|
| ISLANDS A-Z | CRETE | CYCLADES | DODECANESE | EASTERN AEGEAN |
| IONIAN | SARONIC | SPORADES | MAINLAND | ABOUT US |
Makrigialos in southern Crete |
 |
|
Makrigialos (or Makrygialos) is a popular charter destination located between Ierapetra in southern Crete, and Kato Zakros in eastern Crete.
View of Makrigialos. The Sunwing hotel on the right in picture.
Despite the long transfer from the airports in Heraklion and Sitia, many families with children travel here. That's largely thanks to the kilometer-long child-friendly beach, and the fact that there is an "all inclusive" Sunwing Resort here. Another reason is that tourism is small-scale when compared to the large tourist resorts in northwestern Crete.
The long beach promenade in Makrigialos.
Along the beach promenade there are cosy restaurants, cafes and bars.
Although Makrigialos is a tourist destination, it is not really experienced as such. At least not if you compare it to the big tourist resorts west of Chania. There are plenty of family-owned small pensions for those travelling on their own, and the range of taverns and restaurants is large, from typical tourist spots to genuine tavernas that the Greeks themselves go to. |
|
The long fine sandy beach in Makrigialos.
Makrigialos.
The village stretches along the road that runs along the entire beach. In the far part of the beach there is a small cute fishing port. On a hill above the fishing port are the remains of a Minoan villa, and a Roman villa. Behind the hill is another nice beach called Kalamokanias. Just east of Makrigialos, on the road to Xerokambos, there is a beach called Diaskari beach. That beach is vefy long and is quite unexploited. There is only one tavern and a few sunbeds.
The cute little port of Makrigialos. |
ACCOMMODATION IN MAKRIGIALOSWe have never lived in Makrigialos, so unfortunately I have no recommendations for accommodation. We always stay in Mirtos when we are in this part of Crete. But if we were to stay overnight, I would have chosen to stay at Artemis, which looks very nice. Book other hotels in Makrygialos here »
There are some so-called Eco-villages in Crete. There are not really any real villages, but rather hotels that look like small villages. I have lived in two such villages: Milia in Chania region, and Eleonos in Zaros. Above Makrigialos are two such eco-villages: Aspros Potamos Traditional Houses and White River Cottages. I haven't stayed at any of them, but it's something I've promised myself to do the next time I'm in Crete. Both look absolutely stunning. Book White River Cottages here »
Don't miss the nice beach of Kalamokanias behind the hill on the left in the picture above.
Learn more about Crete here » |
