When we travel to a destination in Greece, we often think about how many attractions it has, but we are not aware of them. We may hear some of them for the first time, but their history is very long and lost in time. This is also the case with the Gorge of the Dead, also known as the Zakros Gorge, which is located in Crete, specifically in the Regional Unit of Agios Nikolaos. Apart from the beauty of the landscape, this place has a special name and a special story to tell you. After all, the whole of Crete is a historic place. This is where important moments over the centuries unfolded. There is, in fact, a beautiful village that stood out in the Middle Ages.
Korasida (the Daughter): The beach with turquoise waters just 2 hours away from Athens
The part of Greece with the Gorge of the Dead and its history
The Gorge of the Dead, therefore, is a historical part of Crete and the whole of Greece. As soon as you hear his name, it may seem a bit scary and wild. And yet this particular gorge of Crete has nothing to do with horror stories or legends or haunting stories. But where did it get its name from? This special name came from the Minoans’ habit, thousands of years ago, of burying their dead in the steep, high caves of the gorge. In fact, as archaeologists have revealed, during excavations, many tombs from ancient Greek times have been found there.
In the Gorge of the Dead for hiking
Apart from its historical significance, the Gorge of the Dead is known for something else. This is because the path that passes through the gorge and which leads to Kato Zakros is actually the last section of the European path E4. The E4 starts in Portugal, crosses the southern Mediterranean, then traverses Greece from north to south and Crete from west to east, ending in Kato Zakros. If you like hiking, it is definitely a worthwhile activity in Crete.
If you find yourself in the area, specifically in Agios Nikolaos, you will certainly see many beautiful, very picturesque places. Besides, the scene where Fourtounakides and Vrontakides were fighting in the movie The Fairy and the Lad was filmed there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Gorge of the Dead, also known as Zakros Gorge, is a historical gorge located in Crete in the Regional Unit of Agios Nikolaos. It received its name from an ancient Minoan practice of burying their dead in the steep and high caves of the gorge thousands of years ago. Archaeologists have discovered many tombs from ancient Greek times during excavations in this area, confirming its historical significance as a burial site.
Yes, the Gorge of the Dead is excellent for hiking. The path through the gorge leading to Kato Zakros forms the final section of the European hiking trail E4, which starts in Portugal and ends in Kato Zakros. The gorge offers easier hiking than the famous Samaria Gorge while still providing a lush green environment and beautiful natural scenery for exploration.
The E4 is a major European long-distance hiking trail that starts in Portugal, crosses the southern Mediterranean, runs through Greece from north to south, and across Crete from west to east, ending at Kato Zakros in the Gorge of the Dead. The Zakros Gorge represents the final and notable section of this extensive hiking route, making it a significant destination for long-distance hikers.
The Gorge of the Dead holds significant historical importance as a Minoan burial site. For ancient Minoans, burying their dead in the gorge's caves was considered a great honor, requiring a dangerous journey for the living to accomplish. The gorge is part of Crete, which is historically significant throughout Greece, with many important historical moments unfolding across the island over centuries.
The Gorge of the Dead is located in the Agios Nikolaos area of Crete, which offers many beautiful places and scenic locations. The region has been featured in films, including scenes from the movie 'The Fairy and the Lad' filmed in the area. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the gorge, experience its archaeological significance, and discover nearby attractions in this historically rich part of Greece.
