Makrigialos Local Area

Makrigialos in South East Crete is a very special place. It has been likened to a typical Cornish village or Marbella harbour of 25 years ago. What exactly does that mean? Well, Makrigialos is peaceful and unhurried, surrounded by some inspiring untouched countryside. Its harbour area is small and compact, and above all friendly. Just pop into any promenade café or bar to find out.

Makrigialos (“Long Beach”) occupies its own bay in South East Crete, 25kms (30 minutes drive) east of Ierapetra, along a coastline of secluded coves and fine quiet easy-to-get-to beaches, and 35kms south of Sitia in the Lassithi region.  It is easily accessible from both of Crete's airports at Heraklion and Sitia.  With its picturesque harbour and promenade, waterside tavernas, restaurants and cafes, the village is lively but still unspoiled.  Its beautiful bay, long sandy beach and crystal clear water are matched by the friendly local hospitality.  You will be assured of a warm welcome wherever you go!

Behind Makrigialos lie rolling hills with delightful panoramic views from out of the way villages where you can experience genuine ethnic cuisine.  The many nearby attractions include the gorges of Pefki, Dasaki and Pevrolakia, water-park at Ierapetra, day boat trip to nearby Lefki island, wine-tasting at the Kaspa monastery and traditional Cretan evenings in Pefki.  Makrigialos also plays host to a popular music festival in June.

This is a tourist spot that is hardly touched by the package holiday trade as local planning aims to protect the local culture and prevent large scale development. Of course, there are a couple of hotels, and some more are planned, but it’s small scale and does not intrude on the village atmosphere. Go out to any restaurant in the evening and you will find yourself having a great time along with the villagers. If you enjoy ethnic food, you’ll have a great time sampling locally produced fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, wine, and of course the best olive oil in the World (so say the locals who regularly complain light-heartedly that their olive oil is mixed with Italian and then sold as “virgin oil”. Secretly pleased, perhaps?)

Makrigialos claims to be blessed with the best weather in all of Crete and there is no doubt the micro-climate gives it a great advantage over other areas as it also has some of the best unspoiled beaches, deserted coves and bays.

So, if you want to avoid manicured resorts, like getting away from it all (but not too far), and dislike crowds on holiday, then Makrigialos is the place for you.