Characteristics of Zaros (Central Crete)

The picturesque and quite lively village of Zaros is situated at an altitude of 340 m, at the foot of Psiloritis Mountain. There are about 3 thousand permanent inhabitants. The area falls under the regional unit of Heraklion, and the village's immediate surroundings include Lake Votomos and the Rouvas Gorge.

In the village of Zouras you will find several restaurants, mini-markets and shops with a variety of goods, there is also a petrol station. However, what the village is famous for is its natural clean spring water. This is where the bottles of Zaros mineral water come from, which you can buy in shops all over Crete. There are several drinking water springs in the village and a small lake behind the village. The name of the village "Zaros" means in Greek "place with plenty of water".

Lake Votomos and Rouvas Gorge

Lake Votomos (locals call it Lake Zaros) was artificially created because originally there was an area of wetlands surrounding the Votomos water source. The current appearance of the lake dates back to 1987. The lake has a unique green colour, surrounded by tall trees and dense green vegetation. There are several fish taverns close to the lake, equipped with fish tanks for fish farming, so that the fish you choose (mainly trout and salmon are on offer) will be prepared as fresh as possible.

Archaeological excavations suggest that the area was inhabited as early as the Minoan civilisation, thanks to the abundant supply of fresh water, and subsequently flourished under the Romans. The spring water from Zaros supplied the Roman capital Gortys and today it supplies the local village of Zaros. So not only can you drink fresh, sweet water all day long while staying in the village, but you can also take a refreshing spring shower. Zaros also has a number of beautiful Byzantine monasteries from the past.

Not far from the village is the Rouvas Gorge (also known as Zaros Gorge), which runs through the oldest oak forest in Crete. A walk through the gorge is a beautiful sight, especially when colourful flowers bloom and fragrant herbs cover the slopes of the gorge.

Who is the centre suitable for?

Zaros is often a destination for day trips, but you can stay longer as there are several accommodation facilities in the village. It is the ideal place for hikers and those who want to get to know the central part of Crete better. Nearby, on the south coast of the island, there are the beautiful beaches of Matala, Kommos or Kalamaki and the unique ancient sites of Knossos, Festos, Agia Triada and Gortina within easy reach.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Close resorts: Agioi Deka, Prinias

Most favourite resorts of Crete: Adelianos Kampos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (Iraklion), Hersonissos, Chania, Ierapetra, Kalamaki (Matala), Malia, Platanias (Chania), Rethymno, Stalis

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.