Schluchten

Gorge of the Dead (Zakros)

Sitia, Lasithi · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

A walk from Zakros to the Minoan palace.

The Gorge of the Dead lies in the far east of Crete, between the villages of Ano Zakros and Kato Zakros. It's about 8 km long and takes about 2 to 3 hours to walk.

The gorge got its name from the many caves in its walls, which were used by the Minoans as burial places. The walk passes through a beautiful landscape of rock walls, oleanders and plane trees, and ends near the Minoan palace of Zakros and the beach of Kato Zakros.

The walk starts at Ano Zakros, a village with springs and plane trees, and descends gently through the gorge to the sea. The rock walls are dotted with caves where the Minoans buried their dead, giving the gorge its name. In spring, the gorge is full of flowers and birdsong. At the end, the Minoan palace of Zakros and the tavernas of Kato Zakros wait for you.

Around Sitia

Nearest town: Palekastro, about 14 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 24 km by road

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi