Zaros Village in Heraklion

Information About Zaros

Zaros Heraklion: Zaros large and beautiful village has about 2250 inhabitants and is lying 45 km south west of Heraklion Town, in a vast area with plenty of vegetation and beautiful lush trees.

The village is famous for the excellent quality of its running water which is concentrated in canals and irrigates the plantations. A small oasis has been formed near the spring of Votomos with towering plane trees, a traditional mill and fountains made of stone. This beautiful spot has been turned into a recreational centre and is where the only hotel of the village is located.

Some rooms for rent can also be found as well as excellent taverns. The picturesque village of Nyritos (3, 5 kilometres away) is worth-seeing for its traditional architecture.

The Kamares Cave is also a few kilometres away and was discovered by a peasant in 1890. The English archaeologists found numerous Minoan multicoloured pots in it, called Kamaraika and which can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

Also interesting is the Vrontissiou Monastery which was built during the 14th century and was then an important spiritual centre. The main church and many of its cells have been destroyed during the revolution of 1866.

Beautiful 14th century frescoes decorate the walls of the remaining church and, at the entrance of the monastery, stands a 15th century marble fountain, wonderfully adorned with carvings representing God, Adam, Eve and four other figures which are standing near the rivers of Paradise.