Kato Zakros is definitely worth visiting although it is not quite ideal for overnight stay. It is highly recommended, however, for a day-long visit far from the tourist trail. This is really strange because a major archaeological site and an easily accessible gorge are nearby, in a distance of 500 m. from the picturesque, seaside village. Yet very few people visit the place. Who can ever know what is in the tourist mind?
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This is the beach of Kato Zakros [35.09655,26.26311]. It may not be one of Crete’s best but it has a nice atmosphere. It seems to be the perfect laid back spot for tranquil holidays, with traditional tavernas, small bars and a few rooms for rent on the seafront. Unfortunately there is limited parking space along the main seaside road, which means that it’s almost impossible for larger motorhomes to stay without disturbing. Don’t even think about parking in the open space at the right end of the beach because it is natural park, so it’s not allowed to enter in this area by car. We spent the night on the left side of the beach next to the hamlet and it was very quite!
The minoan Palace of Zakros [35.09711,26.26092] is considered one of the island’s most important archaeological sites because of the artefacts found here. It was the fourth largest of Minoan’s Crete and its gateway to the East. The palace was destroyed suddenly in 1450 BC and according to a theory its destruction might be associated with the volcaninc eruption that destroyed Thera too. It merits a visit even if you are not appasionate about ruins. The entry costs € 3.
The entrance of the Dead’s Gorge or Ravine of the Death is few hundred meters ahead [35.09664,26.25785] with lots of parking space. Although the name is not promising or appealing (it seems that in ancient times people used to bury their dead here using the caves as tombs) it is a very fulfilling hike. The path is well marked and no challenging at all – at least as regards the one and half kilometer that we walked.
For this view of the gorge we followed the dirt road that was probably the old road to Kato Zakros. Recommended only for adventurous drivers.
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