When the summer sun is high above and the locals in Crete look for a place to cool down, many head to the beachside village of Makrigialos.
Tucked away in southeastern Crete, about 30 minutes east of Ierapetra, Makrigialos, which means long shore in Greek, has a lot to offer. Its main beach has been certified with a blue flag and has calm, shallow swimming waters, ideal for families.
In the nearby areas there are more impressive white sand swimming beaches, some of Crete’s best, including 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 wind surfing, while the area takes great pride in the quality traditional Cretan food prepared with fresh locally produced ingredients.
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 Kapsa, or Perivolakis, gorge – a blessed area full of oak and pine trees that includes several waterfalls at different times of the year.
Apart from heading to the area for a day trip, many locals escape here for a weekend getaway in the summer. Via the island’s road network, access is easy to Makrigialos, a region of Crete that remains authentic.
Fishermen in their motorboats can be still seen entering and leaving the port, while farming is a key industry in the district. Most businesses are family run and residents live here year-round, making Makrigialos more than a summer resort.
There are medical services offered in the area, along with supermarkets and pharmacies.
The village also accommodates different cultural events, ranging from theater to live music performances.
In the summer period, the invigorating and entrancing sound of the Cretan lyre can often be heard on the streets, while concerts are held catering to all tastes.
One of the most popular items on the calendar are the Casa dei Mezzo classical music events. Taking place in the Venetian estate Villa Casa dei Mezzo in Makrigialos, it is a highly acclaimed summer festival.
Historically, Makrigialos is also of particular importance.
Like much of Crete, the history of the region around Makrigialos stretches back to Minoan times that was at its height from 1700 – 1500 BC. One of the 4 major Minoan Palaces was not far from Makrigialos, and the ruins of a Minoan villa have also been found nearby.
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.
There is direct access from the airports located at Sitia (33 kilometers) and Heraklion (121 kilometers) on an improving road network that spreads across Crete.
