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Zakros, situated in a secluded area of eastern Crete, 45km southeast of Sitia, was a significant port and administrative center for Eastern Crete during the Minoan Age due to its faster communication with the Middle East. Numerous findings, including gold sheets, ivory, jewelry, and pottery, highlight the city’s close ties with the ports of Cyprus, Egypt, and the Middle East.
The Palace of Zakros, constructed at the entrance of the impressive Gorge of the Deads, is the fourth largest Minoan palace to be excavated. The region is abundant in archaeological treasures, with the name of the gorge itself derived from the pre-Minoan graves discovered on its sides. While the site is open to visitors, most artifacts are housed in the museums of Heraklion, Sitia, and Agios Nikolaos.
The palace spans 4.5 acres, while the surrounding settlements cover a total area of 8 acres. Excavations began in 1900 by the British School of Archaeology and continued until 1940, revealing numerous Minoan houses and objects. Nikolaos Platon discovered the palace in 1961 after viewing three golden artifacts from Zakros in a doctor’s collection. The unlooted Palace of Zakros, with its intact treasury vault, is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds.
Similar to other palaces in Crete, the palace was constructed in 1900 BC, destroyed in 1600 BC, and re-destroyed in 1450 BC. The palace’s heart was a large central courtyard, which connected to a paved road leading to the port. Remnants of kitchens, workshops, warehouses, the treasury vault, the file room, a lustral basin, skylights, a banquet room, royal apartments, and a large pool-like fountain can still be seen around the courtyard. Numerous multi-room houses, likely auxiliary to the palace, were also located nearby.
A plethora of freshwater wells can be found in the Zakros region. Interestingly, many turtles reside in the wells located within the site. German scientists are studying this peculiar phenomenon and believe that the turtles’ presence in Zakros dates back to the Minoan era. Additionally, north of Zakros, near the Pelekita cave, visitors can see the quarry from which the palace materials were extracted.
Get directions to Minoan Palace of Zakros
Find below the list of hotels near Minoan Palace of Zakros:
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
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