The cave is to the northeast of the village of Kato Zakros and it got its name, (chopped in Greek), from the ancient quarries that were operating in the area. Access to the cave is through a one-hour hike from the village or the nearby beach.

It covers an area of 500m2 and develops in limestone rocks of the Upper Cretaceous and Dolomites of the Triassic. The cave is 310m long and the first 50m are accessible to the public. The entrance is impressive, and so are its large halls that reach 100m of length and 45m of height.

Within the cave, archaeologists have discovered traces of habitation, like tools and utensils that date to the Neolithic period.