Zakros Gorge
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.
Location
Zakros Gorge is located at Zakros Gorge, in the Lassithi region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
Frequently asked questions
How accessible is Zakros Gorge?
Zakros Gorge is accessible via a paved road.
How long is Zakros Gorge?
Zakros Gorge is 4 km long.
How difficult is Zakros Gorge?
Zakros Gorge has a difficulty rating of 1 out of 10.
How many hours does it take to hike Zakros Gorge?
It takes approximately 3 hours to hike Zakros Gorge.
What is the altitude difference in Zakros Gorge?
The altitude difference in Zakros Gorge is 150 meters.
