A Local’s Guide to Makrigialos

Makrigialos: Essential information

Makrigialos (also known as Makry Gialos or Makrygialos) is a coastal town in the southeastern part of the island of Crete in the Lasithi region.

Like most villages facing the Lybian Sea, the place is quiet and does not receive as many tourists as most coastal villages on the northern coast of Crete.

Where is Makrigialos

Makrigialos is approximately 25 kilometers east of Ierapetra and 120 kilometers southeast of Heraklion, Crete’s capital.

The small coastal settlement features safe sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a calm holiday, like most of the southern coast in Lasithi.

Markigialos has developed as an attractive tourist destination in recent decades while maintaining a tranquil atmosphere and a calm pace. There’s not much to do in the village, and that’s the main reason why people choose Makrigialos as their base for a vacation in Crete.

However, should you get bored of the quiet atmosphere, Ierapetra is just a few minutes away and offers more entertainment and attractions.

In Makrigialos, favorite activities include swimming and water sports, visiting nearby islands, and enjoying leisure walks along the harbor.

Although not as big as Ierapetra, Makrigialos remains a great base for exploring the wide Libyan coast in eastern Crete.

How to get there

If you’re reaching Makrigialos from Heraklion by car, remember that the journey lasts 2-2.5 hours. You must drive east along the National Road E75 towards Agios Nikolaos and then follow the signs to Ierapetra. From Ierapetra, continue east along the coast for about 26 km.

You can also reach Makrigialos by bus. A bus service connects Heraklion to Ierapetra, the nearest major town. From Ierapetra, you can then take a local bus or a taxi. The whole journey lasts from 2.5 to 3 hours.

Driving in South Crete is an amazing adventure. The area is wild but incredibly beautiful, and it’s not easy to get lost as long as you keep the coastal road.

Things to do and attractions

Makrigialos offers a limited array of things to do. You can start by spending some lazy time on the beach and continue by enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of the village.

Explore nearby gorges and other equally charming fishing towns and be amazed at the southern pace of life, made of hospitality, simplicity, and wild landscapes.

Beach Time in Makrigialos

The beaches in Makrigialos are among the top beaches in South Crete. Most of them are sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters. One of the best plans in Makrigialos is to spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming in the sea, and soaking up the sun.

Some popular beaches in the area include the main shore (Makrigialos Beach), Lagada Beach, and Diaskari Beach.

Water Sports

Along the coast near Makrigialos, you will find water sports activities available. You can try snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. if you’re on a budget, you can purchase a pair of goggles and enjoy the seabed in the area.

Several local water sports centers offer equipment rentals and lessons for beginners.

Sea Caves

Join a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the coastline’s sea caves and rock formations and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Head to Makrigialos harbor and discuss with a local boatman excursions and fees. This is the best way to find affordable fees and flexible schedules.

Perivolakia Gorge

Also known as Kapsa Kanion, the Perivolakia Gorge is close to Makrigialos and Ierapetra.

Those into outdoor activities can hike through Perivolakia Gorge, a scenic ravine with stunning landscapes, towering cliffs, and a river flowing through it.

The hike is rewarding for hikers with some experience. The gorge is generally considered a moderately challenging route, and the hike takes 3 to 4 hours.

Alternatively, you can visit Pefki Gorge, another great option for nature lovers and hikers near Makrigialos.

Pefki Gorge

This canyon is located northwest of Makrigialos and offers a less touristy experience than other gorges. It has impressive rock formations, narrow passages, and stunning views.

The village of Pefki, at the top of the gorge, is at an altitude of 420 meters and is on the southern slope of the Romanti Mountains. All Trails offers more information about this and other gorges to explore in Crete.

The trail is fairly easy; however, proper footwear and hiking equipment are always recommended when exploring the gorges in Crete.

Visit Richtis Waterfall

Although Richtis is not on the southern coast, it’s only one hour north. The terrain through the gorge is flat, fairly easy, and picturesque, and the waterfall is a refreshing sight.

Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty of this natural attraction.

Discover ancient sites

Although there are no major archaeological sites in Makrigialos, the area is close to some of the most important Minoan ruins on the island, so jump on your car and start exploring these sites within a short drive from the area:

• Minoan Palace of Zakros
  The Minoan Palace of Zakros, or Palace of Kato Zakros, is approximately 40 kilometers east of Makrigialos. It was one of Crete’s four major Minoan palaces and dates back to the Late Minoan period (1600-1450 BC). The palace complex provides insights into the Minoan civilization and allows you to explore the ruins of the palace.

• Gournia
  Gournia is an ancient Minoan settlement on the north coast of the Isthmus of Ierapetra, around 25 kilometers northwest of Makrigialos. It was a thriving town during the Late Minoan period (1550-1450 BC). Today, the remains of houses, streets, a central court, and a marketplace remain. The well-preserved ruins provide valuable information about Minoan urban planning and architecture.

• Myrtos Archaeological Site
  Myrtos, a village located approximately 40 minutes west of Makrigialos, is home to the ancient settlement of Myrtos that dates back to the Minoan era and features remnants of a Minoan palace and a cemetery. Excavations have uncovered important artifacts, including pottery, figurines, and jewelry.

Try Cretan cuisine

Indulge in the local Cretan cuisine and try traditional dishes. Makrigialos has several taverns and restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood, Cretan specialties, and delicious Mediterranean flavors.

One of my favorite places to eat in the area is located on Diaskari Beach, the taverna is called Diaskari and it’s just a few minutes from the main beach of Makrigialos.

Visit Nearby Villages

Take a day trip to nearby villages, such as Myrtos, Analipsi, Koutsouras, or Kalo Nero, to experience the local culture, charming streets, traditional architecture, and spectacular beaches!

These villages often offer a glimpse into the authentic Cretan way of life.

Ancient Villa

Located in the northern area of the village, archaeologists have found the ruins of an important villa of the late Minoan period that is supposed to have been destroyed by fire.

The villa featured solid walls and inner courts. It was probably roofed with bamboo and a layer of clay. During the excavations, researchers found pottery vessels, figurines, and an important seal stone on the site.

Day Trips and Excursions from Makrigialos, Crete

On the southern coast of Lasithi, there are several incredible places to visit, not just beautiful coastal villages but also two of the most beautiful uninhabited islands off the coast of Crete. They are both easy to reach by boat from the small port of Makrigialos.

Down below are some of the best day trips you can enjoy in the area.

Ierapetra

Ierapetra is an important town on the southeast coast of Crete, about 35 minutes from Markigialos.

Vai Beach

Vai Beach (Παραλία Βάι – Paralia Vai, in Greek) is one of the most beautiful and exotic beaches in Crete and a fantastic place to discover. It’s 55 km from Makrigialos and a great place to experience an exotic Cretan beach.

Toplou Monastery

If you’re planning to travel to Vai, make a stop and visit one of Crete’s most important monasteries, Moni Toplou.

The monastery, which also hosts an important war museum, is only 9 km from Vai and about an hour’s drive from Makrigialos.

Due to its isolated and rather vulnerable position and the continuous attacks it endured, Toplou stands behind solid fortification walls about 10 meters high.

On the premises, you can also check out the rare collection of icons and engravings and the on-site winery that produces some of the best wine labels on the island.

Myrtos

Myrtos is a picturesque southern seaside village just a few kilometers from Ierapetra, the most important city in the south. The journey from Makrigialos to Myrtos is about 50 minutes.

The village is a favorite among tourists who appreciate the traditional and relaxing atmosphere and the hippie-like vibe you can experience in Myrtos. If you have the time, visit one of the local taverns to try delicious Cretan dishes.

Koufonisi

One of the most exotic islands off the coast of Crete, Koufonisi is a small group of tiny islands on the Libyan Sea. It features wonderful beaches, sea caves, wild bays, and deserted landscapes.

The two main islands are Pano Koufonisi (Upper Koufonisi) and Kato Koufonisi (Lower Koufonisi), and their main trait is the crystal-clear turquoise water surrounding the islands.

Both islands are uninhabited and are a land of untouched natural beauty. The larger of the two, Pano Koufonisi, offers stunning sandy beaches, rocky landscapes, and beautiful hiking trails.

Where to Eat in Makrigialos, Crete

You can enjoy the best Cretan cuisine, Greek dishes, and a variety of fresh seafood in the many taverns along Makrigialos’ waterfront.

These are some of the places I loved when I visited the village.

• Cafe Olympia: This is a great place for lunch and dinner but also first for breakfast. Located by the sea and offering a great bay view, the family-run cafe is a must-visit in Makrigialos. Check out the website and the reviews.

• Diaskari: Located on Diaskari Beach, a few minutes from the main beach of Makrigialos, this beachside taverna offers excellent service, delicious local dishes, and sunbeds and hammocks for hire. Check out the website and the reviews.

• Makis Grill: This affordable place by the sea is ideal for families. It is good for a quick snack or an unpretentious lunch. Portions are good, and many dishes are kid-friendly. We used to eat here when the kids were little. Check out the website and the reviews.

Breakfast and Bakeries in Makrigialos:

• Takis Voula Patisserie: Located in Analipsi, you won’t believe this bakery’s lavish desserts and delicious pastries! Check out the reviews.

Best Areas to Stay Near Makrigialos

Although there are quite a few places to stay in Makrigialos, the village is not huge, and not being able to find accommodation is not odd—it personally happened to me twice!

For that reason, in addition to looking for a hotel in the village, you can also check out other areas close by, where accommodation might be more easily available.

Makrigialos Beach

Of course, this is the best place to stay as it is steps from the center of the village, the harbor, the beach, and most of the shops and restaurants. There is a good choice of hotels, apartments, and studios to rent. As always in Crete, booking early is key, especially if you plan to visit in August.

Lagada Beach

Situated about 8 km east of the town center, Lagada Beach has a long stretch of sandy beach. Several accommodations, including hotels and self-catering apartments, are available in this area.

Analipsi

Not to be confused with the more popular Analipsi on the northern coast of Heraklion, this small neighborhood east of the town center is a quieter place with a very tranquil vibe yet within walking distance of Makrigialos.

Koutsouras

Situated 2.5 kilometers west of Makrigialos, Koutsouras is a secluded village with a beautiful beach and a small fishing harbor in a gorgeous olive grove. A few hotels and apartments are available in this area.

Galini

Not to be confused with the village of Agia Galini in Rethymnon, this small settlement is 10 km west of Makrigialos on the way to Ierapetra. Offering another place to pick if you want a laid-back ambiance and stunning sea views.

Where to Stay in Makrigialos

Despite what you might think, finding accommodation in Makrigialos can be tricky, even if the village is remote and off the beaten track.

Many people visit the village year after year and stay for long periods, making it sometimes hard to find available accommodation.

However, if you book well in advance, you will certainly find the right place to stay and the best prices in Makrigialos.

• Villea Village is near Analipsi. Surrounded by an olive grove garden, the complex features a large outdoor pool with a bar and self-catering accommodation opening to a balcony or terrace. The property also offers barbeque facilities, a library, an outdoor area, table tennis, and billiards.
  Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.

• Niki’s Luxury Apartment is a beautiful property 300 meters from Makigialos Beach. The apartment offers accommodation with mountain views, daily maid service, and free private parking. The spacious apartment has two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
  Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.

• Ionio Star Hotel: Located in Koutsouras, this property with views of the Libyan Sea offers comfortably furnished rooms and apartments with private balconies, a kids’ pool, and a sea-water pool with a bar-restaurant. The hotel also features a Blue Flag beach with beach volleyball facilities and a small private port.
  Click here for more information and to get the latest prices.

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A Local’s Guide to Makrigialos, South Crete