Makri Gialos Village, Crete: A Local’s Guide

Makrigialos, Crete: A Local’s Guide

Makrigialos (also written Makry Gialos) is a coastal village in southeast Crete, set in the middle of Kala Nera Bay. It is known for its long sandy beach, its shallow sheltered sea and its two ancient villas, one Minoan and one Roman. It began as a humble harbour and has grown into the largest holiday village in the area, yet it keeps a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Quick facts

• Distance from Agios Nikolaos: about 58-60 km, so allow about an hour by car

• Best for: beaches, families, Minoan and Roman history, gorge walks

• Suggested time: a full day

Why visit Makrigialos

• A long sandy beach with shallow, sheltered water, safe for children

• Five separate beaches within easy reach, from organised to quiet

• A Minoan villa and a Roman villa with baths and mosaics

• The end of the Pefki Gorge, which runs down to the village

• A working harbour with fishing boats and tavernas

• Everything you need for a day out: tavernas, cafes, bakeries, supermarkets, ATMs and a pharmacy

What to see and do

On the beach

• Swim at the main beach. The beach in front of the Analipsi side of the village is about 1 km long. Locals call it Hani, Chani or the Long Beach. It is organised, with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and water sports, and the shallow, sheltered water makes it very suitable for children and families.

• Try Kalamokania beach. West of the village, behind the port, this beach has wonderful coarse sand and is much less known than the main beach.

• Visit Katovigli. North of the port, a small sandy beach is in effect an extension of the main beach.

• Walk east to Lagoufa. This beach begins right after the east end of the main beach. Diaskari and Lagada are two more beaches in the wider area.

History

• Explore the Roman villa at Katovigli. Dating to the 2nd century AD, it has baths and mosaics that are unique in eastern Crete. It lies above the present-day port and was uncovered in 1977.

• See the Minoan villa at Plakakia. A rural mansion built like a miniature Minoan palace, dating to about 1500-1450 BC. It was found in 1971 by the archaeologist Kostas Davaras.

• Visit the local churches. Makrigialos has several churches worth a look as you walk around the village.

• Walk to the harbour. The picturesque boats and the fishermen make it a pleasant place for an evening stroll before dinner.

Nature

• Walk the Pefki Gorge. This small gorge runs about 7 km from the village of Pefki down to Makrigialos. The village sits near the exit of the canyon.

• Visit Kapsas Monastery. The Monastery of St John at Kapsas is 9 km east of Makrigialos, next to Goudouras. It belongs to Toplou Monastery near Sitia and is dedicated to the Beheading of St John the Baptist, celebrated on 29 August.

Suggested routes

Full-day route: beach and history

1. Morning: swim at the main beach while the water is calm.

2. Late morning: visit the Roman villa at Katovigli and the Minoan villa at Plakakia.

3. Lunch: a taverna by the harbour.

4. Afternoon: a swim at Kalamokania or Lagoufa beach.

Full-day route: gorge and coast

1. Morning: walk in the Pefki Gorge.

2. Lunch: a taverna in the village.

3. Afternoon: drive east to Kapsas Monastery, then return for a swim.

Eat and drink

Makrigialos has many tavernas and restaurants, along with bars, cafes and bakeries. The fishing port is the most atmospheric place to eat, with tavernas by the water.

Local tips

• The main beach is organised with umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and water sports. Kalamokania is a quieter alternative.

• The sea is shallow and relatively sheltered from the wind, which is why it suits children.

• The village has supermarkets, bakeries, ATMs, a doctor and a pharmacy, so it is easy to manage a day trip.

• The village is one of the quieter, less developed places on Crete, which suits couples and families.

• Makrigialos consists of two settlements, Makrigialos and Analipsi, which have grown together.

Getting there

• By car: Makrigialos is about 58-60 km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 23-24 km east of Ierapetra.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Makrigialos from Agios Nikolaos?
About 58-60 km, or roughly an hour by car.

Is Makrigialos good for families?
Yes. The main beach is about 1 km long, with shallow, sheltered water and organised facilities.

What can I see in the village?
A Roman villa with baths and mosaics, a Minoan villa, the local churches and the fishing harbour.

Is there a gorge nearby?
Yes. The Pefki Gorge runs about 7 km down from the village of Pefki to Makrigialos.

Why is it called Makrigialos?
The name comes from the long sandy beach.

Nearby: build your day

• Ierapetra, 23-24 km west

• Goudouras and Kapsas Monastery, 9 km east

• Pefki, at the top of the gorge

• Explore more of the area in our guide to the Villages around Agios Nikolaos.