The coastal village of Kato Zakros, well known for its own special beauty, is located some 40 km from Sitia. In this really unspoilt landscape with the element of water every where in evidence and frequent contrasts of scenery one can find everything: From the beaches in the lee of the prevailing wind to the untamed plains and plateaus the geographical area which is host to Kato Zakros constitutes something of repute to those who love the countryside and quiet relaxation.
There are numerous opportunities to set out and explore hitherto unknown enchanting spots, alternatives for admiring and enjoying nature are countless. Long sandy beaches for swimming are there for all to enjoy while others almost deserted for solitude peace or even fishing are also to be found near this earthly paradise.
Those on the other hand, who want action and adventure will also find here scope for their chosen activities. The mountainous nature of the land is suitable for all kinds of relevant outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, exploring the many footpaths and of course walking through Kato Zakros famous “valley of the dead”, mountain biking etc.
There are many possible excursions which could well end up in one of the picturesque fish taverns with their wonderful delicacies on the beach of the village beside the deep blue sea. In the wider region, beyond the area surrounding Zakros itself, many other fascinating places arouse the interest and enthusiasm of those who choose to explore them. There one can find many unusual natural, archaeological and cultural monuments which take those who seek them out off on journeys back through time.
Plotting a course back through some 3500years a visitor is brought to the Minoan Palace of Zakros.
VERANTA CORAL
KATO ZAKROS AIR
THE BEACH
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/42851
The Crete region
Kato Zakros Lassithi Eastern Crete Resort Greece. Accommodation & Lodging. Holidays - Vacation The eastern corner of Crete is known as being the most uncpoilt area of the island. It has a great deal more to offer than "sun, sea and sand", it offers a real insight into the way the Cretan people live. It is therefore ideal for the individual traveler.
Eastern Crete is one of the safest areas in the world, the criminality rate has always been particularly low, almost naught. The experts claim that here you should search for the different, calm and smiley landscape of eastern Crete!
If you seek peace and quiet, isolated beaches, taverns and 'cafenions' frequented by the locals, a chance to participate in all local events, then this is for you!
We want ουr visitors to really experience our traditions and culture, to meet the locals and take part in festivals of singing and dancing and, of course, sample the real local cuisine.
We have found ουr best means of advertisement to be word of mouth and see clients returning year after year, which proves that ουr policy works.
Being one of the most southerly parts of Europe, Crete enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year! In the summer months, the heat is alleviated on the north coast by the breezes of the "Meltemi". The start of the break-up of the long, dry months usually begins at the end of October. January and February form the real winter, yet often have lovely bright, sunny, warm days.
Cretan Culture East vs. West
Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and as most lands and nations of the world, there many idiosyncrasies and differences between different areas. Crete is no exception.
The west is a mountainous region, with deep gorges and forests which have snow in the winter. The most notable cities are Xania and Rethymno, which are both located next to the sea in the northern side of the island.
To the east the terrain is more rocky and wild. Cliffs and high buffs are abundant, as well as high mountains and caves. Notable cities are Agios Nikolaos and Sitia which are in the north east, Zakros and Ierapetra which are in the south east. The majority of the communities however are still in the multitude of villages that sprout up everywhere, and their history stretches into antiquity.
Fact is that the west is much more condensed in population, and has been concentrated on to much greater degree throughout history by communities of people. The east has for the most part been left alone and forgotten, and only in the past 100 years has it seen any changes.
Certain differences in views exist between the Eastern and the Western inhabitants. The westerners are decisive that they are the “true” Cretans while they believe that the easterners are more Turkish than Greek. The easterners share the opposite view entirely, boasting that they are most in touch with Cretan culture and keepers of the old ways of Crete. Nobody can tell either side any different, for Cretans are ferociously stubborn in their views!
Westerners are avid keepers of the Vendetta. The Vendetta is a custom passed down to Crete from the Venetians when they were occupying Crete. (“aha!” say the easterners. They are keeping a Venetian custom so they are not true Cretans!) The Vendetta is the continued wars between certain families. For example back in the 1700’s somebody stole a donkey from one family, and the insult is never forgotten! Westerners stoically keep their word and wouldn’t dream of going back on a promise. The men are far from being “sensitive” and this creates a lot of “macho” attitudes regarding almost anything. But this is no cause for alarm. No real hatred exists between them in most cases, however they feel as if they should prove their masculinity at all times.
Easterners are much more liberated and laid back. No one can rush an Easterner! Everything has its pace and rhythm. This can be frustrating to a visitor who is used to the pace of the modern world. Something that would take an hour to take care of back home, might even take a full day to accomplish in Crete! That is probably another reason why the Cretans live to a nice ripe old age (aside from their healthy diet and lifestyle,) they are blissfully free of set schedules and stress related to work. Easterners search for any excuse to celebrate, and they have many festivals. The wine festival in August (a custom that comes from the ancient days where the Cretans used to pay homage to the Olympian God Dionysus), the Raki Making Festival in the fall, the Kornaria (arts festival) named after their poet Vitzenzos Kornaros, all summer long, and many other celebrations. One aspect that connects both areas is the hospitality of the people and friendliness one discovers upon meeting them.
Now between these two sides of Crete, lies the province of Heraklion, in Central Crete. It remains neutral in views. This part of Crete is much more industrious than the west or the east. Where the Eastern and Western inhabitants are mostly farmers, fishermen, and shop owners, central Crete is known to be more worldly and business oriented.There is nowhere on Crete, however, that lacks historical significance.
The west boasts the Gorge of Samaria, the impressive Venetian ports, and remains of a plethora of Islamic architecture.
Central Crete is proud of the awe inspiring Minoan city, Knossos, out of which many legends and myths such as the Minotaur, and the mighty hero Theseus who with the help of the king’s daughter prevailed against the confusing and dangerous machinations of the famous Labyrinth. Heraklion has much to offer in the way of entertainment and points of historical significance.
The east is home to the king of the Olympian Gods, Zeus. He is said to have been born in a cave up in the Lassithi Mountains, in a cave that has up to today to have been explored fully! Agios Nikolaos used to have a bottomless lake and they were quite proud of it, until a man by the name of Jacques Kousto proved that there was a bottom to their lake and also many tanks and leftover war machines that were thrown in there from the Nazi’s! (All the junk has been since cleared away, and the lake still gives the impression that it is bottomless, and some say that there is a point at the bottom of the lake the connects to Santorini)
Sitia is home to one of the greatest poets of all time, Vitzenzos Kornaros. Kornaros lived in Sitia during the Venetian rule in Crete in the late Renaissance. His most significant work is the epic poem Erotocrito, which is said that Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” was inspired from it. A few miles south of Sitia lies the famous Itanos, the ancient Minoan city that sunk into the sea during the eruption of Santorini’s volcano.
Next to Itanos is the most famous beach in all of Crete, Vai. The largest palm tree forest in Europe opens up to a fascinating white beach, and it attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Wherever you choose to go, East, West, or Central Crete, it is assured you will find an abundance of interesting people and traditions, Cretan hospitality and atmosphere!
Sitia / Kato Zakros area
WHY ARE HOLIDAYS IN KATO ZAKROS SO BEAUTIFUL?
Kato Zakros is located in one of the most beautiful bays of the Cretan east coast and offers all the facilities for a perfect holiday. Already the Minoans preferred this place and built one of the most important and greatest palaces there. When the excavations started in the 1960s, discovered archeologists not only the very special remains of the Minoan culture, (which you can see at the spot and in the archeological museum in Heraklion), but also the unique beauty of the place. Because of its cultural value, big hotels were never built here and the area has retained its original magnificence. A walk through the Gorge (the valley of the dead), passing the cave graves where the Minoans buried their deceased, ends in the main village of Zakros, a very fertile place with a rich spring at the edge of the village.
In Xerokampos, approx. 12 km south, a rare flower, the beach lily, grows in the dunes on the white sandy beaches in September. In the north, approx. 40 min drive is another unique Bay, the palm beach of Vai with thousands of Date palmtrees. Very close by is the famous monastery of Toplou, a monument of historical importance during the resistance of the Cretans against both, the Venetians and the Turks. Placed in a lonely and deserted landscape it has an exhibition of invaluable old icons and a small museum with historical writings and findings. If you want to see the beautiful side of Crete, is Kato Zakros the right place for you. Cretan hospitality, traditional food, individual accommodation with modern comfort, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear water! Enjoy the fantastic environment and meet the ancient culture of Crete! Welcome!
How to get there
Kato Zakros, Itanos Municipality Lassithi, Eastern Crete You can reach the Lassithi prefecture:
From Athens to Lassithi:
By Boat from Piraeus Port: Piraeus Port : Tel. +30 210 422-6001 to 3
By Airplane from the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos"
The Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos": Tel. +30 210 353-0000
Olympic Airways Athens: Tel. +30 210 966-6666 or 801-11-44444
Single beds (2), Double beds (2), Sleeps maximum of 6
Other:
Please check with with the owner regarding linen and towels.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace
Access:
Secure parking
Further details indoors: THE ROOMS CORAL
The rooms Coral are located on the beach of Kato Zakros. The small complex consists of 3 rooms with bathroom (WC and shower), which are equipped with a fridge, air conditioning and TV. From the terrace there is a beautiful view of the sea, for those who like to be up early it’s a pleasure to watch the sunrise every morning. An ideal place for anyone, who is looking for quiet and relaxing holiday.
Further details outdoors: Those on the other hand, who want action and adventure will also find here scope for their chosen activities.
The mountainous nature of the land is suitable for all kinds of relevant outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, exploring the many footpaths and of course walking through Kato Zakros famous “valley of the dead”, mountain biking etc.
There are many possible excursions which could well end up in one of the picturesque fish taverns with their wonderful delicacies on the beach of the village beside the deep blue sea.
In the wider region, beyond the area surrounding Zakros itself, many other fascinating places arouse the interest and enthusiasm of those who choose to explore them.
There one can find many unusual natural, archaeological and cultural monuments which take those who seek them out off on journeys back through time.
Plotting a course back through some 3500years a visitor is brought to the Minoan Palace of Zakros.
The summer palace, perhaps, of King Minos who built it thinking to spend his Summer seasons there.
The ancient city of Itanos, now largely sunken beneath the sea and one of the important archaeological sites of the region another stop along this highway back to antiquity.
The Byzantine Monastery of Toplou , always an active centre of Orthodox Christian piety and fervor, brings the visitors forward into other eras and the artistic style of the Byzantine period.
As regarding natural beauty spots-they are abundant in the area .
The incomparable natural palm grove at Vai is enchanting, its impressive palm trees giving the environment a tropical look.
For those who prefer a more purely Cretan approach Palekastro, with one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, is an excellent choice but not indeed the only one:
The beaches of Itanos , Kouremenos ,Chiona ,Maridati and Xerokambos are equally charming to those who choose them, while upland Chandras, famous for its windmills, will impress the most demanding people.
The cave of Dictean Zeus where, according to mythology, Zeus was born, the many gorges caves, islets, picturesque villages, Agios Nikolaos with its lagoon, Ierapetra, truly Queen of the Libyan sea, the Lasithi plateau and many other unique spots which surround this lovely part of eastern Crete all fit in as other pieces of the puzzle to complete the picture of this region.
Should one wish to wander further a field the whole of Crete with all its incredible natural beauty and numerous fascinating archaeological sites are simply waiting to keep one busy, interest and amused.
Further details
While staying at the Coral Family Hotel in Kato Zakros eastern Crete, visitors are offered the following services: maid service twice a week dry cleaning* car rental service * * = extra charge
. . PRICE LIST 2008
Low Season Middle Season High Season 45 50 60
All above prices are in euro (€). To convert prices to different currency click here.
Low Season March, April, October, November
Middle Season May, June
High Season July, August , September
The Coral Family Hotel in Kato Zakros Eastern Crete Consists of 3 fully equipped rooms, offering comfortable and enjoyable accommodation.
Coral Rooms is run by Nikos and his family, who speak good English. It was begun over fifty years ago by their uncle Stelios.
Many of our guests have returned year after year and have become firm friends.
If you are looking for a holiday away from the town and the main tourist centres, where you can be close to Nature and to Cretan people, this is the place for you.
We are sure that you too, will become a regular visitor!!
Conditions
We are open in the Winter! Special Low Prices
Contact Us Nikos Perakis - Tel: +30 28430 26893 or 28430 26896 Home: +30 28430 93458 Fax: +30 28430 26894
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
25 Nov 07
1 Jan 09
350£ 350
0-
0-
1 Week
01
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
FROM 1-2-2008 TO 10-3-08 THE 1 WEEK ONLY 150 EYRO
Guestbook
THE BETTER PART OF WORLD KATO ZAKROS AND THE ROOMS CORAL EYXARISTO MARTIN
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/42851
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/42851
Contact details for home 42851
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Nikolaos Perakis
Tel:
+30 28430 26893
Fax:
+30 28430 26894
Mobile:
+30 697 4656617
Be aware of time-zones
Languages:
Contact Notes: 12PM TO 12MM
Advertiser joined: 29 Nov 2007 This property added: 29 Nov 2007
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