Overview
A five day short break walking in East Crete, through the UNESCO Geopark of Sitìa which clings to the coast and, as well as having superb beaches, has the Zakros Mountains as backdrop. Explore this remote region of Lasithi, its karst limestone shoreline boasting an array of ancient fossils, caves and gorges including Zakros Gorge, aka Gorge of the Dead because ancient Minoans buried their people here. There are also some ancient archaeological sites, such as Zakros’ Minoan palace, turning this coast into a sun-drenched museum.
- Vai beach and palm forest
- The Gorge of the Dead in Zakros
- Zakros’ Minoan Palace
- UNESCO Geopark of Sitìa
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Palèkastro
Arrive at Heraklion or Sitia airport and transfer (2h30mins or 30mins) to Palèkastro, where a local representative provides an overview of the upcoming walks. There is time to explore the town before dinner.
- Included meals: dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel Ostria or similar in Palèkastro
Day 2: Ìtanos to Palèkastro | 12km
After a 15-minute transfer, follow a coastal trail past Ancient Doric Ìtanos, Roussolakkos’ Minoan settlement, Itanos beach, Vai beach, Vai palm forest, Maridati beach and Kouremenos beach. The first section up to Maridati beach is moderate, with several ups and downs on rocky and uneven terrain with thorny vegetation and two short steep descents. The second section is easy, largely flat and on an even surface.
- Walking for the day: 12km, 5h, ↑500m
- Included meals: breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel Ostria or similar in Palèkastro
Day 3: Palèkastro to Kato Zakros | 16km
The walk begins easily through rural terrain leading to Skiniàs beach. Continue along a rocky and thorny coastal path to Karoumes bay, the intermediate point of the stage. Beyond Karoumes the route becomes more demanding, following a rocky and stony coastal cliff path with several moderate ups and downs and a short exposed section above the sea. The final stretch passes distinctive rock formations and the Minoan cave of Pelekità before reaching Kato Zakros.
Easier alternative: from Karoumes bay, it is possible to follow Hohlakiès Gorge (1h30mins, 2.5km) to Hohlakiès village, where a locally arranged transfer to Kato Zakros is available.
- Walking for the day: 16km, 6.30h, ↑650m
- Included meals: breakfast, dinner
- Accommodation: Coral Rooms or similar in Kato Zakros
Day 4: The Gorge of the Dead and Zakros | 14km
This walk leads through Gorge of the Dead to the village of Zakros. The gorge is named after the ancient Minoans who buried their dead in its caves and walls. In Zakros, the route continues to the spring and watermills in the upper part of the village before returning to Kato Zakros on a track with elevated views of the gorge and Zakros Bay.
Easier alternative: return to Kato Zakros via the Old Road (2h, 6.7km), a dirt road that once connected Zakros and Kato Zakros.
- Walking for the day: 14km, 5h, ↑650m
- Included meals: breakfast
- Accommodation: Coral Rooms or similar in Kato Zakros
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Heraklion or Sitia airport or bus station (3h or 1h). It is possible to extend the stay to explore cultural sites such as the Archaeological Museum, Palace of Knossòs, the Venetian walls and Koules fortress.
What to expect
Accommodation
Family-run 2 and 3-star hotels and guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms. Accommodation in Kato Zakros is basic due to strict archaeological and environmental building restrictions.
Click to view default hotels
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. Upon request the night before, hotels can also prepare lunch packets. Dinners are included on days 1 and 3 in selected tavernas.
Difficulty and terrain
The routes are classified as moderate and are suitable for walkers in good physical condition with some previous hiking experience (read more about difficulty grades). There are no steep ascents or long distances. Some short sections require attention and sure-footedness, although no scrambling is involved. The terrain alternates between dirt roads and rocky paths, with stretches of rough and uneven ground and spiny bushes that slow down the pace.
We will provide you with detailed road notes, maps and GPS tracks, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
The trip is available from the end of March to the end of June and from the end of September to the end of October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date in the season – so please indicate the desired beginning date when booking.
The climate is generally dry and rain showers do happen but are rare. In the spring the landscape is green and the flowers are blooming, while in the autumn the environment is drier but the sea is a perfect temperature for swimming. The summer is not so good for hiking, as it is too hot and there is not a lot of shade.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Heraklion (HER) or Sitia (JSH). Please note that the arrival airport transfer is included only if you arrive in Heraklion or Sitia.
By train or bus
- If you use Chania airport, you can take the local bus to Heraklion. For more information, use the Omio planner above.
- A discount applies if you arrive and depart from Sitia airport.
Inclusions
Included
- 4 nights in small hotels and guesthouses (private rooms with en-suite facilities)
- 4 breakfasts
- 2 dinners
- All transfers as described in the itinerary
- All luggage transportation during the walking days
- Welcome meeting with a local representative
- Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, route notes and maps
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers other than from/to Heraklion airport
- Lunches, 2 dinners, drinks and snacks
- Trekking poles rental €15 (4 days) payable locally
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Extra nights along the trail are bookable upon request
