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The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.
Over 40 km behind Sitia, south of Palekastro, there is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros. Rocky mountains surround the ruins of the palace complex with the remains of a once thriving city, built on a fairly hard-to-reach and inhabited area. Paradoxically, Zakros, being several centuries ago, a city with extensive contacts with other countries, was (and is actually still) the most isolated Minoan center on the island.
The location of this palace off the beaten path of Crete means that today it is the Minoan palace, the least visited by tourists, even though it is most beautifully located. Picturesque mountain roads and a large distance from popular tourist resorts located along the northern coast are an insurmountable barrier for tour operators. Visiting Zakros is not included in the offer of optional tours of popular travel agencies, so people who bought a trip to Crete from the office and want to visit Zakros are renting a car and taking an independent trip.
Pozostałości antycznego miasta Kato Zakros
Ruiny minojskiego pałacu
Na zdjęciu widoczny jest główny dziedziniec oraz jedno z dwóch skrzydeł pałacu
Widok ogólny na ruiny Kato Zakros
Zachodnie skrzydło pałacu
Jedna z wewnętrznych dróg miasta
History of excavations in Kato Zakros
The first archaeological excavations in Zakros began at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries British archaeologist David George Hogarth. Thanks to his work near the former port, the ruins of 12 buildings were discovered, after which the excavations were abandoned.
The resumption of archaeological research took place in 1961. The Greek archaeologist Nikolaos Platon has led the expedition this time. His work brought significant discoveries. Upper Zakros was discovered, in which there are remains of the palace, excavations of various craft tools, clay plates with linear writing were also unearthed. A several-year break in running the works also had its advantages. More modern and scientific methods were used to dig up the remains than in the case of the other larger palaces.
A ritual riton found during excavations conducted in 1963. Decorated with characteristic decorations depicting mountain landscapes.
It is worth noting that since the World War II, the discovery of the palace in Zakros is one of the most important discoveries of the remains of Minoan culture, and the fact that archaeological works are carried out to the present allows you to hope that other interesting finds will also see the light of day.
The history of the palace
The palace was built around 1900 BC. As with the other Minoan centers in Crete, the old palaces were destroyed by earthquakes, and new ones were replaced in their place. Thus, the palace is rebuilt in Zakros around 1600 BC. Its area was then about 8000 square meters, while in the palace there were 150 rooms (various sources give different numbers) and a central courtyard measuring 30 x 12 meters. The flourishing city, which formerly surrounded the palace, has not been fully excavated to the surface. Residential houses that have been discovered so far have often been large, some of them even up to 30 rooms and also small storage rooms. In the end, around 1450 BC, the palace in Zakros shared the fate of the other Minoan centers and was suddenly destroyed for unexplained reasons.
Ryton made of mountain crystal decorated with a gilded ivory ring. This vessel is considered by many archaeologists to be one of the most beautiful finds in Crete.
Although the palace in Zakros was about five times smaller than Knossos , its specific location made it an administrative, commercial and religious center for the entire area. Good geographical conditions meant that the port in Zakros was much better sheltered from the wind than the one in Palekastro located a little further north, making it better adapted to the adoption of a large fleet of commercial and military ships. Thanks to this, the city is a hundredabout the main communication and trade center that maintains contacts with the Middle East, Egypt and Cyprus.
The rich commercial activity of the palace can be proved by the wealth of imported materials found here. These findings include ivory, various metals and semi-precious stones. In addition, as it turned out, the palace warehouses were not used to store agricultural products as much as in other palaces, which indicates a different source of income. In Zakros, mainly metal products, fabrics and ceramics were stored.
Ivory found at the site of the Zakros excavation - most likely imported from Egypt, in the back of the picture, on the right, copper bars (each weighing about 30 kg) are visible.
Another argument supporting the thesis that the palace functioned more as a trade center was the location of the main entrance to Zakros. The city and the port were located north of the palace, so the main entrance was from the north-east.
An interesting find is nine shallow tanks, which were probably used during dyeing of fabrics and a cistern for collecting water. As it turned out, one of them had religious significance and sacrifices for the gods. Archaeologists were lucky and discovered this cistern a bowl with quite well preserved olives probably once deposited in a gift. The humid environment of the cisterns preserved the pulp and skin of the fruit. These oldest olives were displayed at the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion until the renovation began. Let's hope that once the work is finished, the olives will be made available again. Found fruits and an olive press excavated in the city also prove that the fruits of the olive tree and olive oil were an important part of the diet of the Minoans. Among the discovered buildings of the city, among others, press used for the production of wine were found. It is highly probable that Zakros specialized in the production of wine exported later to the Cyclades.
Olives found in one of the tanks discovered in Kato Zakros (photo of the game board from the excavation site)
In the immediate vicinity of the palace there is also the entrance to the gorge with the intriguing name of Gorge of the Dead, which was named after Minoan graves found in nearby caves. However, visiting it is best to plan for those months that have a more lively air temperature.
How to get
In order to get to Zakros, it is best to rent a car because communication is poor and optional excursions do not come here. You can of course use bus connections, however, KTEL does not have direct connections with, for example, Heraklion . The bus arriving to Zakros leaves the city of Sitia at 6.00 and 14.30. Buses from Zakros leave at 7.00 and 15.30. This means that if you decide to reach KTEL, you need much more time, because first you must go to Sitia.
Malownicza droga do Zakros
W głębi zdjęcia widoczne wejście do Doliny Umarłych
Zatoka obok miejscowości Kato Zakros
Going to Zakros by car, drive to the New National Road and head first to Sitia, then further east to Palokastro, where you have to turn right and look for signs for Zakros. Rather, do not plan to travel directly from Sitia through Piskokefalo - we strongly advised this local Greeks to such an option.
In 2011, entrance tickets to the excavation site cost 3 € per person. When planning a tour, it is best to reserve a greater amount of time to reach the place late in the morning or early afternoon, because in addition to watching the excavations worth visiting the excellent seaside taverns that specialize in excellent fish and take a bath in the sea. It is worth to leave here before dark, because Zakros is located nand a remote place, and access roads are quite demanding. You can also plan a return to the south coast - it is worth joining the plans for visiting Xerokambos . However, returning along the southern coast takes a lot of time, because it is connected with winding mountain roads, on which it is impossible to develop higher speeds.
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Interesting places on Crete
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W 2002 roku Falasarna zdobyła tytuł najlepszej plaży w Grecji. Wyróżnienie to nie jest bynajmniej przypadkowe, gdyż miejsce to jak na standardy Krety jest naprawdę unikalne.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Aptera is a city whose history dates back to at least a thousand years before our era. In the peak period, about 20,000 lived in it. people, of which only 1/5 were free people.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
Located 47 km from the city of Chania, it is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Its area is about 580 thousand. sqm. and the maximum depth is about 45 meters
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
The steel crossing, which in the central part is separated from the ground by nearly 150 m, is at the leading position of the places where the longest bungee jumps are made.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge.
Balos is one of Crete's flagship beaches if not all of Greece. We can assure you that the landscapes you see during your trip to Balos will remain with you for a very long time.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna.
Polyrinia was one of the most important city-states of western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was built amphitheater on a steep hill, rising to a height of 481 meters above sea level
The island of Gramvousa, or in fact Imeri Gramvousa (Ήμερη Γραμβούσα), is an inseparable point of a trip that combines a stay in the Balos Lagoon with visiting the remains of a fortress located on the top of the island of Imeri Gramovousa.
There is a beach in Crete that literally makes some people shiver. This place is Seitan Limania which can be translated as Satan's Ports or Cursed Ports.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.
Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also known as the village hidden in the gorge.
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
The Lasithi Plateau is located about 70 kilometers from the capital of Crete - Heraklion. The average height at which the terrain of this plateau is located is 840 m above sea level.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology.
Among the olive groves in the place called Logari, which is less than a kilometer from the village of Kritsa, there is a small Byzantine church of Panagia Kera from the 13th-14th centuries.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Most people crossing the route between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra will definitely notice the large crack which is marked by the mountain located east of this road. This majestic geological creation called Ha was probably created as a result of an earthquake.
Xerokambos is a small settlement in which you will find literally several taverns, and most of the buildings are single-storey and one-story houses. The big advantage of this beach is a gentle sandy descent to the sea.
Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
The first palace was built around 1900 BC. in the place where there was a quite impressive settlement whose remains were later transformed into the central part of the city.
The ruins of the ancient city of Itanos are located at the eastern tip of Crete, less than 3 kilometers north of the famous palm beach of Vai. Although there are also nice beaches at Itanos, unlike its well-known neighbor, this place does not attract crowds. There are either accidental stray tourists or excavation enthusiasts here.
Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Napoleon's house is one of the few typically tourist attractions in Ierapetra. About what could have happened here in the summer of 1798 and possibly how much in this legend is the truth we write in the article on the page below.
Moni Kapsa Monastery is one of the most interesting monasteries in Crete. Its massive buildings were erected on rocky, gray slopes surrounding the nearby Pervolakia Gorge.
The ruins of the ancient city of LATO can be found near the charming village of Krista near Agios Nikolaos. This is one of my favorite excavations in Crete. Located on the sidelines, without crowds of crowds, exposed to the burning sun, which heats mercilessly the stone remains of the city. The atmosphere of isolation is conducive to such sightseeing that I prefer the most. It leaves room for both reverie over the former inhabitants of this place and a picturesque photographic plein-air without tourists entering the lens.
Knossos is one of the flagship monuments visited by tourists, it is also the most popular place where organized trips go. One of the more characteristic elements associated with the Knossos Palace is the red columns. Although they are currently made of concrete, they were originally made of cypress trunk.
It is recognized that Gournia was inhabited between 3000 BC and 1200 BC and is one of the few cities unearthed to a large extent. In other major cities, archaeologists focused mainly on discovering palace buildings, while in Gournia, apart from the palace, urban buildings, residential houses and a road network were also discovered.
Byłam. W zależności od wielkości fal, przejście nie zawsze jest takie łatwe. Bardzo ślisko może być. Ale warto.
I stamtąd obowiązkowo jeździmy na jezioro Kournas.
gość dodekanezowiec Wybierając różne kraje pod kątem pogody, to wiem że np. w czerwcu lepiej Grecję niż Kanary (cieplejsza woda), a w listopadzie lepiej Kanary (cieplej i słoneczniej).
Z innej beczki - u nas ten listopad też za ciepły nie był.
gość PiotrWie No to widać cały czas chodzą niezbyt odpowiedzialnie ( choć u nas też się to często zdarza, pewnie bardziej jest to związane z wiekiem niż z narodowością. Kreteńczy są bardzo sympatyczni i uczynni, ale często widywałem grupki z niewielkimi zapasami wody za to z raki. (...)
Gosia | crete.pl To byli Kreteńczycy. Pewnie gdyby to byli turyści to w mediach zostałoby to wyraźnie zaznaczone ;)
gość PiotrWie Wiecie może czy to byli miejscowi czy ktoś z zagranicy? Bo lokalsi chodzą często dość nieodpowiedzialnie, na wprost zamiast po szlakach. Ale nigdy nie widziałem jak chodzą w okresie zimowym - może trochę bardziej odpowiedzialnie niż jesienią i wiosną.
Komentarze
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a jaka piękna droga do Zakros, polecam tym, którzy nie byli :)
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Tak, drogi w tym rejonie są wyjątkowo piękne.
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