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Kato Zakros

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Kato Zakros

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Walk the Gorge of the Dead early in the morning before the sun gets too strong; it ends right at the village.
The Minoan Palace ruins are less crowded than Knossos; you can explore them at your own pace.
Keep cash handy, as card payment might not be reliable in some smaller coastal tavernas.
If you plan to hike, wear sturdy shoes as the terrain in the gorge is rocky and uneven.

🍽 Food

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Fresh Seafood

Try the catch of the day at the traditional tavernas lining the beach.

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Dakos

A classic Cretan salad with rusk, tomatoes, and mizithra cheese, first-rate for a light lunch.

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Sfakian Pie

Enjoy this cheese-filled flatbread topped with local honey.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Local Honey

Buy thyme honey from local producers in the village.

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Olive Oil

Eastern Crete is known for its high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

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Krinakia Beach

A peaceful pebble beach first-rate for a quiet swim away from crowds.

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Gorge of the Dead

A serene hike with impressive cliffs and historical caves.

Kato Zakros is a magical place on the easternmost edge of Crete, where history and nature merge in a unique way. Known for the remains of the fourth Minoan palace, this site features a deep connection to the island's ancient civilization. The village itself is small, consisting mainly of a handful of tavernas and accommodations directly on the sea, creating an atmosphere of absolute tranquility. The coastline includes the pretty Krinakia beach. This beach is good for those who want to escape the crowds. With its clear waters and surrounding wild landscape, it provides a backdrop like something out of another world. The sea here is usually calm and invites long swimming sessions in a pristine environment. Another highlight is the Gorge of the Dead, which leads from Zakros down to Kato Zakros and delights hikers with sweeping rock formations. The local gastronomy is typically Cretan, with an emphasis on fresh olive oil, local cheese, and fish. Getting there requires a drive along winding roads through the barren but impressive landscape of Eastern Crete, which makes the location all the more exclusive.