Makrigialos Local Area and weather
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. It's a very special place, 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 occupies its own bay in South East Crete, along a coastline of secluded coves and quiet easy-to-get-to fine beaches. 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!
Adjacent to Analipsi, Makrigialos was once a tiny fishing village, but is now an established popular resort due to the friendly local hospitality, with visitors returning year after year. The name "Makrigialos" means "long beach", and here you will find a long sandy beach with crystal clear, shallow waters, which is perfect for children. The beach is lined with a good variety of tavernas to suit all tastes as is the fishing port, which is the most picturesque part of the village.
Behind Makrigialos lie rolling hills with delightful panoramic views from out of the way villages where you can experience genuine ethnic cuisine. You’ll have a great time sampling locally produced fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, wine, and of course the finest olive oil in the World.
Other 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 very popular international music festival in June. From the port, there is also a boat which leaves each morning for the beautiful island of Koufonisi, returning late afternoon.
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.
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.