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Cave of Pelekita

Distance from Cretan Minoan Apartments 5000m

The Cave of Pelekita is one of the largest caves in Crete, having a length of 310m. Its large size, the rich stalactite and stalagmite decor and the spectacular boulders make this unknown cave unique on the island. The cave of Pelekita is located at an altitude of 100m, at the foot of Traostalos Mount, well hidden within the bare rocks of the wild landscape of Zakros. The entrance of the cave is located 5 km northeast of Kato Zakros, in the position Pelekita or Sikia. To reach the cave, the visitor has either to walk one hour from Kato Zakros or one quarter by coming from the sea.

Pelekita Cave has huge rooms, with towering columns, slippery boulders, stalagmites and stalactites and steep slopes that give a feeling of being in an amphitheater. The entrance is very impressive. At the end of the cave, there is a small lake with water. The total length of the cave is 310m in a straight line and has an area of 4.5 acres. Traces of habitation from the Neolithic era have been found in Pelekita.

Water Museum

Distance from Cretan Minoan Apartments 30m

The Water Museum in Zakros village is housed in the restored watermills which were given away by their owners in 1997.

It is a theme museum that aims to gather every object or other material relative to the use of water in the past and also to make the importance of water known in our days as well, exploiting it correctly through rational use and respect.

The watermills which have been restored and formed to exhibition rooms are: The Water Museum in Zakros is open from June till September daily, except Mondays.

The local Natural History Museum

Distance from Cretan Minoan Apartments 200m

The local Natural History Museum of Zakros is housed at the ground floor level of the “Multi-Centre” of Zakros, which is approximately 150 meters past the village square, on the main road leading to Kato Zakros. The museum is dedicated to the characteristic features of the natural environment of Sitia Nature Park. Through small representations of habitats (dioramas), exhibits, stuffed animals, rock formations, fossils and bi-lingual posters, unique aspects of local fauna, flora and geology are presented.

Visitors have the opportunity to obtain printed information material or watch videos of the Nature Park of Sitia; they can also surf on the Park’s website and European and Global Geoparks of UNESCO on the internet.

The museum is open during the summer months. In the winter, it can be visited following arrangements with the Park Authorities or the Cultural Association of the Area.

Rasotrivio

Distance from Cretan Minoan Apartments 20m

The renovated rasotrivio of Rodanakis. Rasotrivia were small factories for processing wool. The renovation began in 1999 by the Development Organisation of Sitia in collaboration with the Municipality of Itanos.

Kato Zakros Beaches

Distance from Cretan Minoan Apartments 8.000m

The three beaches of Kato Zakros with blue and crystal-clear waters are sometimes covered with stones and sometimes with fine sand. It is one of the nicest and most isolated parts of southeastern Crete that will win you at first glance. In the small port of Kato Zakros, you can also enjoy excellent food in the taverns along the beach.

Vai Palm Forest

Distance from Cretan Minoan Apartments 24klm

Vai is located 24km north of Zakros. It is the most famous beach in east Crete, as its main feature is the large palm grove with the Cretan Date Palm. The palm grove is the largest in Europe with approximately 5000 trees.

The heavenly palm grove is planted in a wide valley watered by the local river for centuries. An exotic sandy beach with whitish sand and turquoise waters is formed near the shore, backed by the edenic palm forest, reminding of African and Caribbean seascapes.

The entire region is owned by the powerful Toplou Monastery, which is the largest landowner in eastern Crete. The 15th-century monastery is built like a fortress, and hosts a great collection of Byzantine icons.

Vai is one of the most special beaches in Crete that surely deserve a visit.

Watermills

The mills that have been restored and changed into showrooms are:

The Brilakaina’s mill built before 1900. Next to it is the Rasotrivio.

Rodonovangelis mill, built before 1900. Till 1955, there was an oil mill (Fabrika) that worked with the power of water.

The Xopapa’s mill, one of the oldest watermills.