Located on the picturesque eastern coast of Crete, Zakros is a Minoan archaeological site steeped in history and culture Considered one of the five major palaces of the Minoan civilization, Zakros was a bustling commercial center due to its protected harbor and strategic location for trade to the east
At the heart of this ancient town was the Palace of Zakro, originally built in 1900 BC and later rebuilt in 1600 BC However, like many other Minoan centers, it met its demise around 1450 BC Today, visitors can explore the extensive ruins of the palace, which have become a popular attraction for tourists
The town of Zakros is divided into two parts: Epano Zakros (Upper Zakros) and Kato Zakros (Lower Zakros) Epano Zakros, situated higher up on the hillside, offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape Meanwhile, Kato Zakros is closer to the sea and is known for its ravine, aptly named the “Ravine of the Dead” due to the numerous burial sites found within its caves
To reach Zakros, one must travel 38 km (24 mi) from Sitia, passing through the village of Palekastro before heading south The community of Zakros also includes several smaller villages, including Kato Zakros, Adravasti, Azokeramos, Kellaria, Klisidi, and several hamlets The journey ends at Kato Zakros, as the asphalt road comes to a close
Excavations at Zakros have been ongoing since the early 20th century, when DG Hogarth of the British School of Archaeology at Athens uncovered 12 houses In 1961, Nikolaos Platon continued the excavation and discovered the Palace of Zakros, unearthing numerous clay tablets with Linear A inscriptions It is a testament to the rich history and importance of this ancient site
Located in the Lasithi region of Crete, Zakros is approximately 308 km from Chania Airport and 160 km from Heraklion Airport The drive from Chania Airport takes approximately 4 hours and 49 minutes, while the drive from Heraklion Airport takes approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes This makes it easily accessible for tourists looking to explore this fascinating Minoan site
