Zaros and the Agios Nikolaos Gorge

Near Zaros lies the Agios Nikolaos Gorge, a landscape where nature and history meet. Distinctive rock formations, historic churches and traces of ancient water supply provide tangible points of interest in the area.

Rocky Landscape and Trail Route

The Agios Nikolaos Gorge features distinctive rock formations and ravines. A trail runs along most of the gorge and ends in the south at Lake Votomos near Zaros. If you include it in your plans, check its current condition before your visit. The rocky landscape and lake offer a different focus from the historic buildings also found in the gorge.

At the Northern Entrance: Chapel and Picnic Area

The chapel of Agios Ioannis stands at the northern entrance to the gorge. The Forestry Service has also established a picnic area there. If you plan to stop for a break, check the current conditions before your visit. The chapel and picnic area are distinct landmarks at the northern entrance; they should not be confused with the trail’s southern endpoint at Lake Votomos.

Churches and Ancient Water Supply

The historic churches of Agios Nikolaos, Agios Minas and Agios Euthymios are located in the gorge. Agios Nikolaos is therefore both the name of the gorge and the name of one of its historic churches. Agios Ioannis, by contrast, refers to the chapel at the northern entrance. Keeping these names distinct helps you identify the different places when planning your trip.

At the site known as Sterna are the ruins of a Roman aqueduct. The structure supplied water to ancient Gortyn. The gorge thus brings together religious buildings and evidence of ancient infrastructure as distinct aspects of its history.

The natural history of the gorge is also part of its story. Endemic Cretan wild goats lived there until the turn of the 20th century.

What the Surrounding Area Means for Your Choice of Location

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Zaros, the nearby attractions may influence your choice of location. The Agios Nikolaos Gorge offers distinctive rock formations and a trail that runs along most of the gorge, ending in the south at Lake Votomos near Zaros. Historic churches and the ruins of the Roman aqueduct at Sterna offer a cultural and historical focus. Consider which of these interests matters more for your stay: the landscape and trail, with Lake Votomos as the southern endpoint, or the historic sites in the gorge. This will help you assess Zaros in terms of your specific interests and match your search for a holiday apartment to the kind of trip you want.

Discover more destinations: Vasilies, Kroussonas, Malades, Galia, Mesi, Pentamodi, Nea Alikarnassos, Plora.

For the broader travel guide: Heraklion.