Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Stella's Traditional Apartments
APARTMENTS $$$
( 28430 23739;
www.stelapts.com
; Kato Zakros; studios €60-80; )
Close to the
wooded mouth of the Zakros Gorge, these charming self-contained studios sport distinct-
ive wooden furniture and artefacts made by co-owner Elias Pagiannides. There are ham-
mocks under the trees, barbecues and an outdoor kitchen with an honour system for sup-
plies. Elias has excellent knowledge and experience of hiking trails and other outdoor
activities around the area.
Kato Zakros Palace
APARTMENTS $$$
( 28430 29550;
www.katozakros-apts.gr
;
Kato Zakros; r/studio €50/60; )
High on the
slopes above Kato Zakros beach, these rooms and studios have cooking facilities and a
guests laundry room. Views are predictably stunning.
Akrogiali Taverna
CRETAN $
( 28430 26893; Kato Zakros; mains €5-10; )
The food gods have been smiling upon
Kato Zakros' oldest taverna, which does a brisk business in fresh fish and Cretan clas-
sics, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The beachfront setting adds another
notch to its appeal.
Getting There & Away
Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday, two buses make the trip out here from Sitia via
Palekastro (€4.10, one hour). In summer, these continue to Kato Zakros.
TOP OF CHAPTER
IerapetraΙεράπετρα
POP 27,600
Ierapetra (yeh-
rah
-pet-rah) is a laid-back seafront town and the commercial centre of
southeastern Crete's substantial greenhouse-based agribusiness. Hot and dusty in sum-
mer, it offers a low-key, authentic Cretan experience and is also the jumping-off point to
the semitropical Gaïdouronisi Island (also called Hrysi). The local grey-sand beaches are
extensive and backed by tavernas and cafes where the nightlife is busy in summer.
Though little is left, Ierapetra has an impressive history with interludes as a Roman
port for conquering Egypt and a Venetian stronghold based on the still-standing harbour
fortress. The narrow alleyways of the Turkish quarter recall its Ottoman past.
