Ano Zakros is a small and peaceful town at the easternmost edge of Crete, approximately 38km from Sitia. It is the centre of the community of Zakros in the historic province of Sitia, while its coastal settlement and harbour is Kato Zakros.

The abundant freshwater springs played a decisive role in the development of Zakros. Their waters irrigate a remarkably green area with extensive olive groves amid the dry landscape of Eastern Crete. The village developed into an important settlement of watermills that served the needs of the entire province of Sitia. Unlike other parts of Eastern Crete, where windmills prevailed because of the scarcity of running water, Zakros was primarily known for its watermills.

Watermills, fulling mills and traditional olive presses once operated along the watercourse, processing grain, woollen textiles and olives. Three of the old watermills have been restored and now house the Museum of Water and Hydraulics in Zakros.

Zakros lies within the Sitia UNESCO Global Geopark and along the European E4 trail. The most important attractions in the area include the Gorge of the Dead, the beaches of Kato Zakros and Xerokambos, the Minoan Palace of Zakros and the numerous caves of the wider region.

The village also hosts the Natural History Museum of Zakros, presenting the flora, fauna and geological heritage of the Sitia Geopark.