Makry Gialos Beaches, Ierapetra, Crete
Makry Gialos Beaches, Ierapetra, Crete
Makry Gialos is one of the most popular seaside destinations on the southeastern coast of Crete, located approximately 25 km east of Ierapetra. Its coastline offers several beautiful beaches, ranging from the long, sandy main beach in the village to smaller, quieter coves on either side of the harbour.
The area is particularly appealing to families and visitors looking for clear, shallow water, traditional tavernas and convenient seaside facilities. Beyond the main beach, Kalamokanias and Lagoufa offer different coastal landscapes and atmospheres, making Makry Gialos an excellent base for exploring this part of southern Crete.
The name Makry Gialos means "Long Beach" in Greek, reflecting the extensive sandy shoreline that forms the heart of the settlement. The wider coastal area also includes the neighbouring beaches of Katovigli, Diaskari and Lagada.
Landscape and Natural Beauty
The coastline around Makry Gialos combines long sandy stretches, sheltered bays, rocky sections and small pebble beaches. The water is generally clear, with shades of turquoise and blue, while tamarisk trees provide natural shade along parts of the shore.
The main beach is relatively sheltered and has a gently sloping seabed. Further east, the coastline becomes more varied, with smaller bays framed by low hills and rocky formations. To the west of the harbour, Kalamokanias has a more natural character, with coarser sand and trees growing close to the beach.
The surrounding landscape is typical of southeastern Crete, with olive groves, dry hillsides and the rugged mountains of the Thripti range forming the backdrop to the Libyan Sea.
The Main Beaches of Makry Gialos
The beaches of Makry Gialos are close to one another, making it easy to explore several of them during the same visit. Each has a different atmosphere, from the organised village beach to quieter coves with fewer facilities.
1. Makry Gialos Main Beach – The Long Sandy Beach
The main beach of Makry Gialos, sometimes locally known as Hani or Long Beach, stretches along the waterfront of the settlement. It is a long sandy beach with fine golden sand and exceptionally shallow, clear water.
The gentle slope of the seabed makes it particularly suitable for families with young children and visitors who prefer swimming in shallow water. Its relatively sheltered position also means that the sea is often calmer than at more exposed beaches along the southern coast.
The beach is well organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and water-sport activities available during the summer season. Cafés, restaurants, tavernas and shops are located directly behind the waterfront, making it one of the most convenient beaches in the area.
Its combination of easy access, facilities and shallow water makes the main beach an excellent choice for spending a full day by the sea.
2. Kalamokanias Beach – A Quieter Beach West of the Harbour
Kalamokanias is located just west of the harbour of Makry Gialos. It is a quieter alternative to the main beach, known for its coarse golden sand, small pebbles in certain sections and tamarisk trees that provide natural shade.
The beach has a more relaxed and less organised atmosphere. Unlike the main waterfront, it is not dominated by large rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, making it attractive to visitors who prefer a more natural setting.
The unusual name comes from kalamokanas, the Greek name for the black-winged stilt, a long-legged migratory bird associated with wetlands and shallow water. The name is linked to the birdlife around the stream near the beach.
Although Kalamokanias is quieter, tavernas, cafés and accommodation can be found nearby, and the harbour and centre of Makry Gialos are within easy walking distance.
3. Katovigli Beach – The Little Harbour
Katovigli, also known as Limanaki, meaning "Little Harbour", is situated close to the harbour at the western end of the main Makry Gialos bay.
It is a small sandy section of coastline with shallow, clear water, forming a continuation of the main beach. Its proximity to the harbour and village makes it particularly convenient for visitors who want easy access to restaurants, cafés and other services.
One of the main reasons to visit Katovigli is its archaeological significance. Close to the beach are the remains of a Roman villa dating from the Roman period, including a bathing complex and impressive mosaic decoration. The remains provide an interesting glimpse into the area's history and its importance during antiquity.
4. Lagoufa Beach – Two Sheltered Sandy Coves
Lagoufa is located east of the main Makry Gialos beach, near the large hotels at the eastern end of the bay. It consists of two neighbouring sandy coves with fine sand and shallow, clear blue water.
The western section is more organised, with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and water-sport activities. Restaurants, cafés and hotel facilities are also close by, making it a convenient choice for visitors who prefer a fully serviced beach.
The eastern section is generally quieter and less developed, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. Both coves benefit from their relatively sheltered position, and the shallow water makes them particularly suitable for families with children.
Lagoufa is a good alternative to the main beach, especially for visitors staying in the eastern part of Makry Gialos or looking for another sandy swimming spot nearby.
Facilities and Activities
Makry Gialos is one of the better-equipped seaside destinations in southeastern Crete. The settlement offers a wide range of services, while the individual beaches provide different levels of organisation.
Swimming: The main beach and Lagoufa offer shallow water and sandy seabeds, while Kalamokanias and Katovigli provide alternative swimming spots.
Sunbeds and umbrellas: Available along organised sections of the main beach and Lagoufa.
Water sports: Seasonal activities are available, particularly around the main beach and Lagoufa.
Food and refreshments: Numerous cafés, restaurants and traditional tavernas are located along the waterfront and throughout the settlement.
Natural shade: Tamarisk trees provide shade at Kalamokanias and along parts of the wider coastline.
Accommodation: Hotels, apartments and rooms are available throughout Makry Gialos.
Walking: The harbour and coastal promenade are pleasant places for an evening walk.
Facilities and services vary between beaches and may operate seasonally.
What Makes Makry Gialos Special
What makes Makry Gialos particularly attractive is the variety of beaches within a relatively small area. Visitors can enjoy the organised main beach in the morning, walk towards Kalamokanias for a quieter atmosphere or spend the afternoon swimming in the sheltered coves of Lagoufa.
The settlement also has an interesting archaeological background. Near Katovigli are the remains of a Roman villa with a bathing complex, while further inland, at Plakakia, there are remains of a Minoan villa dating to the Late Minoan period. These archaeological sites reveal the long history of human settlement and activity in the area.
Makry Gialos is also a convenient starting point for exploring the wider southeastern coastline. Nearby destinations include Diaskari and Lagada beaches, the traditional village of Pefki and the impressive Pefki Gorge. Further east, visitors can continue towards Kapsa Monastery and the more remote coastal areas around Goudouras.
How to Get There
Makry Gialos is located on the southern coast of eastern Crete and is connected to Ierapetra by the main coastal road. The settlement is easy to reach by car, and the beaches are spread around the village and harbour.
Approximate distances:
Ierapetra: 25 km
Sitia: 33 km
Agios Nikolaos: 58–60 km
Koutsouras: 4–5 km
The main beach, Kalamokanias, Katovigli and Lagoufa can all be reached from the settlement. Parking is available in the village and around the coastal area, although spaces can become limited during the busiest summer months.
Buses also connect Makry Gialos with Ierapetra and other towns in eastern Crete, although a car offers greater flexibility for exploring the smaller beaches nearby.
Visitor Tips
For families: Choose the main Makry Gialos beach or Lagoufa, where the water is shallow and facilities are readily available.
For a quieter atmosphere: Visit Kalamokanias, especially if you prefer natural shade and a less organised setting.
For history lovers: Take a short walk around Katovigli to see the remains of the Roman villa.
Explore the coastline: Diaskari and Lagada are worth visiting if you want to discover quieter beaches beyond the village.
Enjoy the local food: Makry Gialos has several traditional tavernas where you can enjoy fresh fish and Cretan dishes.
Visit outside peak hours: July and August can be busy, particularly around the main beach and the organised sections of Lagoufa.