Histroy of Makrigialos
The people of Makrigialos pride themselves not only on their Greek nationality, but more especially of their "Cretan" heritage, a history that dates back 5,000 years. Their welcome is never less than enthusiastic for the people who come to soak up the culture and the climate.A few years ago Makrigialos was a little harbour with a few storehouses. The local people (who in that time used to live in the surrounding villages in and around the mountains) used to store up and then, export their goods, like olive oil, wine, raki, sultanas, carobs beans, corn, and live animals. Around this time, there were only a few families living in the area and a few men, spending the night while they were fishing. There weren't many roads for transfers, because the land is very mountainous. It wasn't until after the last war and between the 50s - 70s that the government started building roads. Also, during these years, most of the local population moved to the big cities in Crete, Athens, and other Greek cities. A large number of them also went to Germany and to Australia for work.
Today the resort of Makrigialos has a population of around 1000 people who come mainly from the villages of Agios Stefanos (Saint Stefano) and Pefki (Pine trees). Makrigialos consists of two settlements, Makrigialos and Analipsi. The village has grown very fast between 1980-1995.
The two beautiful villages of Agios Stefanos and Pefki are 7 km from the sea and are 420 m above sea level. Both villages are now connected by a new asphalt road. There are still some very old people living there.
Surrounding Makrigialos are several mountain villages steeped in history with narrow winding streets, old and beautifully renovated stone houses encircled by Geraniums, Bougainvillea, and vines. Lemon and Orange trees too numerous to count and of course the occasional goat or donkey being led through the streets.
Daily life goes on in the villages as it has done for many decades, but the locals are never too busy to stop and welcome their visitors with a warm smile, or a friendly "Yia Sas" (hello). Makrigialos offers something for everyone - the historian, the sun worshipper, the ornithologist, the botanist, the keen walker, the geologist and those of you in search of complete rest and relaxation.
On the Afendis Stavromenos mountain top of 1500 m. you can enjoy a fantastic and unforgettable view of the eastern Crete area, Ierapetra, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and all surrounding islands.