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The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.
Zakros is a small town on the east coast of Crete, less than 40 km south-east of Sitia . Through Zakros leads the main road leading from the north coast to the 8 km distant Kato Zakros, where there are ruins of the Minoan palace and the entrance to the Gorge of the Dead. However, few of those who are going to these places stop at the center of the village of Zakros and leave the car to explore this interesting place.
Contemporary Zakros
Zakros is a relatively large village, which also "manages" a few smaller villages in this area: Kato Zakros, Adravasti, Azokeramos, Kellaria, Klisidi, Ayios Georgios, Sfaka, Kanava and Skalia.
At the top of the village of Zakros there are springs supplying about 800 cubic meters of water per hour. In the past, water from these sources has driven the surrounding water mills, and now it overwhelms over 250,000 olive trees growing in nearby groves. This is important because around 800 permanent residents of Zakros are mostly farmers, whose main source of income is money obtained from growing olive trees. This area of Crete is known for the fact that the oil produced here is among the best on the island. Its high quality is apparently due to the specific soil morphology and the aforementioned spring water.
Few people living in the area of Zakros find employment in the tourism sector, because in this area it is underdeveloped. The far east of Crete is still the least "contaminated" by mass tourism. No large hotel complexes have been built here so far, so the entire area of the island "does not exist" for travel agencies. At present, on the east coast of the island you can find accommodation only in a few private and relatively small guesthouses. Personally, we hope that this situation will not change for many years.
What is important, guests who stay in Crete as part of the so-called organized holiday, to the Minoan palace and the gorge in Zakros can only reach by rented cars. From what we know, travel agencies do not organize optional trips, which in their program have a tour of the area.
However, it is not only the lack of hotel infrastructure that affects the tourist separation of the Zakros region. The second additional factor is the large distance from the airport in Heraklion , where most of the charter flights land. It is true that there is an international airport next to the town of Sitia , but for now it plays a marginal role in servicing tourist traffic.
For the above reasons, this piece of Crete raises more interest in principle only among individual tourists, who repeat that here in the east you can still see a piece of wild and real Crete.
History. Zakros
You can not say much about the history of Zakros itself. The Venice census made in 1721 did not mention its existence, although the village was marked on the maps of the region from that period under the name Xacro. Its inhabitants were also not recorded in the census of 1671 made during the Turkish partition. The village was probably destroyed and abandoned during the Turkish invasions that took place in 1471 and in 1538. For the first time in the census, residents of Zakros appear only in 1820.
The etymology of the name Zakros is also not known, although it is believed to be the pre-Hellenic word. One theory involves Zakros with Za-ka-ron, a maritime people who invaded Egypt in the 13th century BC. However, it did not gain popularity.
Traces of the past
Next to the road connecting the village of Zakros from Kato Zakros are the remains of a villa from the late Minoan period. It was discovered in 1965 by I. Sakellarakis and Nikolaos Plato, the discoverer of the Minoan palace in Kato Zakros . The villa had full facilities for wine production. There was found a wine press with two tanks, fragments of wall paintings and clay pots with inscriptions engraved in linear writing A. The wine press found here is now exhibited at the Archaeological Museum in Sitia. Many such places are still waiting to be discovered, because this area was of great importance in the Minoan era.
There are stories (we do not know how many truths are in them) about the local inhabitants who, while working in their own gardens, excavated by accident the Minoan tombs. However, the finds were nowhere reported, and the excavations found were quickly filled up. Residents were afraid that after marking the site of the discovery as an archaeological site they would lose their homes. Seemingly such an action seems irrational. Anyone who knows the way archaeologists work in Greece knows that these fears were not unfounded.
Accommodation options
If someone is planning to make a base in Zakros to explore the area, there are only a few guesthouses in the village itself. Places should be booked here well in advance. As we wrote above, there are not many lodgings in this area, but the number of vacationers is growing more and more from the hustle and bustle of tourist centers. In the village itself there are also several shops with basic supplies, taverns and a shop with regional products. In addition, the village itself is quite interesting and picturesque, so it is worth just walking its streets and delve into its recesses.
What's worth seeing?
It is also worth paying attention to the other interesting places located in Zakros. These will be restored mills, a former cheese factory and a small church of Afentis Christos, in which the remains of a fresco depicting Christ have been preserved. In Zakros there is also the Museum of Water and Plumbing located in three water mills restored in 2007. It is a thematic museum whose aim is to collect any objects or other materials related to the use of water in past eras, but also to emphasize the importance of water in our times.
Communication with Zakros
If you decide to come to Zakros for a longer period, it is worth bearing in mind the very poor bus communication being carried out in this region of the island. Buses from Heraklion or Chania do not come here. If you want to get KTEL to Zakros, it will be necessary to change in Sitia . At the same time, only two buses per day leave for Zakros in the high season. In the off-season, communication is even more difficult because two courses a day are only carried out on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. So if someone is interested in mobility in this area of Crete, then a car or scooter will be necessary.
Kato Zakros
8 km from the village of Zakros, on the seafront above the picturesque bay, lies the village of Kato Zakros. Although in the town itself there is just a large number of taverns, this place is the main destination for tourist trips. In Kato Zakros there are extensive ruins of the Minoan palace which was then the religious, administrative and commercial center of the region.
In Kato Zakros there is also one of the entrances to the Zakros Gorge, also known as the Gorge of the Dead. It is extremely picturesque which is especially visible on sunny days when the color of high rocks is underlined by sunny rays. The name of the gorge comes from numerous Minoan graves, which were found here in the nearby rock caves.
In Kato Zakros itself, you will not find anything interesting except for the aforementioned taverns. This is a purely tourist destination, where one of many great taverns can simply take a break from sightseeing. An undoubted advantage of these premises is that they are located right next to the beach.
At a distance of 5 km from Kato Zakros, there is also the impressive Pelekita cave, one of the largest caves in Crete. Its total length is 310 m in a straight line, and the total area is 4.5 acres. On its grounds were found traces of residence from the Neolithic era.
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Interesting places on Crete
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W 2002 roku Falasarna zdobyła tytuł najlepszej plaży w Grecji. Wyróżnienie to nie jest bynajmniej przypadkowe, gdyż miejsce to jak na standardy Krety jest naprawdę unikalne.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Aptera is a city whose history dates back to at least a thousand years before our era. In the peak period, about 20,000 lived in it. people, of which only 1/5 were free people.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
Located 47 km from the city of Chania, it is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Its area is about 580 thousand. sqm. and the maximum depth is about 45 meters
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
The steel crossing, which in the central part is separated from the ground by nearly 150 m, is at the leading position of the places where the longest bungee jumps are made.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge.
Balos is one of Crete's flagship beaches if not all of Greece. We can assure you that the landscapes you see during your trip to Balos will remain with you for a very long time.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna.
Polyrinia was one of the most important city-states of western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was built amphitheater on a steep hill, rising to a height of 481 meters above sea level
The island of Gramvousa, or in fact Imeri Gramvousa (Ήμερη Γραμβούσα), is an inseparable point of a trip that combines a stay in the Balos Lagoon with visiting the remains of a fortress located on the top of the island of Imeri Gramovousa.
There is a beach in Crete that literally makes some people shiver. This place is Seitan Limania which can be translated as Satan's Ports or Cursed Ports.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.
Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also known as the village hidden in the gorge.
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
The Lasithi Plateau is located about 70 kilometers from the capital of Crete - Heraklion. The average height at which the terrain of this plateau is located is 840 m above sea level.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology.
Among the olive groves in the place called Logari, which is less than a kilometer from the village of Kritsa, there is a small Byzantine church of Panagia Kera from the 13th-14th centuries.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Most people crossing the route between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra will definitely notice the large crack which is marked by the mountain located east of this road. This majestic geological creation called Ha was probably created as a result of an earthquake.
Xerokambos is a small settlement in which you will find literally several taverns, and most of the buildings are single-storey and one-story houses. The big advantage of this beach is a gentle sandy descent to the sea.
Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
The first palace was built around 1900 BC. in the place where there was a quite impressive settlement whose remains were later transformed into the central part of the city.
The ruins of the ancient city of Itanos are located at the eastern tip of Crete, less than 3 kilometers north of the famous palm beach of Vai. Although there are also nice beaches at Itanos, unlike its well-known neighbor, this place does not attract crowds. There are either accidental stray tourists or excavation enthusiasts here.
Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Napoleon's house is one of the few typically tourist attractions in Ierapetra. About what could have happened here in the summer of 1798 and possibly how much in this legend is the truth we write in the article on the page below.
Moni Kapsa Monastery is one of the most interesting monasteries in Crete. Its massive buildings were erected on rocky, gray slopes surrounding the nearby Pervolakia Gorge.
A ja przede wszystkim proponuje przejście z Zakros do Kato Zakros - wąwóz jest ładny, w przeciwieństwie do większości wąwozów Krety cały rok płynie nim woda więc jest zielony. Przejście nie jest trudne spokojnie w jednym dniu da się zejść, zwiedzić ruiny w Kato Zakros i wrócić do Zakros.
Piotrek | www.crete.pl
2019-03-18 09:21:54
Wąwóz
Piotr, opis wąwozu na pewno z czasem pojawi się na naszej stronie. My również polecamy zwiedzenie tego wąwozu. Tym bardziej, że dzięki kilku alternatywnych wejść szlak można zrealizować na kilka sposobów.
Sougia is a small town located in the southwest of Crete. This place is still outside the main tourist trail. Not counting tourists returning from the Samaria gorge, this place is visited by a few people for whom peace and quiet are an advantage and not a disadvantage.
For tourists who have gone to the Samaria Gorge, the white buildings of Agia Roumeli emerging at the end of the trip are one of the most pleasant views that they will see on that day. Although the number of permanent residents oscillates around a hundred people, in the summer Agia Roumeli is one of the more crowded and noisy places in Crete. In the high season, over 1,000 people meet here every day, who, while waiting for the ferry back, regains his strength in one of the many taverns there.
Redirected from the site - Stalis. Stalida is located in the central-eastern part of Crete. It is less than 30 km from Heraklion airport. Located directly along the coast, it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
gość PiotrWie Wczoraj zaczęło przybywać ludzi na wyspie, dziś ( czwartek) przybyło wyraźnie więcej - przyjechali Grecy na święta. Zobaczymy na jak długo.
gość PiotrWie My lecieliśmy ( co prawda 10 kwietnia, więc 9 dni przed Wielkanocą ) z Aten na Paros i w samolocie było zdecydowanie poniżej połowy miejsc zajęte. Na dzień dzisiejszy jest bardzo mało ludzi - co nas bardzo cieszy. Ponieważ planujemy pozostać na Cykladach do 4 czerwca zobaczymy kiedy ilość turystów zacznie narastać.
gość zecia Moussaka to greckie danie, które zawsze mnie urzeka swoim smakiem. Robię ją z bakłażanem, mieloną wołowiną, ziemniakami i kremowym beszamelem. Bakłażana smażę na oliwie, mięso doprawiam cynamonem i pomidorami – aromat roznosi się po kuchni. Układam warstwy i zapiekam, aż wierzch jest złocisty – wygląda jak z obrazka. Dla nas wrzucam odrobinę ostrej papryki – polski sznyt dla wyrazistości. (...)
Komentarze
A ja przede wszystkim proponuje przejście z Zakros do Kato Zakros - wąwóz jest ładny, w przeciwieństwie do większości wąwozów Krety cały rok płynie nim woda więc jest zielony. Przejście nie jest trudne spokojnie w jednym dniu da się zejść, zwiedzić ruiny w Kato Zakros i wrócić do Zakros.
Wąwóz
Piotr, opis wąwozu na pewno z czasem pojawi się na naszej stronie. My również polecamy zwiedzenie tego wąwozu. Tym bardziej, że dzięki kilku alternatywnych wejść szlak można zrealizować na kilka sposobów.
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