Kato Zakros
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Kato Zakros is a beach in Crete, Greece, located 10.14 km from Itanos Municipal Unit. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open from July 1 to September 30…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Kato Zakros
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Kato Zakros?
Kato Zakros is a beach in Crete, Greece, located 10.14 km from Itanos Municipal Unit. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open from July 1 to September 30 and has free access. A kiosk and shop are available on-site.
The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August bring peak summer tourism. Before swimming, check local water safety conditions. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making this a solid choice for families and swimmers looking for a well-maintained beach.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Kato Zakros faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| May | 22°C | 19°C | Low |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Low |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
The best time to visit Kato Zakros is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 27.4°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.4°C in July.
How crowded does Kato Zakros get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Kato Zakros sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Kato Zakros open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 30-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Kato Zakros
Is Kato Zakros safe to swim?Kato Zakros is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Kato Zakros?Peak water temperature at Kato Zakros reaches around 24.4°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.6°C.
What is the beach like at Kato Zakros?Kato Zakros is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. The best time to visit is April through June, when crowds are lighter. July and August bring peak summer tourism. Before swimming, check local water safety conditions. The Blue Flag is awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, making this a solid choice for families and swimmers looking for a well-maintained beach.
Does Kato Zakros have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Kato Zakros meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Showers are available. Toilet facilities are on site. Parking is available nearby.
Kato Zakros sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Kato Zakros
How do I get to Kato Zakros by car?Kato Zakros is approximately 10.14 km from Itanos Municipal Unit. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Kato Zakros?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 102.1 km away.
Can I get to Kato Zakros by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Itanos Municipal Unit. The nearest recorded bus stop is 221 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Kato Zakros
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Kato Zakros. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Kato Zakros
- Public toilets Public toilets 369 m
Bus near Kato Zakros
- Bus stop Bus stop 221 m
Cafés near Kato Zakros
- Amnesia Restaurant 269 m
- Nikos Platanakis Restaurant 292 m
- Glaros Restaurant 306 m
- Nostos Restaurant 313 m
- Akrogiali Restaurant 356 m
Parking near Kato Zakros
- Parking Parking 28 m
- Parking Parking 141 m
- Parking Parking 258 m
- Parking Parking 339 m
- Parking Parking 349 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✓ Available during season |
| Toilets | ✓ Available during season |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 30 Sep |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 4.5 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 221 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.0948°N, 26.2636°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Kato Zakros FAQ
Is Kato Zakros suitable for children?
Kato Zakros has a child-friendly score of 6/10. Facilities include showers, toilets and parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Kato Zakros free to access?
Access to Kato Zakros is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Kato Zakros?
The best time to visit Kato Zakros is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 24.4°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Kato Zakros?
Kato Zakros is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Kato Zakros?
Kato Zakros is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 10.14 km from Itanos Municipal Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 102.1 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Kato Zakros?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Kato Zakros, including 369 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Kato Zakros?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 221 m from Kato Zakros (Bus stop). Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Kato Zakros?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Kato Zakros, including Amnesia (269 m), Nikos Platanakis (292 m), Glaros (306 m), and Nostos (313 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Kato Zakros?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 28 m from Kato Zakros, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Kato Zakros
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.