Boasting garden views, MaciliaVilla. Features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 24 km from Lake Voulismeni. It has a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 23 km from the holiday home, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 25 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 63 km from MaciliaVilla..
Μακρυλιά, Ιεράπετρας
Find below list of things to do near MaciliaVilla.:
On our ATV-Quad tour from Ierapetra we go off-roading in the rugged landscapes of Crete’s southern coast. We start with a theoretical introduction and a small driving practise, before we start the adventure. Lonely tracks away from main traffic, in the midst of the most beautiful nature will take you to a beautiful landscape on the Cretan mountains. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal quad vehicle. Get a taste of Cretan history and culture during several stops along the way, including a traditional Greek brunch at Kalamafka Village. The off-road quad safari from Ierapetra explores hard-to-reach areas of Crete’s southern coast. A Great way to experience Cretan culture and nature off the beaten path.
This Land Rover excursion is the perfect way to explore the central part of Crete, visiting 2 different plateaus and learning about mythology as well as local life.
We head out in the Land Rover to the plateau of Katharo, passing through the largest forest on Crete. The roads here are basically non-existent and the mountains reach heights of 1,500 meters. You’ll have a refreshment stop at a kafenion (coffee shop) somewhere in the wilderness.
The tour continues on along dirt tracks, through valleys, and across rivers, and the journey starts to get exciting! At the next stop you’ll have the opportunity to take photos from a spectacular viewpoint above the Lassithi Plateau. You’ll then head to the plateau to enjoy your BBQ lunch, along with unlimited wine.
After lunch you’ll travel back in time as you visit the Eco Village, where you can see local crafts being made by traditional methods. The next stop will be Zeus’s cave where, according to mythology, the father of the gods was born. If you’d like to enter the cave there is a EUR 4 entrance fee that’s payable at the site.
Your driver/guide will take you on to Seli, where you can take photos of the unique scenery. You’ll continue on to the village of Krassi, noted for its 2,000-year-old plane tree and natural spring water source. As you make your way back you’ll pass through Selinari, an area where you’ll be on the lookout for vultures, now an endangered species.
Visit one of the most beautiful gorges on the east side of Crete, the Kritsa Gorge, with professional adventure guides.
Enjoy the special nature while on this short but challenging hike. See striking canyons and cliffs, unique plant species, and spectacular views.
After a walking about 8 kilometers, enjoy small local snacks and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on a beautiful beach, where you can take a refreshing swim.
Enjoy a perfect day that offers a combination of exercise and relaxation.
Discover the scenery of Crete’s White Mountains on a road trip from Platanias to Zourva. Explore local villages, stop to take photos of gorges, and savor a typical snack in Zourva.
Begin the tour with pickup in Platanias, then set off through the colorful scenery of the Orange Valley. Continue climbing slowly up the west side of the White Mountains, admiring the views as you go.
After passing Meskla village we will have a short stop to visit a small Sarakina gorge where we will see the impressive rock walls of the gorge just a short walk away from the road. Curvy road will take us all the way up at Zourva where we will have a break with a simple snack with incredible view.
Breathtaking sceneries will continue to the next village Therisso which played an important role in Crete’s modern history. On the way back to Platanias we will drive along the Therisso gorge where you can admire the high vertical cliffs and the huge Plane trees.
Route: Platanias – Patelari – Meskla – Zourva – Therisso – Varipetro – Agia – Drakiana – Platanias
Through this route we explore the south-eastern Crete. We head to Agios Nikolaos and stop in the traditional village of Kritsa, one of the most famous villages of Crete with its narrow picturesque alleys and its traditional shops.
Afterwards we ascend through a beautiful route with magnificent views and end up at the Katharo Plateau at an altitude of 1250 meters where we stop for coffee in a traditional cafe. We cross the forest of SELAKANO and end up in the SARAKINA Gorge which will surprise you with its beauty. Continuing and after our amazing meal, we reach the southernmost end of eastern Crete, the village of Myrtos with its amazing beach where you can have a swim in the crystal clear waters of the LIBIAN SEA.
Returning through a very beautiful route we arrive at your hotel.
This route will leave you with the very best memories.
Explore the natural beauty of South Crete on our “Sarakina Gorge” safari tour! Discover the charm of Kritsa village, capture breathtaking Mirabello Gulf views, and navigate the off-road terrain of Kroustas Pine Forest. Savor a cup of coffee in Males village. Afterward… The highlight of your tour awaits at Sarakina Gorge, a sublime natural spectacle that is certain to fill you with wonder and amazement. Hike through this stunning canyon, surrounded by towering rock formations and lush vegetation. The brave may even take a dip in the natural pools that dot the landscape. After hiking … Taste Crete with a delicious lunch combined with local wine in the family’s restaurant. As the journey continues, venture to the coastal haven of Myrtos, where crystal-clear waters beckon you to refresh in the embrace of the South Cretan sea. Dive into a Cretan paradise!
Find below list of beaches near MaciliaVilla.:
Gra Ligia is a coastal village located a short 5km journey to the west of Ierapetra and a 39km trip south from Agios Nikolaos. Nestled at the mouth of a rich valley, the village is surrounded by greenhouses filled with early-ripening vegetables. The locals of Gra Ligia were pioneers in the use of greenhouse agriculture, a practice that has since spread throughout the Ierapetra region. The profusion of greenhouses has even earned the village the nickname of “Silicon Valley of Greece”. The Bramiana dam, situated 2km north of the village, plays a crucial role in the area’s agriculture, supplying water to all Ierapetra crops and forming one of Crete’s key wetlands.
Aside from farming, tourism also forms an essential part of the local economy. Gra Ligia, with its recent mild growth, is among the newest holiday destinations on Crete. This growth has been facilitated by the appealing long beach, fringed with coarse sand that extends from Ierapetra to the Stomio region. The beach is known for its tranquil waters and is well-equipped with amenities like umbrellas and showers, albeit not on a large scale. Tamarisk trees pepper the landscape, providing shade and greenery. The beach is a popular spot for locals who enjoy swimming and fishing from their boats docked in the local harbour.
The beach is also a venue for local events such as beach soccer tournaments. If you’re fortunate, you might even have a chance to partake in the unique “xentomatiasmata” or tomato war, a tradition revived and celebrated in early summer. Gra Ligia is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing holiday. In the evenings, visitors can unwind with a drink at local bars or take a short trip to Ierapetra. To reach Gra Ligia from Ierapetra, simply travel westward on the city road. Alternatively, there are bus services that pass through the village.
Ierapetra, the southernmost city of Greece, is nestled 35km southeast of Agios Nikolaos on Crete island. This city, located in one of the warmest regions of Crete, is a popular holiday destination, often frequented until late autumn. Ierapetra and its surrounding areas boast a vast beachfront, renowned for its stunning beaches adorned with unique fine black pebbles that do not stick to your feet, coupled with a typically calm sea.
In proximity to the town, there are three primary beaches for swimming. Starting from the west, the first is Limanakia, situated west of the city next to the old mosque. The beach features coarse sand, patches of a rocky seabed, and shallow waters, offering a peaceful atmosphere. Given its closeness to the city, all necessities are readily available. Limanakia also hosts a channel in the middle of the beach that leads to a small man-made salt lake.
A short stroll eastward will bring you to the Fort of Kales, which guards the harbour of Ierapetra. Adjacent to it is Apovathra Beach, a sandy beach with shallow waters. This beach is well-equipped with numerous facilities for water sports and scuba diving, making it the most organized beach in the town.
The city of Ierapetra, in close proximity to the Agia Fotini church, boasts the longest beach which spans 4km eastwards and is known as the East Beach of Agios Andreas. The name is derived from the Saint Andrew church, constructed at the exit point of the Kotovianou river. Initially, you will encounter the municipal beach, well-structured and surrounded by numerous large hotels. However, as you venture further east, the beach becomes more private. Despite this, it’s not suitable for nudists due to the main road that connects the city with Makrigialos and Sitia along the coast. The beach near the city center is sandy, but as you advance east, the sand gives way to small, grey pebbles and rocks, particularly up to the Livadia area.
The easternmost point of the extensive Ierapetra beach is known as Livadia, and beyond that, is named Peristeras. This secluded region is enveloped by towering cliffs. The beach itself is sandy, interspersed with several smooth rocks. The farthest part of Agios Andreas can be accessed by walking down the road. In addition to this, there is another sandy beach hidden behind the rocky end of the expansive beach in Peristeras, which can be reached via the road. This area is significantly shielded from onlookers, however, it’s quite rocky.
Agios Panteleimon beach, nestled in Istro, a village 12km east of Agios Nikolaos en route to Sitia, owes its name to a petite church located nearby. Featuring both sandy and pebbly stretches, the beach is set against the backdrop of vibrant turquoise waters. As it doesn’t draw the same crowds as the neighboring Voulisma beach, Agios Panteleimon is the perfect spot for those seeking relaxation and serenity.
In the vicinity, you’ll also find Karavostasi beach. This sandy, unspoiled beach is tucked away in the western part of Istro’s largest gulf and provides the perfect setting for peaceful moments. The surrounding area is rich in tamarisk, carob, and olive trees, adding to the beach’s charm. Just east of Karavostasi, there’s a large rock bearing the remnants of the Minoan settlement Priniatikos Pirgos.
Find below list of gorges near MaciliaVilla.:
The Havgas Gorge, situated near the village of Kalamafka and just 12km north of Ierapetra city, is one of several gorges with the same name scattered across Crete. Other examples include the Havgas Gorge in the Lassithi Plateau, Plaka, and Kavoussi. The Havgas Gorge is nestled between the Megali Korfi (1103m) and Kokies (993m) peaks, and its stream, the Kapsous, serves as the primary tributary of the Kalamavkianos River that empties into the Stomio beach of Gra Ligia.
This stunning canyon boasts unique rock formations, sculpted by rare geological events. Many of these rocks are adorned with nature’s own “artwork”, etched over time by the elements. Despite its relatively short length, the gorge offers an easy and enjoyable walk along the riverbed, even for novices. The area’s altitude of around 500m provides the perfect environment for a lush pine forest. Regrettably, repeated fires have caused the forest to diminish in size. Nevertheless, the area is worth a visit, and visitors are sure to be charmed by the sight of small pine trees sprouting from the rocks, akin to bonsai trees.
The gorge’s depth extends to 300m. At one spot, two narrow rocks form the entrance to a series of caves that served as a refuge for Cretan rebels and Allies during the German Occupation. The locals refer to this area as the “Chinese Landscape”, due to the smooth rocks dotted with bonsai-like trees. Adjacent to the gorge’s exit, visitors can explore the village of Kalamafka with its inviting taverns and babbling water. Additionally, nearby attractions include an ancient olive oil mill and the churches of Saint John and Saint Anthony.
Ha Gorge, a mesmerizing natural wonder carved into the western side of Mount Thrypti, channels water from the Thripti plateau to the Pachia Ammos beach. The gorge’s journey commences near the Saint Anne Byzantine church and the E4 footpath at approximately 800m altitude, and concludes near the Monastiraki village, about 100m above sea level.
Traversing the Ha Gorge demands canyoneering skills and specific gear due to its series of cascading waterfalls, including a 35m high plunge. The gorge tightens to a mere thirty centimetres at certain points, squeezed between cliffs that rise to 400 meters. The Mastoras waterfall, one of Greece’s tallest free falls reaching 215m, contributes substantial water midway through the route.
For those with less experience, a hike from the Monastiraki exit of the gorge provides a peek into its splendour, leading to a charming pond at the base of the final waterfall and past ancient grain mills. The name of the gorge, Ha, originates from the Greek verb “Hasko,” which means to create a gap. However, local folklore offers vibrant alternative explanations. From stories of misleading Saracens to myths of a golden chariot hidden deep within, the Ha Gorge is not only a stunning natural spectacle but also a symbol of intriguing local mythology.
The Mylonas or Saint John Gorge is situated 18km to the east of Ierapetra. It commences near the St. John village at a height of 500m and concludes at the Kakia Skala beach. It is not feasible to descend the gorge from Saint John due to a tall waterfall, necessitating the use of canyoning equipment.
Nonetheless, there are two ascending trails that start near the Kakia Skala beach, providing access to the high fall of the Mylonas canyon. The first trail (easy – 20’) takes you through the pine-wooded side of the gorge, a large portion of which is the old concrete ditch, formerly used to transport water to Koutsounari. The other trail follows the riverbed and can be quite exhausting, especially in winter (takes approximately 1:30 hour).
Upon reaching the end of the ascending trails at a height of 300m, you will encounter the tall fall of Milonas, which stands at 20m. Below it, you will find a small pond filled with crystal-clear water, perfect for a refreshing swim. In winter, and after heavy rainfall, a second waterfall appears to the left of the main fall, creating a breathtaking view.
The Agriomandra gorge, though brief in length, leads to the charming, small beach of Agriomandra. To reach it, one must traverse the verdant meadows to the west of Kavoussi, known as the Lakos Ambelion area, via a dirt road until the gorge’s entrance is reached.
Commencing from this point, a straightforward trail leads to Agriomandra beach within a mere 10-minute walk. As you approach the beach, you’ll notice several petite caves embedded within the rocks. One of these has been constructed from stone and serves as a church, built during the Byzantine era by a hermit and dedicated to St. John the Theologian. This church is still occasionally used for baptisms.
A short walk further, approximately 650 meters from the parking area, you’ll arrive at the stunning pebble beach, graced with crystal-clear, emerald waters.
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