Zakros and Kato Zakros
Zakros remained a small farmers village when during the excavations
of the Minoan palace of Kato Zakros the first ''attack of strangers''
was experienced. For many years numerous archaeologists from Athens
and their student lived in the small place in the mountains, which
has a good reputation as summer-resort. Nevertheless Zakros praises
itself to have an eternally gushing source with cool, pure and
fresh mountain water. Not only the olive farmers are pleased but
also the owners of the small lemonade factory at the village entrance.
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| The palace of Kato
Zakros |
The Minoan Palace
The discovery of the fourth Minoan palace after Knossos, Phaestos
and Malia was mere coincidence. A farmer from Zakros working
on his fields close to the Zakros beach discovered numerous
fragments of vases and parts of brickwork over the years. First
it was believed that this is a Minoan city such as Roussolakkos
close to Palekastro. However when the excavations was intensified
the archaeologists encountered a sensation. Another Minoan palace
and contrary to the past almost possible intact and not destroyed
by plundering.
The palace hid numerous important finds which
are issued today in the archaeological museum Iraklion.
The way to the palace
Those who are interested in hiking should walk along the "Valley
of the Dead". Entrance is some 2 kilometres out of Zakros
close the the road leading down to the coast. After a scarcely
three-hour foot march you will come directly to the excavation
site. The regular bus will carry you back from the beach of
Kato Zakros to your car at the ravine entrance. The hike is
good for spring and autumn in the summer however in the ravine
the heat is enormous. In the ravine Minoan's buried the dead
in caves.
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| Beach of Kato Zakros |
Rest at the beach
Close to the excavation site you'll find numerous taverns and
shade. At reasonable prices they offer fresh fish and all kinds
of domestic food. And don't forget to jump into the crystal waters!
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