Makrigialos (Makriyalos) and eastern Crete attractions




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			Makrigialos Beaches Activities/Attractions Local Area Reviews




			What's in a name?



			Makri Gialos? Makry Yialos? One word or two? There are many different latin spellings of the town's name. They depend on whether the original Greek is translated alphabetically or phonetically. Visitors might also notice that the town is actually two villages joined together; Makrigialos itself to the west and the village of Analipsi to the east. These should not be confused with the Makrigialos in northern Greece, or the Analipsi near Hersonissos on the north coast of Crete.




		Makrigialos


						Makrigialos is a small, unspoiled beach resort on the south-east coast of Crete, some 45 miles (70km) from the tourist hotspots of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and a world removed from the frenetic pace of Malia. It has a permanent population of around 1000 inhabitants who originate mostly from the surrounding villages, but it wasn't all that long ago that the town was just a scattering of store houses and fishermen's cottages. Even today the local economy is based as much, if not more, on agriculture as it is on tourism, and when the summer season ends, local business owners look to the olive harvest, which generates some of the finest olive oil in the world. The town is one of the quieter, less developed destinations in Crete, with one of the best beaches in this part of the island. There are two, unobtrusive hotel complexes situated in coves at the top end of town, and the majority of accommodation comprises family-run studios and apartments. There is a good choice in bars, restaurants, tavernas, with many establishments fronting onto the beach, like the Gecko Bar, with its beach-front terrace, located in the middle of town. There is also a small fishing harbour - a pleasant place to stroll around, with its own patch of sandy beach and collection of waterfront bars, tavernas and restaurants standing side by side. The area has been inhabited for centuries and is home to Minoan, Venetian, and Roman ruins, the former dating as far back as 1400 B.C. More 'recent' evidence of habitation can be found at the Kapsa Monastery, perched on the hill side four miles east of town, and believed to have been founded in the 15th century. Contemporary culture is represented by timeless traditional Cretan villages, such as Pefki and Agios Stefanos, which dot the gorge-cut mountain sides.



						Visitors reviews... Tripadvisor (and also Makrigialos overview)



						External links... "Makrigialos is a find" "Beautiful quiet spot" Local history from a local family Archaeology




		Beaches


						There are five separate beaches in the immediate Makrigialos area. From west to east, the first is Kalamokania, separated from the main beach by a headland. In the bay proper, the Gecko bar sits in the centre of the main beach, which is blue flag accredited and which stretches eastwards from the harbour for half a mile, providing golden sand and safe shallow bathing. Two smaller coved beaches a little further round the bay, including the blue flag Lagoufa beach, serve the hotel complex there. These and the main beach offer a range of water sports facilities in the summer season. A short walk further on, over another headland, brings you to Diaskari beach. Refreshments, sunbeds and umbrellas are available at all beaches.



						External links... Makrigialos area map




		Activities/Attractions


						During the summer season there are a range of watersports available, ranging from pedal boats to jet-skis, both from the main beach and from the beach below the hotel complex, and being sat on an inflatable cushion whilst it is dragged at speed behind a speed boat appears to be quite popular. For the less suicidal, fishing boat charters are available from the main harbour, and the Sofia runs excursions to the nearby uninhabited island of Koufonisi. Every June the town hosts the prestigious Casa dei Mezzo music festival. The nearby village of Agios Stefanos is home to the Sasteria public observatory and art workshop.



						External links... Poseidon Fishing Charter Casa dei Mezzo Music Festival Sasteria Observatory and Art Workshop




		Local Area


						With coastline to the south and mountains to the north, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Coastal walks over sand, shingle and rock are possible east and west from Makrigialos itself. About 11 miles from Makrigialos, and at 4500 feet the highest peak in the area, Afendis Stavromenos affords stunning views of eastern Crete and can only be reached on foot or by 4x4. For the only slightly less adventurous, gorge walks can be found near Orino (Butterfly Gorge), and at Pefki and Pervolakia, all around four miles from Makri Gialos. There is also plenty to reward the inquisitive traveler further afield in east Crete; Minoan and Venetian ruins, traditional Cretan villages, and secluded beaches and coves. The more crowded tourist destinations of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and the former leper colony and Ottoman fort at Spinalonga Island are also within easy reach.



						Detailed information and galleries are available for... East Crete tour Agios Stefanos and Pefki village scenic drive Butterfly Gorge Pefki Gorge



						External links... Eco Tourism Guided walks from Agios Stefanos Afendis Stavromenos Pefki gorge Pervolakia gorge Kapsa Monastery Local villages (listed under Ierapetra) Pefki (An ex-pat's view of the village)




		Reviews


		Makriyialos vacation advice from real travellers




			Independent Travel



			Makrigialos does not appear in any package tour brochure. Holiday arrangements can be made independently, and the following resources are available to assist in this.

				Accommodation Links to web sites for accommodation in Makrigialos.

				Makrigialos Holiday Planner Links to UK flight information, additional accommodation resources, and local transport information.




			Local Area



			We're here all year round, and when the tourist season ends, we become tourists ourselves. The following links to information and galleries is a growing list of trips we have done, and which you might like to experience during your visit to Makrigialos...
				East Crete tour
				Agios Stefanos and Pefki village scenic drive
				Butterfly Gorge
				Pefki Gorge

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