Zakros, Siteia

Zakros is a village and the seat of a namesake community in the municipality of Sitia in the Lasithi region on the east coast of Crete. The ruins of the ancient Minoan city of Zakros are located in the area and today constitute an important archaeological site of the Minoan civilization. It is considered to have been one of the four main administrative centers of the Minoans, while its protected harbor and strategic location made it an important commercial hub for trade to the east.

Geography

Zakros is sometimes divided into¹ Ano Zakros (Upper Zakros), the part located higher on the hill, and Kato Zakros (Lower Zakros), the part near the sea. A gorge, known as the “Gorge of the Dead”, runs through both the upper and lower parts of the ancient city and is named after the numerous Minoan Age tombs found in the caves along its sides. Ano Zakros is 38 kilometers from Sitia. The road passes through Palaikastro, where it then heads south. The current municipal district of Zakros includes the settlements of Kato Zakros, Adravastoi, Azoke Ramos, Kellaria, Klisidion, Agios Georgios, and Sfaka.

History

The palace of Zakros, which was built around 1900 BC, rebuilt around 1600 BC, and destroyed in 1450 BC along with the other main centers of the Minoan civilization, dominated the city. Today the ruins of the palace, located by the sea, in Kato Zakros, are visible and open to visitors, making Zakros a popular tourist destination.

Economy

The village of Zakros is located 38 km southeast of Sitia and 7 km from the Minoan site. The population of 800 inhabitants is engaged in agriculture and especially in the cultivation of olives. The best olive oil in all of Crete is produced in the area. In the upper side of the village, there are springs whose water was the driving force for the many watermills of the village.

Culture and Traditions

The lifestyle of the residents remained untouched by Turkish development. Their diet is very pure and includes vegetables, wild greens, snails, handmade dairy products, and whatever nature generously provides here. Of course, they make their own traditional bread (ntakos) in wood-fired ovens, as well as produce wonderful thyme honey and extra virgin olive oil.

Family and Social Life

The way of life of the inhabitants of Zakros remained untouched by the Turkish occupation. Their way of eating is very pure and includes vegetables, wild greens, snails, handmade dairy products, and whatever nature generously gives here. Of course they make their own traditional bread (dakos) in wood ovens, as they also produce wonderful thyme honey and extra virgin olive oil.

Points of Interest

Archaeological Site: The ruins of the Minoan palace of Zakros are a popular tourist destination and an important archaeological site.
Gorge of the Dead: This gorge is named after the numerous Minoan Age tombs found in the caves along its sides.
Water Museum: The Water Museum of Zakros houses a collection of artifacts and tools related to the history of water use in the area.
Folklore Museum: The Folklore Museum of Zakros displays exhibits on the traditional way of life in the region.
Beaches: Kato Zakros has a beautiful beach that is popular with tourists. The nearby beach of Xerokambos is also worth visiting.
Hiking: The area around Zakros offers opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region. The European path E4 passes through Zakros.

Settlement: Key Points

Zakros is located on the east coast of Crete, in the municipality of Sitia, Lasithi region.
It was once an important Minoan settlement, with a palace that was one of the four main administrative centers of the Minoans.
The village is known for its archaeological site, the Gorge of the Dead, its beaches, and its watermills.
The population of Zakros has fluctuated over the years, with a peak of 800 in 1991.
The current population is around 644 (2021).