Zarakes: Machalas, Sea Caves and Ancient Paths

Zarakes reveals itself through several points of interest: the abandoned old settlement of Machalas with its stone houses, a tower designed as a windmill in the newer town centre, and coastal destinations with a beach, paths and sea caves. History, architecture and landscape thus offer several distinct ways to explore the area. Choosing one of these interests can help you shape your holiday days accordingly, rather than focusing on just one excursion. The local landmarks and described routes bring the character of Zarakes to life in different ways.

Machalas: Architecture and Local History

Machalas, the old settlement of Zarakes, has preserved its architectural character. Its traditional stone houses are built in the Epirote style, and their roofs are covered with marble slabs. This combination of architectural style and roofing gives Machalas a distinctive architectural identity, different from the finds at the chapel and the solitary tower in the newer town centre. In the old settlement, the focus is on the houses and the history of a former settlement centre.

The changes took place over several decades: the move from the old settlement to the new one began in the early 20th century; Machalas had been completely abandoned by 1960. This timeline captures two distinct stages—the beginning of the move and the later state of the abandoned old settlement. Alongside its architecture, the transformation of the settlement is another part of local history.

Tower and Archaeological Traces

An abandoned tower designed as a windmill stands at the centre of the newer town centre. It is called Ellinopyrgos or Línopyrgos. As a solitary structure, it creates a different architectural accent from the traditional stone houses of Machalas; both names refer to the same tower.

Remains of buildings and graves were found at the Zoodochos Pigi chapel in Zarakes. They date from the late Geometric period to the late Roman period. These finds offer a different historical perspective from the 20th-century relocation of the settlement: their dating reaches far back into antiquity. Together, the chapel, tower and Machalas offer different starting points if you are interested in the area's history and architectural styles.

Beach, Trails and Sea Caves

Nearby is Friniakos Beach, also known as Zarakes Beach, close to Almiropotamos at the southern municipal boundary. Along the coast from Zarakes Beach to the so-called Purple Cave, those interested in caving can visit numerous sea caves by boat. As well as the beach, this stretch of coast offers a separate point of interest for anyone fascinated by sea caves.

Several hiking trails lead from the Old Village of Machalas along ancient paths to various nearby beaches. This offers different ways to explore the area: trails from the old village to the beaches, and boat trips to the sea caves along the coast. When planning your days, you can weigh these options according to your interests—whether you would rather focus on the paths and beaches or the caves by the sea.

Choosing the Focus of Your Holiday

When planning with your family or other travel companions, it helps to name your interests specifically: houses and local history in Machalas, the tower in the newer town centre, the archaeological finds, trails to beaches or sea caves. These choices bring together Zarakes' different themes without requiring everyone to share the same focus. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Zarakes, the kind of stay you want can be a helpful guide: would you like your holiday to focus more on cultural history, trails and beaches, or the coastal landscape?

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Almiropotamos, Paliouras, Skyros, Oreoi, Styra, Agii Apostoli, Tsakei, Káristos.

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