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.
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.
from
€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
Take and airconditioned bus trip through South Crete on this day trip with pickup from Heraklion. Travel back in time as you explore Cretan history at the Gortys archeological site and have plenty of free time to soak up the vibes of at the colorful, seaside town of Matala.
Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in selected locations on Crete in the morning. Drive for 1.5 hours to the Gortys archeological site. Purchase a ticket to the site to uncover sights from 5000 years of Cretan history.
Take a short drive to Matala and spend 4.5 hours of free time where you can go swimming, sunbathe at the beach, purchase a ticket to the local caves or have lunch at a charming seaside café.
Return to your accommodation in Crete at the end of your free time in Matala.
A special excursion to the South of the island, starting our exploration with a visit to the emblematic lake of incomparable beauty in Zaros in a highly impressive landscape in central Crete! Then driving among the biggest valley of Crete, Messara, where we drive through pre-Minoan, Minoan, ancient Greek, and Roman ruins. We continue to the gorge of Trypiti through the biggest valley of Crete, this of Messara where our descent inside the gorge and through huge vertical rocks ends at the well hidden and exotic beach of Trypiti. Landscape of incomparable natural beauty rich in flora and fauna. Arrival at the beach and time for swim in its crystal clear waters. Quiet beach for moments of relaxation just before our lunch with authentic Cretan food in the center of the wild olive tree forest in the canyon of St. Savvas. Satisfying experiences and good traditional food, we return to your hotel with the best memories !
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!”
Born and raised in Crete, we would love to guide you through our way of life and explore the rural aspects of Crete!
We carefully designed this tour for those who wish to see Crete through the eyes of a local family! The journey begins with an engaging walking tour in our family’s olive groves and greenhouses. Discover the secrets of olive cultivation, the meticulous process of harvesting, and the art of producing the finest extra virgin olive oil.
Explore how locals cultivate greenhouses, learn about the variety of vegetables and fruits grown, and understand why these local products hold significance not only for local markets but also for the metropolitan markets of Greece. We are eager to share this information and more with you!
The walking tour concludes in an outdoor space beneath a beautiful wooden roof, surrounded by olive trees on one side and a lush garden on the other. There, we’ll have the pleasure of meeting my lovely mother, Mama Stela, and savoring authentic Cretan food prepared by her! Of course, the Cretan spirit, Raki, is an integral part of our meal! You might even get the chance to meet more members of my family.
A standout moment during the food tour is witnessing my mom demonstrate the crafting of Cretan cheese, followed by the delightful experience of tasting it!
The entire event will last approximately 2.5 hours. Our sincere desire is for you to become a part of our world and immerse yourself in the authentic way of Cretan living!
See Crete from a different angle on this all-day Land Rover safari tour.
Begin the day in Heraklion, where you will get to know your guide and listen to a short presentation of the excursion before heading to the Livadi Plateau.
Enjoy the incredible views of Heraklion and the Cretan as the Land Rover climbs through the mountainous, provincial road to the eastern slopes of Psiloritis. Marvel at the breathtaking atmosphere of the plateau, including the thousands of apple and pear trees that are scattered throughout the area.
Drive through the off-road route to the plateau of Nida, where you will visit Idaion Andron, the cave where Zeus was born. On the way back, stop at Ancient Zominthos, which was only discovered in 1982 but is considered one of the most important archeological discoveries in Crete.
Have lunch in a local tavern in the village of Anogia.
Flexible Private Tour in Crete. Four choices of Tour/Daytrip directions ……………… Have a unique experience, sightseeing and traveling in a Classic Mercedes without missing any of the comforts you need! Ice cold AC, plush leather seats, modern sound system ect, all while driving around in classic! Very experienced local driver, fluent in English and very knowledgable of the island and its hidden jewels …………………. East Crete: Ag. Nikolaos-Elounda-Plaka-Spinalonga: Made famous also by Victoria Hishop’s homonymous novel, Spinalonga (The island) bears way more history than its size would ever suggest. Being a Venetian Fortress overseeing the Bay – Port of Elounda as well as a later leper Colony, “The island” is basically a nutshell full of our past! Elounda being one of the most beautiful places / beaches of the north of Crete, and St. Nicolas with its famous narrow walking streets will definitely complete the experience of a nice day’s trip.
…………………. East Crete: Kera-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus: One of Pithagoras’s favorite meditation sights, the “Cave of Zeus” has been the subject of myths and stories alike, for millennia… Today you’ll probably not find Zeus himself in the cave, but you’ll certainly be awarded with spectacular views, both on the way, and on top of the Cave’s mount. Through traditional Villages, mountain trails and the Plateau of Lasithi, you’ll probably find yourself on a trip worth remembering.
………………… South Crete: Faistos Palace-Gortyna-Matala: The second of the four Minoan Palaces to have been found on the island, Festos makes a good fit for the connoisseur’s kind of choice… Lacking the famous red pillars of Knossos, it nevertheless offers a more authentic bare-bones experience, due to the simple fact that it has not been reconstructed! Also the original home of the famous Festos’s Disk! Gortyn. Home of most major civilizations to ever pass from Crete, also served as the Praetorium for the Roman Governor of Crete! Matala! The beach of the hippies! A tripping and relaxing way to complete a nice day trip, enjoy the beach, the caves and the hippie vibes. ……………….. Heraklion: Knossos Palace-Spilia-Arc. Museum-Heraklion City: Experience Heraklion, one of the most intimidating “star – fortress” cities of its time, that managed to endure 21 years of Ottoman siege! Now a modern city, with all the positives and negatives of such…
Knossos Palace, basically the headquarter of Europe’s first, known, advanced civilization, along with the Archeological Museum of Heraklion, will definitely paint a vivid picture of how and where the “West” started!
St. Irene of Spilia, one of the many hidden Jewels of Crete just three minutes from Knossos, an imposing Roman aqueduct and an overall stunning place to spend some time and enjoy nature.
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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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