known as The Gorge of the Dead - Faragi ton Nekron - Φαράγγι των Νεκρών , which leads to Zakros village, a farming community 7 km to the north.

The gorge is one of the most impressive in Crete, with its steep sides and harsh rock formations.

The caves within which have been found to be Minoan burial tombs, hence the name.

This video shows the walk from upper Zakros to Lower Zakros. You can also start the walk from the seaside and walk up the gorge (and back again).

Zakros Gorge

Accommodation in Kato Zakros

Terra Minoika Villas - the gardens and local stone and wood structures

Terra Minoika Villas are beautiful creations of the Cretan earth

These villas, in one of the prettiest locations of Crete, are built in traditional style of stonework and wood.

Sitting in gardens just 500m from the beach of Kato Zakros and seconds from the Minoan Zakros Palace, we have selected these villas as they provide the real Cretan feel and experience.

Owners Stella and Elias are crazy trekkers and climbers who fell in love with this region of Crete after visiting from their home in Thessaloniki. They are passionate about sharing all the natural beauty of eastern Crete with their visitors, and offering great hospitality at Terra Minoika.

The Terra Minoika Villas are beautiful creations of the Cretan earth, risen up in modern times to comfort visitors and provide a nurturing experience. Stella and Elias provide their wonderful hospitality.

"A perfect place ! Terra Minoika is an extraordinary place where everything is done for the pleasure and comfort of visitors. Very nice apartment with sea view furnished with care and perfectly equipped. The garden around is wonderful and each apartment has its own outdoor garden furniture. The cleanliness of our apartment was absolutely impeccable thanks to the cleaning lady. It is a great privilege to have been here for a few days. We will come back for sure! Special mention for the welcome on arrival and throughout the stay by Stratis, a lovely and professional young man."

Check Rates & Availability at Terra Minoika Villas

At Studios Stella, set back from the beach, you will find peace and quiet and good value accommodation with a leafy garden, 10 minutes by foot to the beach and close to the entrance to Zakros Gorge.

"Great view and perfect garden. The place is just perfect! The apartment is clean and with all the accessories. The Garden is really beautiful, silent, with hammocks and a fantastic view on Zakros bay. The location is very close to get the best beaches and Zakros gorge. The owner is so nice and helpful. A perfect place to relax."

Check Rates & Availability at Studios Stella

Sitia Windmill - courtyard with outdoor dining

Less than 40 km from this beach is the Sitia Windmill, an authentic stone mill now remodelled into a cozy holiday home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a private garden accommodating 4 guests. Enjoy Sitia, Vai Beach, Palekastro, Kato Zakros and many other beaches easily from this location. Best to rent this accommodation with a vehicle.

"A peaceful stay in a lovely location. It had a lovely view and was very peaceful. It was furnished beautifully and the beds were comfortable."

Check Rates & Availability at the Sitia Windmill

On the Map

Below you can see the location of this beach on the map of Crete.

Images

Below are some images of Κάτω Ζάκρος:

A Sand and Pebble Beach (image by PaPisc)

Looking down from the mountains to the bay

Minoan Palace ruins (image by Elisa Atene)

Zakros Palace Ruins

Agios Nikolaos

If you do fly into Crete via Heraklion Airport, you will make your way to Kato Zakros by way of Agios Nikolaos, highlights include:

Lake Voulismeni
Archaeological Museum
Ferry Harbour & Marina
Kitroplateia Beach
Pedestrian Shopping Streets
Lakeside Cafes and Bars
Mirabello Bay
Elounda Beach
Spinalonga Island
Kritsa Village and Gorge

View over Voulismeni Lake across Mirabello Bay

Sitia Town

You could arrive by ferry from Rhodes or Karpathos into the port of Sitia, or during summer months you can fly here directly from Athens.

Highlights of the town:

Kazarma Fortress
Ferry Port
Sitia Beach
Esplanade, tavernas and cafes
Fresh local seafood
Archaeological Museum
Festival of Sultanas in August
Nearby Monastery of Toplou
Nearby Richtis Gorge

Exploring Lasithi

Exploring Lasithi and this eastern region of Sitia, you will find endless beaches, mountains, olive groves, wineries and tavernas.

There are lots of places to explore in this region including

Koutsounari Beach
Xerokambos Beach
7 Beautiful beaches of the east
Koufounissi Island
Ha Gorge
Havgas Gorge
Pefki Gorge and Village
The E4 European Walking Path
Economou Winery located on the Ziros Plateau inland from Xerokambos

Getting Here

To get to the tiny seaside village of Kato Zakros, you will arrive at Heraklion Airport and drive to Agios Nikolaos 60 km, then to the seaside town of Sitia 70 km, then another 40 km south to the village.

Alternatively you could arrive in summer to the airport of Sitia (JSH) and drive south via Karydi, Adravasti and Zakros.

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.

About the Team

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the
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We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
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