Those looking at Zarakes through the lens of its coast and local history will find different points of interest: nearby are sea caves and beaches, while Machalas and the newer part of the village represent different architectural and historical connections. There are also archaeological finds near the chapel of Zoodochos Pigi and old paths leading from the Old Village to beaches. These distinctions can help you choose where to stay: would you like to focus mainly on coastal experiences, architectural styles, or different periods of history?

Coast: Caves and Beach

In the surrounding area, anyone interested in caving can visit numerous sea caves by boat along the coast from Zarakes Beach to the so-called Purple Cave. The coastal route sets the scene for the excursion; the caves and the boat trip are its main attractions. If you would like to include this option in your stay, check tour dates in advance.

Friniakos, also known as Zarakes Beach, is located near Almiropotamos on the southern municipal boundary. Breakwaters create sheltered areas of water. This beach offers a different coastal experience from a boat trip to the sea caves.

Machalas and the Newer Part of the Village

Machalas, the old part of Zarakes, has preserved its architectural character. Its traditional stone houses are built in the Epirus style and roofed with marble slabs. At the center of the newer part of the village stands an abandoned tower, designed as a windmill and known as Ellinopyrgos or Línopyrgos. Both names refer to the same tower. The comparison concerns two different architectural features: traditional houses in the old part of the village and a windmill-shaped tower in the newer part. The move from the old village to the new one began in the early 20th century; Machalas was completely abandoned in 1960. The start of the move and the complete abandonment are therefore two different points in time.

Archaeological Finds

Building remains and graves dating from the Late Geometric to the Late Roman period have been found near the chapel of Zoodochos Pigi in Zarakes. The archaeological dating therefore covers a long period, rather than a single point in time. It reveals a much earlier historical period than the relocation from Machalas in the 20th century. The two historical references thus differ both in the type of information they provide and in their chronological scope.

Walking Trails to the Beaches

The Old Village, or Machalas, is the starting point for several walking trails along old paths to various nearby beaches. This makes walking quite different from taking a boat trip: the trails begin in the old part of the village and lead to beaches, while the sea caves along the coast are visited by boat. Choosing between these activities therefore comes down to two specific factors: your preferred destination and mode of transport. The beaches are different destinations, while the trails start in the Old Village.

Discover more destinations: Límni, Agii Apostoli, Oreoi, Paliouras, Agia Anna, Agii Apostoloi, Rovies, Agiokampos

For the overview of the wider region: Euboea.