Makrigialos - Ierapetra - Sitia

Makrigialos is a small charming costtal village with a little harbour that give Makrigialos a lot of caracter. The are has still a lot of its ocentricity and is away from the very 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 harbour area has some character-full cafes and tavernas.This is a magical place.  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 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.

Walking: impressive nearby and easily accessible gorges. From Pefki or Agios Stefanos towards the coast, is popular. Also Dasaki and Pervolakia. Find wonderful coves, bays and beaches. Some are pebbly or even rocky - but there's every chance of finding that "special beachside feel".

Visit Kapsa Monastery, mountain pine forests and the historic villages of Skinokapsala, Orino and Pervolakia. See the impressive panoramic view across eastern Crete with its surrounding islands and islets from the 1500 metre Afendis Stavromenos mountaintop.