Kato Zakros is located on the naturally sheltered bay, the most easterly south coast of Crete and in ancient times served as a port and starting point for the seafaring Minoans. It is a coastal settlement, part of Sitia municipality, Lasithi district, 9 km from Zakros village and 45 km from Sitia town. Besides Knossos, Festos, Malia, Kato Zakros is one of the largest Minoan archaeological sites. The excavations of the former trading town are now 300 meters behind the coast. You need a guide to be able to assign the individual rooms to their former functions. But here too, as with many sights, the journey alone is an experience in itself. Taverns and a small beach invite you to linger. The coastline around Kato Zakros is very impressive. Steep cliffs and slopping hills enclose the bay. It is still an authentic tourist destination, untouched by mass tourism, ideal for a quiet holiday.
There are 4 tavernas directly on the sea/beach. 14 km to Xerokampos, 43 km to Sitia, 171 km to the capital and Heraklion Airport. The entire region of the extreme south-east coast is poorly developed for tourism, but offers excellent bathing opportunities with a fantastic mountain backdrop and beautiful beaches. The region of Kato Zakros is in the area of Sitia Geopark under the auspices of UNESCO, a large part of which is in the Natura 2000 network of trails, thus practicing trekking, geological, nature and generally sustainable tourism. The impressive geological formations from millions of years ago, the Minoan Palace of Zakros, the historical Canyon of the Dead, the ancient quarries, the underground caves, the hilltop sanctuaries, the rich avifauna (bird populations), the lacy coast with the deep blue of the sea and the friendly nature of the residents draw a unique picture that awaits the visitor.
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