Zaros is a charming town located at an altitude of 340 metres, known for its picturesque lake and gorge. The town has a population of 3,400, who are primarily engaged in the production of olive oil, sultanas, vegetables, and spring water. Visitors can enjoy cafes near Lake Votomos and relish fresh trout at the tavern called I Limni (The Lake). Rouvas Gorge, a popular hiking destination, is located nearby. The town also has traditional water mills that have been operational since the 16th century, as well as archaeological sites and monasteries. One of the most notable features of Zaros is its water, which is bottled by Votomos SA and is renowned for its purity and taste.
In addition to the attractions mentioned above, Zaros has a couple of hotels that offer comfortable accommodation to visitors. The town’s location at the southern foothills of Mountain Psiloritis makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the lake, go fishing, or hike through the scenic Rouvas Gorge. The town’s rich history and culture are reflected in its traditional water mills, archaeological sites, and monasteries.
Zaros is also known for its production of trout and salmon from fish farms. The town’s water is bottled and sold by Votomos SA, which is renowned for its purity and taste. Overall, Zaros is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature and a glimpse into the authentic Cretan way of life.
Most of what there is to do in Zaros is within 3.5 km of the centre: a museum, the lake, two monasteries and the mouth of the Rouvas Gorge. The town works as a base for the southern slopes of Psiloritis rather than as a day trip on its own. The list runs from the centre outwards.
Two more stops sit close by for a slower afternoon. The Open Museum of Olives is 3.9 km out, which fits a town whose farming runs on olive oil, and in the centre itself you can stop at Vegera, Elia Traditional Restaurant 1.1 km away, or the Bottomos Tavern 700 m out.
Zaros has no beach. The town stands 340 m up on the southern foothills of Psiloritis, so the water it is known for is fresh: the lake, the spring water that Votomos SA bottles, and the streams in the gorges above. Heraklion, the nearest city on the north coast, lies 31.7 km away in a straight line, and the mountain roads between run a good deal longer than that.
The swimming and the walking here are inland. Lake Votomos is 1.2 km from the centre, the Rouvas Gorge starts 3.3 km out, and the Apolychnos Gorge, a 3 km narrow valley that begins near Panagia village and ends at the settlement of Agios Antonios, lies 5.8 km away at Apolychnos Gorge. For a cooler stop on the way through the hills, Agia Varvara sits 9.0 km away at 580 m, the highest point on the road between the Messara plain and the Malevizi region, and it is covered on Agia Varvara.
Situated in Zarós, 42 km from Venetian Walls and 43 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Froso’s Home features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation offers a patio.
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The apartment can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
The Palace of Knossos is 45 km from Froso’s Home, while Phaistos is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 45 km from the accommodation.
from
€65
/night
Featuring garden views, Papa-Antonis Stone House offers accommodation with a garden and a patio, around 42 km from Venetian Walls. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home 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 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 43 km from the holiday home, while The Palace of Knossos is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 45 km from Papa-Antonis Stone House.
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€54
/night
Situated in Zarós, 42 km from Venetian Walls and 43 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Orange apartment offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
A car rental service is available at the apartment, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
The Palace of Knossos is 46 km from Orange apartment, while Phaistos is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 45 km from the accommodation.
Situated at the foothills of Mount Psiloritis, just a few metres from Zaros village, Idi Hotel is a family-run hotel offering comfortable accommodation. Surrounded by a garden, it includes a pool, a restaurant and a cocktail bar. Free WiFi is provided throughout.
Opening to a balcony, all air-conditioned rooms of Idi are spacious. Free toiletries are included.
The swimming pool features a sun terrace with grassed and paved areas. Idi also offers tennis court facilities.
A buffet-style breakfast is included in the room rate, while refreshing drinks and beverages are served at the tree-lined courtyard café. At Idi Restaurant, guests can taste traditional local dishes and fresh fish from the family’s own fish-farm.
Hotel Idi offers free private, on-site parking.
from
€69
/night
Kato Zaros Apartments features air-conditioned guest accommodation in Zarós, 43 km from Venetian Walls, 44 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and 47 km from The Palace of Knossos. Free WiFi is offeredthroughout the property.
The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer, while the kitchen has an oven, a toaster and a stovetop. Some units feature a terrace and/or a balcony with mountain views.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 14 km from the apartment, while Phaistos is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 46 km from Kato Zaros Apartments.
from
€49
/night
Featuring lake views, PALIAMA BY THE RIVER offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 41 km from Venetian Walls. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home is fitted with 3 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 holiday home offers a barbecue. A outdoor play equipment is also available at PALIAMA BY THE RIVER, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 42 km from the accommodation, while The Palace of Knossos is 45 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 44 km from PALIAMA BY THE RIVER.
from
€72
/night
Our Cretan cooking class is a 100% hands-on experience, perfect for those eager to explore and indulge in the flavors of Cretan gastronomy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, what truly matters is your open heart and eagerness to embrace the warmth of Cretan culture, becoming a cherished part of our family along the way!”
Mama Stella, my wonderful mum, loves to share her culinary knowledge and techniques with you! We will cook a 4-course meal, by providing all you need, from aprons to fresh, farm-sourced ingredients ensuring a 100% hands-on cooking experience! Local homemade refreshments and water will also be provided. After your cooking adventure, revel in the joy of your creations accompanied by local Cretan wine. Leftovers are carefully packed for you to take along.
Immerse yourself in this unique, 3.5 to 4-hour experience at our olive oil farm. Cooking unfolds in an outdoor space beneath a beautiful wooden roof, surrounded by olive trees on one side and a lush garden on the other. Engage your senses—smell, taste, and feel our culture through a one-of-a-kind cooking adventure. Join us, cook with passion, and savor the moments!”
After a short drive through the Messara plain you reach Matala. Known for the colony of hippies in the Sixties, where they lived in large holes formed on the mountain. The rocks are holes with a Roman burial. In Matala you will have time for a refreshing dip in the water, eat something or just enjoy a drink on the beach. This is the place where Zeus, having taken the form a bull, swam ashore with Europa on his back before dragging her off to Gortys. Both, the Minoans and the Romans used the place as their harbor. Nevertheless, for most people, Matala means only one thing: hippies. Back in the late 1960s – 1970s, this little town was a colony of the “flower children”, who lived in the caves that used to be former Roman tombs
We offer cooking lessons in Krousonas village. Super family friendly! The programme last at least 4 hours. Firstly we will welcome you with some cretan delights and refreshments . We will discuss the menu and you can choose from the season options(vegan or not) what would you like to cook. Secondly we will visit the farm , we will feed the goats and sheeps and if its summer probably you can also milk the goats! In continue when you choose menu (vegeterian or not) we go to gather our organic vegetables from our orchard, you wiil have time to explore nature, breath fresh air, learn important information about the plant and of course live the experience cutting the fresh vegetables and fruit. When we collect our vegetables , we learn how we use every ingredient in our kitchen, how does it help our health, about the appropriate quantities we use and we start to how prepare our meal and how we cook. You will learn all the secrets of cretan cuisine with us . (It depends from the season you can also taste and watch the production of cheese.) When the meal is ready you can enjoy it in our veranda relaxing with the amazing view. A travel to history, nature and cretan cuisine.Dont forget to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Cooking lessons become under the shadow of the grapevine. Also the cooking lessons are the perfect family activity! Live as a local for a day!!
Discover the long kept secrets of wine and olives and Cretan tastes as you travel through Cretan villages in a semi private group of 6-8 persons in each vehicle.
Our day safari in the secrets of the Cretan tastes and culture begins with a visit to Klados winery in Panormos. There we will be welcomed by the owner of the winery for a wine tour and a mouthwatering wine tasting experience unraveling the secrets of high longevity in Crete. Continuing our day we follow the north coastline through traditional villages of Sisses, Aloides in the heart of Cretan mountains admiring the unique view of Psiloritis and Mylopotamos area will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain top of Crete with the beautiful valley until we reach the historic Vosakos Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars. Afterwards our amazing route continues with panoramic views that will take your breath away and If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. Driving through picturesque villages of Doxaro, Apladiana, Agia nestled amongst lush vegetation we will have plenty of opportunities to take photos of picturesque chapels, sheep, goats, sprawling vineyards and gorgeous olive groves. An asphalt route will lead us to a traditional and modern olive mill in Melidoni village in Rethymnon. There you will have the chance to be guided in three different olive oil factories (ancient handmade production, by the help of diesel engines and modern production with centrifuge) learn everything about the olives harvesting, olive oil production and taste some local olive oil.
Working up our appetite we arrive at a small village tavern in Melidoni, where we will introduce you to the Cretan cuisine with plenty of Cretan delicacies and let you feel the very essence of the renowned Cretan hospitality. On the way back we will follow an easy asphalt route through the national road before we reach back into Rethymnon town.
A unique wine and olive escape, an exciting adventure to embrace the renowned Greek hospitality, enjoy the sights and professional and relaxed service!!!
Combine some of the most unique panoramic views, visit a honey factory and taste, drive through traditional Cretan villages and find out all about the lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd by exploring an original shepherd’s hut called ‘’Mitato’’ with a small group of 6-8 people in each vehicle. Learn about the history and the traditions of the Island, meet the locals, explore the wildlife of Crete, embrace the renowned Cretan hospitality and taste the delicious Cretan cheese and cuisine.
Our day starts from Rethymnon city heading south east through coast line road until Melidoni Village and Apithano Honey factory where we make our first stop for a guided tour in the factoiry and tast some honey. After our morning stop and driving through the traditional villages of Milopotamos (Melidoni, Apladiana, Doxaro, Agridia Tsaxiana) and areas with dense vegetation, fresh aromas and unique views. The amazing route and views continue until we reach the historic Halepa Monastery, that used to be a refuge for Cretan rebels during civil wars where we make our second stop. The unique view from the monastery will inspire you to take pictures, combining the highest mountain tops of Crete with the beautiful valley.
Afterwards our amazing off-road route continues and on the way up to the shepherd’s hut called “Mitato” the panoramic views will take your breath away. If we are lucky, we will get to marvel up close some wild eagles and goats and take some photos. The road will lead us up to a traditional Shepherd’s hut where you will find out all about the lifestyle of a shepherd and the cheese making process.
Leaving the shepherd’s hut and already working up our appetite we will soon arrive at a traditional Cretan tavern in Axos village, where we are going to introduce you to Cretan cuisine and heartfelt hospitality with plenty of local platters. Enough time will be provided after lunch for those who wish to enjoy a cup of coffee. On our way back we will follow an asphalt road that will lead us to the city of Rethymnon.
Embark on semi private safari tour for up to 6 or 8 persons per vehicle
Intro:
Located approximately 68 km southwest of Heraklion, Matala is one of the most popular destinations and one of the most beautiful beaches of our island. Mostly famous for the caves carved in the rocks next to the beach and the hippies of the 60’s.
Gortyna,also known as Gortys, was a city of ancient Crete mentioned by numerous ancient writers for its importance and splendor that is by no means inferior to that of Knossos.
Full description:
Once you are greeted by our friendly driver and guide, your day trip is about to begin.
Our first stop of the day is a visit to the archaeological site of Gortyn which is located 45 km south of Heraklion. Inhabited since 3000 BC, evolved as one of the largest cities during the Minoan era, finally reaching its peak during the Roman Empire, the city of Gortyn is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Walk around the site and have a chance to travel back in time while admiring the ancient ruins.
After a quick ride, we reach our second destination, the village of Matala. As we approach the village, a beautiful sandy beach of around 300 m long will greet you. You will have plenty of time to dive in the crystal clear deep water, swim under the Cretan sun and have lunch in one of the traditional taverns surrounding the beach. Matala is also known for its hand-carved caves that are found in the cliff of its bay. The caves were created in the Neolithic Age and were used throughout history as living spaces. During the 60’s the caves were occupied by the hippies who travelled from all over the world in search of their very own paradise on earth.
Explore the intriguing caves, enjoy a refreshing dive and allow us to take you on an unforgettable experience.
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The Agios Nikolaos, Gafaris or Rouvas gorge is nestled between the Ambelakia and Samari peaks. This gorge, the most significant in Psiloritis and central Crete, is named after the St Nicholas monastery located near its exit at Zaros. This area is an ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna, smaller canyons, and striking geological formations and cliffs. It spans 4 km, with 2.7 km developed by the Forest Service for activities like hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and wildlife observation. However, a fire in 1994 significantly damaged the beautiful Rouvas forest near the gorge’s south entrance.
The Rouvas forest, located in the Saint Nicholas gorge, is a nationally significant ecosystem of holly trees. It covers the inner valley of Psiloritis, surrounded by the peaks of Ambelakia, Samari, Chalazokefala, Skinakas, Koudouni, and Giristi. The area’s trees are ancient, with some trunks exceeding 1 meter in diameter and reaching heights of 15 meters. They grow densely, forming a unique forest society, supplemented by various shrub species.
The forest houses other typical Cretan flora, such as aria, zelkova, cypress, pine, plane, and pear trees, covering approximately 30,000 acres. The uniqueness of the Rouvas forest lies in the holly trees’ unusual size and characteristics compared to their typical Greek counterparts. This is likely due to the absence of external factors that allowed these shrubby oaks to evolve into their current form. Around the forest, one can spot scattered “mitata” (shepherd houses), most of which are now abandoned.
Recommended hiking routes include Zaros Lake to Saint John (a 2.5-hour return trip) and Psakofarago to Agios Ioannis to Lake Zaros (a 5-hour trip). The first route starts from Zaros Lake, leading to the St Nicholas monastery before entering the Rouvas gorge. The trail then ascends through the old burned forest, offering stunning views of the Zaros and Messara planes, before entering a narrow gorge filled with dense vegetation. The path follows the river bed, abundant with water in spring, leading to the heart of the forest, the Agios Ioannis area.
The second route begins north of Agios Ioannis at the Psakofarago gorge, the upper extension of the Rouvas gorge. The trail starts from the Holy Cross church and ends at Lake Zaros, passing through Agios Ioannis and the Rouvas gorge. This route requires a transfer to the Holy Cross church and a pick-up from Lake Zaros. Both routes offer the chance to experience the unique beauty of the Rouvas forest and its surroundings.
On the southeastern flank of Mount Sanida, near the quaint village of Skourvoula, you’ll find a petite yet wildly untamed chasm known as Rizopetro. This gorge culminates in a striking 60m waterfall that cascades into the lake of the Faneromeni dam, a sight to behold especially after heavy downpours.
The Apolychnos Gorge, situated just a few kilometers north of the town of Mires, is nestled in an area abundant with olive groves. This gorge is essentially a narrow valley that traces the path of a river, which in certain areas deepens and is surrounded by thick vegetation. The Tourki stream that flows through it carries water from a valley that begins west of Makres village to the Geropotamos river. The gorge, which is roughly 3 km long, begins near the village of Panagia and concludes at the traditional settlement of Agios Antonios (Vrelis). It’s conveniently accessible, particularly near its exit close to Agios Antonios, as it’s adjacent to the main road from Mires.
The gorge is named after the deserted village of Apolychnos, which is situated within the gorge at an elevation of 220m. This village, enveloped by verdant trees and bubbling springs, is home to the stunning Byzantine church of Saint Panteleimon, located in the village square.
Saint Charalambos Gorge, a picturesque but petite canyon, is situated to the south of Ano Asites village. The gorge is named after the Saint Charalambos church that was constructed near its entrance beneath a rock. Up until mid-spring, the gorge is filled with water, compelling trekkers to walk along its walls to bypass the riverbed. The stream of the gorge carries water from the valley situated east of Prinias village to Agios Antonios gorge, eventually forming the Xeropotamos river that concludes at the Pancretan Stadium beach in Heraklion.
Our journey begins from the Agios Charalambos chapel nestled in a large rock shelter. We then make our descent along the river, where lovely ponds are formed. As we look upward, the grand walls with their vast caves become visible. The exit of the gorge has incredibly narrow passages which require us to traverse along a trail during winter. However, in the summer, it’s possible to walk on the riverbed, but caution is advised to prevent any ankle injuries.
Zaros is located in Greece, at an altitude of 340 metres, at the southern foothills of Mountain Psiloritis. It is 44 km from Heraklion.
The population of Zaros is 3,400.
The main products produced in Zaros are olive oil, sultanas, vegetables, and spring water. There are also a couple of fish farms that serve both trout and salmon.
Some tourist attractions in Zaros include Lake Votomos, Rouvas Gorge, traditional water mills, archaeological sites, and monasteries.
The famous water brand from Zaros is called ZAROS, which is bottled by a company called Votomos SA.
Yes, there are a couple of hotels in Zaros.
Yes, Rouvas Gorge is part of the Psiloritis mountain range and is on the hiking route known as the E4 European Walking Path.
The tavern that serves fresh trout in Zaros is called I Limni (The Lake).
There are cafes near Lake Votomos in Zaros.
The average temperature in Zaros town ranges from 15°C to 30°C, depending on the season.
Zaros town is located in the central part of Crete, about 44 km south of Heraklion.
The nearest airport to Zaros town is Heraklion International Airport, which is about 50 km away.
Some of the popular attractions in Zaros town include the Zaros Lake, the Rouvas Gorge, the Vrontisi Monastery, and the Agios Nikolaos Church. Additionally, visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring the traditional villages in the area.
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