The gorge is near the village of Ano Zakros and ends at the archaeological site of Kato Zakros. It is relatively easy to cross, and it takes about two hours.

It got its name from the Minoan cemetery that developed within the gorge. The natural cavities in the slopes of the rocks were used as burial sites for the dead of Zakros. Along the route, part of the European E4 path, you can find coral fossils, springs and abundant waters, lush vegetation with plane trees, kermes oaks, wild olive trees, oleanders, and rare plant species.

The gorge is an important climbing destination; it has routes with permanent security belts and different difficulty levels.