Makrigialos & Kato Zakros Area Information
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    Makrigialos

    The quiet traditional resort of Makrigialos is in the far east corner of the island
    and has now been forsaken by some tour companies, perhaps because of the two
    hour transfer time from Herakleion airport. The name Makri Gialos means "long
    sandy beach" It can be approached from the north, via Siteia or the west via
    Ierapetra, and is still a haven for those seeking a quieter holiday.

    With a backdrop of high mountains and excellent walking trails in the gorges of
    the area, Makrigialos is an excellent choice for walkers, nature lovers and artists.
    Traditional villages and ways of life can still be seen, despite the ubiquitous
    tourist and souvenir shops that always spring up in any resort. There are still
    only very few in the area.
    The harbour area is picturesque and surrounded by cottages, some of which are
    available for rental and the nearby island of Koufonisi can be visited by
    arrangement with local boatmen. The island was one of the sources of the pink
    conch shells used to dye the purple robes of the Roman Emperors.

    Makrigialos has a population of around 1000 people and consists of two
    settlements Makrigialos and Analipsi. The surrounding mountain villages are
    seeped in history, with narrow winding street, traditional architecture and a
    colourful array of geraniums, bougainvillea and vines.

    With monasteries, long sandy beaches and mountain villages within easy access,
    the area is a place for exploration, reflection and tranquility.

    Kato Zakros

    A coastal area with a settlement 8 km away from Pano Zakros at a magnificent
    bay with sandy beach. Here, in 1961 the renowned archaeologist Nikolaos Platon
    traced and excavated the fourth Minoan Palace on Crete. The first to trace
    evidence of ancient ruins was Spratt. After him the archaeologists Halbherr and
    Mariani, Evans and Hogarth searched the area. Golden jewels found by a peasant
    and handed in by Em. Figetakis and N. Karantonis gave evidence of the existence
    of ancient sites. The first excavations of N. Platon were financed by the
    American art-lovers Leon and Harriet Pomerance. The overall size of the central
    building was bigger than 10 acres and there were about 250 chambers for different
    use.

    The palace was not looted when found so although smaller than the ones in
    Knossos, Festos and Mallia, the finds there were more in number (over a 1000)
    and more significant, thus giving us valuable information about the life and
    civilization of the Minoans. Many of them are "royal", real pieces of art. The
    palace was mostly developed due to its geographic position. It was the big port
    of call for the Minoan ships coming from and heading to Egypt and the East.
    This was evidenced by the many finds and raw materials coming from these
    areas. The handicraft and arts were particularly developed in the Palace of Zakros
    and were very profitable. The palace finds are exhibited in the Museums of
    Heraklion, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. The palace was destroyed by the volcanic
    eruption in about 1500 B.C.

    Kato Zakro area is one of outstanding natural beauty, and is the perfect place to
    relax and unwind from the bustle of modern life, in harmony with unspoilt
    nature. A place where true Cretan hospitality (filoxenia) can still be found in
    abundance, and steeped in much history and tradition.