Kato Zakros: Georoutes between Gorge and Coast

The georoutes give Kato Zakros a clear landscape-based orientation. Two begin in the village and head in opposite directions to beach destinations; another starts in Epano Zakros and reaches Kato Zakros through the gorge. If you are looking for a hotel in Kato Zakros, you can first consider whether coastal paths or the route through the gorge better match the themes that interest you.

Coastal paths to the north and south

Georoute 12 begins in Kato Zakros and heads north along an old, clearly visible path. Its destination is the secluded beach of Karoumes. The starting point, direction, and beach destination give this route a clear orientation: it leads north from the village to Karoumes.

Georoute 11 also starts in Kato Zakros, but heads south. It follows the old coastal path through the Fangromouro area and ends at Katsounaki Beach. The route is distinguished not only by its destination but also by its course: Fangromouro lies along the way south.

The route descriptions help you choose between them: Route 12 is an old, clearly visible path, while Route 11 is an old coastal path. Their different endpoints, Karoumes and Katsounaki, are another distinction. This lets you compare them by their descriptions and beach destinations rather than distinguishing them only by their numbers.

Through the gorge to Kato Zakros

Georoute 10 begins in Epano Zakros, passes through the Zakros Gorge, and reaches Kato Zakros. The gorge is also known as the Gorge of the Dead. Along the way, the route passes the Minoan cemetery and the archaeological site of the Palace of Kato Zakros. The route through the gorge thus connects two places associated with Minoan history and archaeology.

Kato Zakros’s role also distinguishes this route from the coastal paths: for Route 10, the village is the destination; for Routes 11 and 12, it is the starting point. So when comparing the georoutes, you can also see whether your chosen route begins or ends in Kato Zakros.

Routes as a guide to choosing where to stay

Kato Zakros has beaches; Karoumes and Katsounaki are two specific beach destinations named on the georoutes. Karoumes is the destination for the northern coastal route, while Katsounaki is the destination for the southern coastal path. If you are more interested in the gorge and the archaeological sites along the way, you can consider Route 10. The three options therefore differ in direction, destination, and the themes that take center stage along the way.

For Georoutes 11 and 12, it is advisable to check local conditions before setting out. Discover more destinations: Sfáka, Pefkoi Makry Gialos, Epano Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, Makris Gialos, Skopi, Ferma, Xerokampos.

For the broader travel overview: Lasithi.