18°C
A small seaside settlement with a wonderful and peaceful pebble beach, and blue crystalline waters with a fascinating sea-bed, just right for exploration.
It is made up of two small coves with tamarisks for shade; not really organized and thus not many umbrellas and sunbeds are to be seen.
Nonetheless, near it are some tavernas, cafeterias and rent-rooms, as well as some basic facilities like a chemist and a minimarket.
Whichever bay takes your fancy, you will be certain of a quiet swim: the second of them, with two caves, is approached by a steep flight of steps.
When here, you will be sure to visit the important archaeological site, the Minoan Palace and town, and other attractions. Sizeable at 8000 sq m (though smaller than Knossos, Festos and Malia), it has main phases of occupation between 1900 and 1500 BC.
It is because of the importance of the archaeology in this area that the beach and village remain relatively undeveloped.
The town is set at the mouth of an imposing gorge with rare flora and fauna as well as some impressive geological formations: the canyon is called the Gorge of Zakros or of the Dead (there are Minoan tombs cut into its sides). It runs from Upper/Epano to the shore at Lower/Kato Zakros.
The path within it is part of the E4 Walking Trail: if you continue along it northwards from Zakros towards Karoumes, you will pass by the Pelekita cave, one of the largest in Crete, with a quarry by it.
To get to Kato Zakros from Siteia, you first take the road east to Palaikastro, and then the turning to Zakros. It is an interesting journey, as it passes through small picturesque villages.
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The Rural Greece is an online portal that connects travellers with unique destinations and local businesses in the countryside, offering authentic experiences through activities that highlight nature, traditions and culture.
For the Rural Greece accessibility is fundamental to enhancing an inclusive tourism experience. Following the principles of inclusion and equality, the epaithros Rural Tourism Network and its member businesses are constantly working to enhance the tourism services provided, ensuring that all visitors have the opportunity to experience the authentic beauty of the Greek countryside.
Sustainability in tourism refers to a way of developing tourism that respects and protects the environment while strengthening the local economy and preserving cultural traditions. The aim of sustainable tourism is to provide unique and authentic experiences for visitors without harming the natural and social environment, while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activity.
This type of tourism is based on three pillars:
With sustainable tourism, visitors can have authentic experiences, knowing that the impact of tourism on the region is positive and lasting for future generations.
For Rural Greece, localism is one of the most important factors for the development of sustainable tourism, as it promotes a strong link between the tourism product and the local society, economy and culture. Through localism, visitors get the opportunity to explore authentic elements of the destination, such as local products, traditions and culture. This not only boosts the local economy, but also helps to sustain and strengthen local businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the development of local communities.
Furthermore, localism contributes to the sustainability of the tourism sector, as it reduces the use of resources from other regions and encourages the use of local goods and services, reducing the ecological footprint of tourism activities. Thus, integrating localism into tourism practices enhances sustainability awareness, both among visitors and local businesses, creating a more responsible and sustainable tourism destination.
