These images are powered by
The stunning Kato Zakros Gorge, also known as the Gorge of the Dead, begins just a short distance from Ano Zakros, almost 100km southeast of the Agios Nikolaos church, and culminates at the picturesque Kato Zakros beach. The breathtaking landscape, historical significance, and easy access of the gorge draw numerous visitors each year. The path through the gorge is a segment of the renowned E4 European trail.
The gorge is incredibly beautiful, with towering walls that house large caves. Inside these caves, archaeologists have discovered tombs from the Minoan era that hold artifacts of significant archaeological value. This discovery led to the gorge and caves being dubbed “Gorge of the Dead” and “Caves of the Dead” respectively.
Visitors can park their cars in the Ano Zakros village and traverse the gorge, which takes approximately 2 hours to reach Kato Zakros. Here, you can relax on the beach and dine at the charming seaside village’s taverns. Don’t miss out on a visit to the nearby Minoan Palace of Zakros. A convenient bus service from Kato Zakros can take you back to Ano Zakros, saving you a return trek through the gorge.
Get directions to Zakros Gorge
Zakros Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
Zakros Gorge is 4 km long.
Zakros Gorge has a difficulty rating of 1 out of 10.
It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Zakros Gorge.
The altitude difference in Zakros Gorge is 150 meters.
Find below the list of things to do near Zakros Gorge:
Discover the enchanting allure of East Crete with our meticulously crafted day tour.
Toplou Monastery
The journey starts as we make our way to the storied Toplou Monastery. You’ll be allotted 40 minutes to delve into its rich history, admire its distinctive architecture, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Cretan countryside that envelops this sacred site.
Vai Palm Beach
Next, we venture to the idyllic Vai Beach, celebrated for hosting Europe’s largest natural palm forest. Enjoy two hours of leisure time to swim in its azure waters, sunbathe on its golden sands, relish a tasty lunch, and take in the mesmerizing beauty of this unique landscape through your camera lens.
Sitia Town
Our exploration culminates in the picturesque town of Sitia, a gem that allows you to experience its lively beach road, enjoy a coffee at a traditional café, and indulge in exquisite local sweets over a 40-minute visit.
As the sun sets on this unforgettable day, we return to Heraklion by bus, carrying with us a treasure trove of memories from this enchanting journey through East Crete’s most cherished sights.
Start your day tour discovering the beautiful east part of Crete!
Visit Toplou, a 15th-century monastery located in a dry and barren area. Toplou monastery is one of the most significant monasteries in Crete, dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) and St. John the Theologian.
Continue the tour to visit the largest palm forest in Europe, Vai Palm Beach. The palm forest draws thousands of visitors each year. They come not only for its wonderful palm forest, but also for the large sandy beach spread out at its foot.
Last stop of the day the cozy town of Sitia, with a lovely beach road and Venetian castle.
Detailed Time Schedule:
Morning Pick Up
We will start collecting participants from pick-up points in the morning.
Depending on the place of your hotel/apartment the bus drive will differ.
Bus Drive to Toplou: 2 hours amd 30 minutes
1nd stop: Toplou Monastery – 40 minutes
Our participants willenjoy a visit to the historical and beautiful Monastery of Toplou.There they will spend about 40′ of guided time and free time to take photos of the unique architecture and the Cretan Natural landscape outdoors.
Bus Drive to Vai Beach: 20 minutes
2rd stop: Vai Beach – 2 hours and 30 minutes
Stop at Vai, the biggest natural palm forest in Europe. Enjoy your free time to swim, sunbathe, have lunch and take photos of this exotic landscape of Crete.
Bus Drive to Sitia: 30 minutes
3rd stop: Sitia – 1 hour and 20 minutes
Participants will enjoy some free time to explore the town on their own pace, walk by the cosmopolitan beach road, have a coffee at a traditional cafe or taste the delicious local homemade sweets.
End of the tour – Arrival at resorts:
Embarkation in the buses and drive back to the hotels where we gathered participants in the morning.
Depending on traffic and on the pick-up places of each one, the time of journey back to the hotel will differ.
Return Bus Drive to Heraklion: Around 2 – 3 hours hours
Following collection from select areas, the experience starts from Agios Nikolaos heading east. This is an excellent opportunity for you to admire the sublime Gulf of Mirabello, which is Eastern Crete’s riviera. You will then pass through many picturesque villages before reaching the 15th-century Toplou Monastery.
The compound features a small museum with notable exhibits of Christian-Orthodox art, such as sacred utensils and chalcography by the monks of Mount Athos. There is also an olive press which produces olive oil of outstanding quality, as well as wine-making facilities. Both the olive oil and the wine produced in the monastery are exported all over the world.
You may participate in a wine and spirit tasting session (optional) at the monastery’s cellar, after which you will pay a visit to one of the main attractions in eastern Crete, the protected Palm Forest of Vai. It is unique in Europe and is located next to one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. At this location there will be plenty of time for you to enjoy swimming, as you bask in the rare beauty of the landscape. On your way back, you will stop at Platanos where you can watch the sunset in an area which boasts an enchanting view.
Embark on a day tour to the beautiful Vai Palm Beach, located on the eastern coast of Crete.
This stunning beach is known for its unique palm forest, crystal clear waters, and golden sandy shores.
Vai Palm Forest is said to have been grown from the seeds of dates that were discarded by Arab sailors in the area during the 9th century.
Your day will begin with a comfortable transfer to the beach, where you will have the opportunity to explore the area at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the palm forest, relax on the beach and take a dip in the refreshing waters. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant if you wish and soak in the breathtaking views of the beach and surrounding landscape.
After a day of relaxation and exploration, you will be transferred back to your accommodation with memories of a truly unforgettable experience.
Find below the list of hotels near Zakros Gorge:
Set on a hill full of aromatic plants in Kato Zakros Village, Terra Minoika Boutique resort is constructed of local stone and wood and is just 300 metres from the beach. Its self-catered accommodation offers custom built furnishings, a sea-view veranda and free Wi-Fi.
Combining modern and traditional décor, the air-conditioned studios include a seating and dining area, and a well-equipped kitchenette with electric oven, cooking hobs and fridge. A LED satellite TV, and hairdryer are standard. Some units include fireplace and 2 verandas.
Terra Minoika Boutique resort offer guests locally produced ingredients so that they prepare breakfast themselves.
Complimentary maps and information on trekking excursions are provided to guests looking for adventure. A personal fitness trainer and a Cretan dances teacher are also available upon request at the on-site gym. Baby sitting services are provided upon request.
Terra Minoika Boutique resort is a 1-hour drive away from the coastal town of Sitia. It is 25 km from the famous palm forest and beach of Vai. Heraklion International Airport is at a distance 160 km.
from
€145
/night
Featuring pool views, Villa Yasmin features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 28 km from Vai Palm Forest. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa comes with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views. The air-conditioned villa also provides a seating area, washing machine and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 37 km from the villa.
Featuring garden views, Villa Helen’s Olive Garden provides accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 28 km from Vai Palm Forest. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa offers a picnic area. There is a garden with a barbecue at this property and guests can go cycling nearby.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 37 km from Villa Helen’s Olive Garden.
Situated in Zákros, within 27 km of Vai Palm Forest, Sofia’s House offers accommodation with air conditioning. It has a terrace, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The 2-bedroom apartment features a living room with a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen with oven and fridge, and 2 bathrooms with a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 36 km from the apartment.
from
€51
/night
Featuring quiet street views, Rebekka’s HOUSE features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 26 km from Vai Palm Forest. It has a shared lounge, inner courtyard views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. The air-conditioned apartment also provides a seating area, washing machine and 2 bathrooms with a hair dryer.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking is possible in the surroundings.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 35 km from the apartment.
from
€55
/night
Situated in Zákros, within 27 km of Vai Palm Forest, Aspasia’s House offers accommodation with free WiFi and air conditioning. Housed in a building dating from 19th century, the holiday home is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as windsurfing and hiking.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with mountain views.
The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 36 km from the holiday home.
from
€68
/night
The Katsounaki Gorge is situated in the arid region of Eastern Crete, to the east of the Xirokambos community. It is essentially a combination of three parallel gorges that converge before they reach the shoreline. These gorges serve as a water transportation system from the eastern portion of the Sitia mountains.
The river that flows through the gorge eventually leads to the Potamos beach, which is adjacent to the stunning sandy beach of Alona. Trekking through the canyon is a simple task and the scenery, with its towering walls, is truly untamed. An alternative option is to walk in the opposite direction starting from Alona.
The Chochlakies or Karoumes Gorge is nestled in one of the most secluded regions of Crete, near Zakros. It collects water from the Flega stream flowing from the Chochlakies plain and discharges it into the ocean.
Beginning our journey, we first come across a magnificently restored watermill in the village of Chochlakies. We then enter the gorge, characterized by sparse vegetation and bare rocks, which extends to the stunning Karoumes beach. The gorge spans approximately 3.5 km and is water-filled for the majority of the winter. The trek, a segment of the European E4 footpath, typically lasts 1:30 hours. The journey along the stream is captivating, with the gorge’s towering rocks winding between the mountains.
Springtime unveils ponds and a wide array of flora. As we approach the exit, the towering walls open up to a small valley that transforms into a significant wetland, complete with a marsh during the winter. The surrounding area features wells and terraces from ancient crops, and remnants of Minoan structures are visible, the most notable being the ancient fortification situated on a hill above the gorge.
The Xerokambos Canyon, also known as Ziros Canyon, Hamaitoulo Canyon, or Lamnoni Canyon, is among the driest gorges in Eastern Crete. This gorge once served as a pathway from Ziros to Xerokambos. A hike through this gorge is relatively easy, taking roughly two hours to complete. The canyon is renowned for its rugged charm, featuring towering bare walls and sparse vegetation. As you traverse the gorge, you’ll be able to glimpse the expansive South Cretan Sea in the distance. During the summer, the area can become quite hot with little shade available. It’s recommended that one person in your group drives to the top entrance of the canyon at the small Lamnoni plateau or to the second entrance near Hamaitoulo village, then meets the rest of the group in Xerokampos. There, they can enjoy the area’s stunning sea views and emerald beaches.
Traveling from Xerokampos to the Ziros plateau, the gorge’s exit is clearly visible. From Ziros, head towards the abandoned Lamnoni settlement, approximately 4 km east. Here, you can follow the ravine that soon becomes the gorge. Initially, you’ll come across a small water fountain and may need to open a few gates to allow goats to graze. From this point, you can enter the gorge and walk towards its exit near the Ziros – Xerokampos road. The gorge then extends to Lygia beach.
The Agia Irini gorge, located near the quaint town of Ziros, begins from the Agia Irini village and concludes at the stunning Agia Irini beach. An ancient path through the gorge leads to the Xerokambos area. Before reaching the sea, it converges with the Platyvolo gorge, which drains the small Hametoulo plateau where a dirt road leads to the beach.
Both gorges are rugged and untamed, characterized by steep inclines and towering walls. The westernmost branch, in particular, can be intimidating and hazardous for those unaccustomed to canyon hiking, though it doesn’t require any technical skills. A hike through the gorge typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on your speed. The steep inclines, which start at an altitude of 500m and descend to sea level, can put significant strain on your knees. There are no marked trails, so hikers must navigate their own way.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
