Ziros is a delightful village situated on the lower slopes of Egremno, a cliff that towers at an altitude of 590 meters on the picturesque Armeni-Handras plateau. It is the administrative center of the Municipality of Lefki and has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. The village was first mentioned as Siros in 1577 in the Venetian Barozzi’s catalogue of the villages of Sitia. The population of the village is currently around 742, but it is decreasing. The Ziros community encompasses several other villages and settlements, some of which are only inhabited seasonally.
The Ziros region is home to numerous antiquities from various periods, including Minoan settlements, tombs, and buildings. However, no systematic excavations have been conducted yet. The area is also dotted with caves and other geological features, such as the cave of Agrilia, the cave of Lygias Spilios, and the cave of Voevodas. Furthermore, the Ziros area boasts many remarkable churches, such as the painted church of St. Paraskevi, which dates back to 1523, and the St. Nikolaos church, which has graffiti dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Overall, Ziros is an intriguing destination for history and nature enthusiasts alike, with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Ziros village Map
Uncover Ziros village is located at Ziros village, 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
Where is the village of Ziros located?
The village of Ziros is located on the lower slopes of the Armeni-Handras plateau at an altitude of 590m.
What is the population of Ziros?
The population of Ziros is approximately 742, but it is diminishing.
What other villages are included in the Ziros community?
The Ziros community includes the villages of Kalo Horio, Hametoulo, the coastal settlement of Xerokampos, the deserted Lamnoni, and some settlements inhabited seasonally like Agrilia, Lethi, Achladias, Makri Livadi, and Anargyros.
Are there any ancient sites in the Ziros area?
Yes, the Ziros area has many antiquities from all periods, including Plakospilios (roman settlement and tombs), St. John (an Archaic settlement), Fonias (a Minoan settlement), Stalos (Minoan tombs and settlement), Katsoulianos (Minoan tombs), Pentalitro (Minoan Acropolis), Katergari Papa Pigadi (Minoan Settlement), Anemomilia (Minoan building), Pirgales (Minoan Villa), Vrisi Hametoulou (Minoan settlement), Limnia or Palaki Mantra Hametoulou (Minoan buildings).
Are there any notable geological features in the Ziros area?
Yes, the Ziros area is dotted with caves and other geological features, including the cave of Agrilia, the cave of Lygias Spilios, and the cave of Voevodas.
What are some of the notable churches in the Ziros area?
The Ziros area has many remarkable churches, including the painted church of St. Paraskevi dated back to 1523 and the St. Nikolaos church with graffiti dated back to the 14th and 15th century.
