Zakros Gorge ~ Φαράγγι Ζάκρου

Zakros Gorge is in the east of the island of Crete in Greece. The gorge is 8 kms long and starts at the village of Ano Zakros 45 kms from Sitia.

The town can be reached by driving east from Sitia through Palekastro and then the villages of Chochlakies, Asokeramos, Kelaria and Adravasti.

The gorge walk takes about 2 hours depending on your pace and your fitness levels, and ends at the beautiful beach town of Kato Zakros.

Zakros is an farming town, reaping the harvest from the olive groves here, vegetables and fruit also grow locally. Zakros is known for its spring giving fresh water, and traditional water mills. There is a water mill museum and a beautiful church - ÁöÝíôç ×ñéóôïý Lord Christ. On the 6th of August each year is the local parade and celebration of Lord Christ. Don’t forget to get your dopio olive oil from the rural cooperative of Zakros.

Here in eastern Crete are orchids such as bee orchids, the Sitia orchid (pictured) and tulips. Nature lovers search for the unusual tube-shaped flowers of the Cretan Birthwort Aristolochia cretica and there are the ebony trees, pines and myrtles as well as the Cretan arum, with its stunning yellow tube flower.

The birds such as falcons, eagles, honey buzzards (pictured) and vultures fly high above; whilst in the gorge can be seen yellow wagtail, collared flycatcher, rock thrush and warblers. There are tree-frogs, lizards, freshwater crabs, and insects including beautiful butterflies.



See more about the flora and fauna of Kriti in our nature pages.

Kato Zakros is tiny; its growth has been restricted due to the proximity of the valuable Minoan site of ancient Zakros. Hence it is one of the smallest remote seaside villages in Lasithi. After walking the Zakros Gorge, Akrogiali Taverna right on the beach serves fresh seafood and great wine. What a spot! Nikos Perakis will make you feel at home with generous hospitality.

The Cave of Pelekita is one hour’s walk to the east of Kato Zakros. It is a large cave with stalactites and stalagmites, one of the deepest in Crete. Ask the locals, you could get the boat to the cave.

One of the most beautiful artefacts to be found on Crete, the rock crystal vase (pictured) was discovered here in Zakros Palace and is displayed at the museum in Iraklion.

The E4 European walking path ends here at Kato Zakros after 320 kms through Zakros Gorge and some of the most stunning scenery and great walking for nature lovers in Crete. What more beautiful and remote village could be the reward than this simple coastal enclave.