Makrygialos in Lassithi | Cretan Locations

When we first discovered Makri Gialos in southeast Crete, it was well-kept secret. It is a tiny quiet village located in Lassithi with a huge secluded beach.

The beach is still there, but the village has grown to a lively resort in it's own right, with many choices of places to eat, and several bars.

The meaning of Makri Gialos is Long Shore. Shopping is still fairly limited in Makri Gialos, but you'll find all the essentials.

Most people who choose this village won't do much more than relax and enjoy simple things in life - swimming, windsurfing.

The magical little village is all about seasons in the sun. Makrigialos is a find. Some way from any major or developed tourist towns, it lies east of Ierapetra, a 30 minute drive, along a coastline filled with a number of secluded bays and quieter beaches. Easy access to and from Sitia, a one hour drive.

The older-seeming harbour area has some character-full cafes and tavernas; this place is special. Though it virtually merges with neighbouring Analipsi, where the main beach is, the two are different in character. Both parts of what is now really the same village, are framed in front of an impressive mountain backdrop

with gorges that are more accessible and every bit as rewarding as the Samaria Gorge. The harbour area is where we'd be tempted to go and meet friends, spend a long time reading or just idling away some relaxed times. The large sweep of sandy beach offers a selection of hotels, apartments and rooms for rent.

It also has some well conceived and decorated restaurants, cafes and bars, feels casually-stylish in the evenings (mostly casual!) and also provides a local and not excessively tourist-trodden atmosphere - we're looking forward to going back.

Beaches in Lassithi