Makry Gialos (also written Makrigialos or Makrygialos) means “long shore” – and that is exactly what it is: a long sandy beach with clean, clear and shallow water, perfect for children and non-swimmers, with deeper water further out for experienced swimmers. It is a relaxed, unspoiled village on the south-east coast of Crete, where many visitors come back year after year.
The beach is lined with tavernas for every taste, and the little fishing harbour is the most picturesque corner of the village. You will find shops, cafés, bakeries and water sports, all within walking distance of the apartments.
In the village
- Supermarket – 5 m
- Bus stop – 5 m
- ATM / bank – 20 m
- Bakery – 100 m
- Travel agencies – 100 m
- Pharmacy and medical services – 150 m
- Fishing harbour – 300 m
Beaches nearby
- Makry Gialos main beach – right in front of the apartments
- Lagoufa beach – 0.7 km
- Kalamokanias beach – 0.9 km
- Diaskari beach – 1.5 km
- Lagada beach – 2.2 km
- Ammoudi beaches – 3.8 km
- Kalo Nero beaches – 5.4 km
Things to see and do
Makry Gialos is not only about total relaxation – it is an ideal base for exploring the beaches, villages and history of east Crete.
Koufonisi island
A small uninhabited island with beautiful beaches. A boat leaves from the harbour of Makry Gialos in the morning and returns in the late afternoon.
Vai palm beach
The most famous beach of east Crete, with the largest natural palm forest in Europe – about 5,000 Cretan date palms.
Sitia
A charming harbour town with a seafront promenade, museums and the airport, about 35 km away.
Kapsa monastery
A monastery built into the rocks by the sea, at the entrance of a gorge east of Makry Gialos.
Pefki gorge
A beautiful walking route through the gorge and up to the traditional mountain village of Pefki.
Orino
One of the mountain villages above Makry Gialos, with stone houses, narrow streets and views over the Libyan Sea.
Also nearby: Ierapetra, the southernmost town in Europe (about 30 km), and from there the boat to Chrissi island; Toplou monastery; and many archaeological sites, churches and museums.
Where we are
Both complexes are right on the beach, about 100 m apart.
- Beach0 m – right in front
- Supermarket & bus stop5 m
- Bakery100 m
- Pharmacy150 m
- Little harbour300 m
- Sitia airport35 km
Getting here
- Sitia airport – about 35 km (the closest airport)
- Heraklion airport – about 130 km, with many more flights
- Ferries connect Crete with Piraeus (Athens) and other islands
- Car hire – ask us and we can help you arrange it for your arrival
Your base in Makry Gialos
Six apartments right on the beach, a few steps from the village.