Best things to do in Zakros town in 2024: Activities and Attractions
Zakros is a town at the eastern end of Crete, in the Lasithi region, 260 m above sea level and 38 km from Sitia on the road that connects the two. Zakros stands south-east of Sitia and 19.5 km from Palekastro by the same road. Zakros looks down a valley to its own port at Kato Zakros, 7.5 km away in the bay of the same name, and our pages also call the upper town Ano Zakros.
Sitia (JSH) is the nearest airport to Zakros town. The town is the base for the Minoan sites and the gorge walks at this corner of the island, with the fourth-largest Minoan palace at the foot of the valley and two E4 trail sections within 6 km.
Things to do in and around Zakros town
Six outings lie within about 6 km of Zakros town, listed here from nearest to furthest.
- See the Minoan villa above the town. The site sits 500 m from the centre, the shortest walk on this list, and our page covers the Ano Zakros Minoan villa.
- Walk the Gorge of the Dead. The ravine lies 3.2 km from the town, starts a short distance from Ano Zakros and finishes at Kato Zakros beach, along a path that forms a segment of the E4 European trail. Archaeologists found Minoan-era tombs in the large caves set into the towering walls of Zakros Gorge, which is how it took its second name.
- Visit the Minoan palace. The fourth-largest Minoan palace on Crete stands at Kato Zakros, 7.5 km down the valley from the town. Our page on the Minoan Palace of Zakros covers the site itself.
- Swim at Kato Zakros. The fishing village at the foot of the valley is the port of Ano Zakros, set in fertile ground bordered by rugged mountains and olive groves, 40 km east of Sitia. Basic amenities rather than luxury serve Zakros beach.
- Climb to the Traostalos peak sanctuary. The sanctuary lies 4.7 km from Zakros, and our page records the Traostalos peak sanctuary.
- Hike to Karoumes beach. The 3.5 km Chochlakies Gorge is the only way in to Karoumes, which no road reaches, and the trek takes about 1.5 hours. Park at Chochlakies village by its restored watermill, where the trail into Chochlakies Gorge starts 1 km east, and go only after dry weather.
About the town and its setting
Zakros is a working town rather than a resort, and 750 people live in it. Zakros earns its living from farming, stock breeding and fishing, and the olive oil produced here is what the valley is known for. The town serves as the commercial and administrative hub of its region, which takes in the villages of Adravasti, Azokeramos, Kelaria, Klissidi and Kato Zakros.
The setting is a valley at 260 m that runs down to the sea through rugged mountains and olive groves. Archaeology is dense here: a Minoan villa sits 500 m from the centre, the fourth-largest Minoan palace stands at the coast, and the caves in the gorge between them held Minoan tombs. An asphalt road runs south to Xerokampos, 8.2 km off, a settlement inhabited since Minoan times and first recorded in the 1583 Venetian census.
Beaches in and around Zakros town
Zakros town sits inland, and its beach is the one at Kato Zakros, 4.4 km away. Five beaches lie within 8 km, and two of them are reached only on foot through a gorge.
- Kato Zakros lies 4.4 km away at the port village, in a fertile valley bordered by rugged mountains and olive groves, with the Minoan palace behind it.
- Alona sits 6.4 km away near the exit of the Katsounaki Gorge, a sandy beach dotted with dunes that carry white sea daffodils in autumn; Potamos, its neighbour of round pebbles, is reachable by car.
- Karoumes opens 6.5 km away at the end of the Chochlakies gorge, with no road access at all, 29 km southeast of Sitia.
- Alatsolimni follows 7.3 km away, 500 m east of Xerokambos, a sandy beach with shallow water beside a salt lake that dries in summer and fills in winter and spring, drawing herons, hawks and flamingos.
- Xerokambos stretches 8 km away at a remote settlement of barren rock, shrub and occasional olive groves, 47 km south of Sitia.
Where to eat in Zakros town
Eating in Zakros means a small set of places in the town itself and a second group down at Kato Zakros.
- Nerómylos is in the town centre.
- Hotel Zakros and Cafe Snack Bar Apolafsi serves café food and snacks, 100 m from the centre.
- Castle Koxi runs a pool bar, restaurant and café, 4.1 km away.
- Akrogiali On The Beach stands on the shore at Kato Zakros, 4.4 km away.
Getting to Zakros town
Drive to Zakros on the road from Sitia, 38 km away. The same road reaches the town from Palekastro, 19.5 km off, and our guide to Palaikastro covers that end of it. Sitia (JSH) is the nearest airport, and the road continues 7.5 km down the valley to Kato Zakros, the port.
Heading south, an asphalt road runs from Zakros to Xerokambos. Drivers reach Xerokambos by a second route as well, the one linking Sitia and Ierapetra by way of Ziros, which passes green plateaus, the abandoned medieval towns of Etia and Chametoulio, and views over the Gorge of Lamnoni.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Zakros town in Crete?
Zakros lies at the eastern end of Crete in the Lasithi region, 260 m above sea level and 38 km from Sitia by road. Palekastro sits 19.5 km away on the same road.
Does Zakros town have a beach?
Zakros town sits inland, and its beach is at Kato Zakros, the port village 7.5 km down the valley. Five beaches lie within 8 km of the town, and Karoumes among them is reached only on foot through a gorge.
How far is the Minoan Palace of Zakros from the town?
The Minoan Palace of Zakros stands at Kato Zakros, 7.5 km from Zakros town. It is the fourth-largest Minoan palace on the island, and it sits in the bay that shares the village name.
Can you walk the Gorge of the Dead from Zakros?
Yes, the Zakros Gorge, also called the Gorge of the Dead, starts a short distance from Ano Zakros and ends at Kato Zakros beach. The path forms a segment of the E4 European trail, and the caves in its walls held the Minoan tombs that gave the gorge its name.
Which airport is nearest to Zakros town?
Sitia (JSH) is the nearest airport to Zakros town. The road between the town and Sitia runs 38 km.
Where Zakros town is
Best things to do in Zakros town in 2024 is located at Zákros town. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
