MAKRY-GIALOS * ΜΑΚΡΥ-ΓΙΑΛΟΣ: Nine weeks in Crete

First glimpse of Makrigialos harbour

We'd heard that Makrigialos has a lovely, traditional harbour, but on the main road drive to our apartments yesterday we didn't see it. This afternoon though, we parked up the little red car in a parking space near the beach...and almost fell into the sea! The tiny town is practically on top of the beach. This was our first view of the town's main beach. Our apartment is over there under the big mountain!

This is the harbour - it's so beautiful and tiny and picturesque. The town curves right around the bay and there are loads of pretty restaurants. We can't wait to try some of them out...

MORE HERE

About Makry-Gialos village.

If you want to avoid manicured resorts, like getting away from it all (but not too far), and dislike crowds on holiday, then Makry-Gialos is the place for you.
It's a very special place, peaceful and unhurried, surrounded by some inspiring untouched countryside.
Makry-Gialos 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.

Makry-Gialos 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.
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!
The name "Makry-Gialos" means "long beach".
Behind Makry-Gialos 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.
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. There are of course some hotels, and these allow our guests to take advantage of their facilities, such as tennis courts, mini-golf, beach sports, and internet cafe.

THINGS TO DO around.
Visit the Towns Ierapetra 30 min, Sitia 45 min,
Agios Nikolaos 1 hour, Heraklio 2 Hours, Elounda 1.20 Hrs.

HISTORICAL PLACES in area.
Knossos (Minoan Pallas)(ruins). 2 hrs.

Kato Zakros (Minoan Pallas(ruins) 1.30 hrs.

Spinaloga (Lepra)Island, 1.20 hrs drive to Plaka, then 10 min by boat.
Romean villa(ruins), 2 min by feet.
Minoan villa,(ruins) 10 min by feet.
WALKS and HIKING

Pefki Gorge by feet 2 + 2 hrs up and down, from Aspros Potamos.
Perivoloakia Gorge, 15 min drive and then 2 + 2 hrs byfeet.
Dasaki Gorge (Butterfly) 10 min drive then 2 hrs walk
MORE INTERESTING
Chrissi Island 1 hrs (from Ierapetra by boat).
Vai (Palm forest and beach) 2 hrs drive.
Toplou Monastery, 1.30 hrs drive.
Myrtos village to west, 1 hr drive.
Mochlos village in north coast, 1 hr drive.
Kapsa monastery and gorge 10 min drive.
Etia, Voila, (Byzantine villages) 20 min drive.
Chandras village and plateau 20 min drive.
Lasithi Plateau (with the windmils) 1.30 hrs drive.
Mpramiana Lake (Ierapetra dam) 40 min drive.
Xerokambos beach 1 Hr drive to the east.

Tranditional mountain villages of : Agios Stefanos,
Pefki, Lithines, Pervolakia, Stavrochori, Oreino, Shinokapsala, Agios Ioannis,
Chrisopigi, Dafni, Kato Krya, Bebonas, Papagianades, Armenoi, Chandras, Ziros, Agia Triada from 5-20 min drive.
New villages by the coast: Lagada, Kalo Nero,
Goudouras to the east, and to the west: Koutsouras, Mavros Kolibos, Achlia, Galini, Agia Fotia, Ferma, and Koutsounari. From 5-15 min drive.

Nine weeks in Crete

1 comment: