Where is Makrigialos?
Tucked away in southeastern Crete, about 30 minutes east of Ierapetra, Makrigialos, which means "long shore" in Greek, has a lot to offer. It sometimes also goes by the name "Makrygialos" or "Makri Gialos." Its main beach has been certified with a blue flag and has calm, shallow swimming waters, ideal for families. Most businesses are family-run, and residents live here year-round, making Makrigialos more than a summer resort. Apart from heading to the area for a day trip, many locals escape here for a weekend getaway in the summer.
What Can I Do in Makrigialos?
In the nearby areas, there are more impressive white sand swimming beaches. Some of Crete’s best beaches in this area include Diaskari and Langada. International and local visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a spot to relax under the shade of a tree next to the turquoise waters. A large number of water sports are on offer, such as jet-skiing and windsurfing, while the area takes great pride in the quality traditional Cretan food prepared with fresh locally produced ingredients.
Day Trips From Makrigialos
Those looking for more adventure can make the boat trip to Koufonisi, an uninhabited island located 10 nautical miles off Makrigialos, with ancient ruins dating back to the early Minoan times. To the north of Makrigialos, there is a diverse mix of landscapes, including gorges and forest areas. Hiking and taking in nature is also on offer at the Perivolakis Gorge – a blessed area full of oak and pine trees that includes several waterfalls at different times of the year. Makrigialos is a 30-minute drive east of Ierapetra, a port city of some 15,000 people, that is an economic and cultural center for the region, with its own hospital.
Getting to Makrigialos
There is direct access from the airports located in Sitia (33 kilometers) and Heraklion (121 kilometers) on an improving road network that spreads across Crete. For updates on Crete's upcoming highway project, see the full article here.