Enjoy the unforgettable panoramic view over the entire north-east coast of Crete. In the mountains, it smells of the most aromatic herbs that will be shown and explained to you. Our adventure will take you to the rustic mountain village “Stavrohori”. There will be time to stroll around, visit the old church and sit down to savour a refreshment. Your tour guide, who has lived in Crete for the past 33 years, will share with you some Greek secrets with pleasure as well as some little anecdotes.
Nature lovers will experience the ultimate adventure wrapped into a half day excursion!
Explore the “wild heart” of East Crete, undiscovered by tourism, where “time” seems to
stand still. A combination of tar and off roads, will guide you from Ierapetra to the mountains of Thripti . A highlight of the tour is the stop at the summit Afentis (850 m) with an unforgettable panoramic view on both seas (Libyan/Aegean). We continue to Kavousi, where you can admire the oldest olive tree in the world (3250 years). In Mochlos, you can enjoy the “greek cuisine” in a typical tavern. Our trip continues through the vine yards and olive fields, among small chapels, towards authentic villages with their simple lifestyle (Sfaka, Lastros-known as the “cat village”). To end this adventures day, refresh yourselves in the crystal clear water at the bay of Tholos.
An unforgettable day for nature lovers and adventurers
Explore one of Crete’s most beautiful landscapes while hiking by the small river that will lead you to the 20m waterfall of Richtis. During the hike you will see some small ponds and waterfalls, as well as many different endemic plants, flowers, trees and animals. Richtis Gorge is part of the Sitia Geopark. On the path you will pass over small wooden bridges, old water mills and amazing view points. The hike is about 7km long. Richtis gorge is a green oasis where you definately want to be during the Cretan summertime.
After arrival by bus in Makris Gialos to the southern coast of Crete, the boat trip begins with on the pirate ship “Eydokia” to Koufonisi. The trip through the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea takes about an hour. Approaching the island admire the views of caves and the steep cliffs.
The island is surrounded by 36 fantastic beaches and a walk around the island gives you the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, the emerald waters, and the fine golden sand.
The self-service bar is open throughout the cruise so you can enjoy lunch, snacks, salads, and drinks.
Situated on the western side of the Makrigialos settlement, Kalamokanias is 57km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 22km east of Ierapetra. It rests on the western flank of Katovigli hill, which towers over the harbour area. The area is named Kalamokanias after the migratory stilt bird (Himantopus himantopus) – a red-legged creature resembling a miniature stork that frequents local streams.
The beach at Kalamokanias is tranquil, featuring coarse black sand that doesn’t cling to the skin. While not extensively developed, it offers some amenities including tamarisk trees for shade and a few taverns and rental rooms. Mainly frequented by locals, it provides a respite from the more tourist-heavy beach of Makrigialos.
To reach Kalamokanias from Ierapetra, make a right turn toward the sea just 100m before entering Makrigialos. Additionally, a coastal road links the beach with the local harbour.
Lagoufa, situated just beyond the easternmost point of Makrigialos main beach, is located about 59km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 24km east of Ierapetra. It is composed of two neighboring coves close to the upscale hotels of Makrigialos. The first cove boasts fine golden sand and shallow, azure waters, and is well-equipped with amenities such as umbrellas, bars, showers, and water sports facilities, courtesy of the nearby hotel. Despite its seemingly private nature, the beach is accessible to all as there are no privately owned beaches in Greece.
Entry to the Lagoufa beaches can be gained either via the hotels or by traversing the rocky eastern edge of Makrigialos beach, a journey that requires a brief walk through shallow waters. From the first cove, a wooden walkway leads to the beach furthest east. Below this walkway, tiny beaches have formed in the rocky limestone, and in certain areas, fresh water can be seen seeping from the rocks or sand.
Diaskari, situated 27km to the east of Ierapetra and 62km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, is in close proximity to Makrigialos, about 4km away. This extensive beach features rough light sand and crystal-clear water. However, caution is advised when entering the water due to the presence of slick rocks in certain areas.
Diaskari is a tranquil beach that offers a secluded atmosphere. The western end is home to a small cluster of tamarisk trees, a tavern, and a few umbrellas. This section is the most populated area of Diaskari, marking the end of the road that begins at the eastern exit of Makrigialos. For those seeking solitude, the eastern side of the beach is the ideal spot.
Following Diaskari, the expansive beach of Lagada is even more secluded. In 1972, archaeologists discovered a late Minoan settlement with significant architectural structures on a hill to the north of Diaskari.
The beach’s name, Diaskari, originates from the sanctuary of the Dioscuri, which was constructed on the hill that separates it from Lagada beach to the south.
Situated 55km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 20km east of Ierapetra, Koutsouras lies on the primary road between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. This coastal village is nestled in a valley surrounded by pine trees, greenhouses, and olive groves, resting on the southern slopes of Mount Thripti. Despite being equipped with a police station, pharmacy, clinic, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and more, Koutsouras maintains a serene atmosphere.
The village is bordered by beaches featuring coarse black sand and tranquil waters. The primary beach, located to the west of the village and adjacent to the old settlement, is well-maintained and dotted with tamarisk trees for shade. A secluded pebble beach near the village harbor offers a quieter option, situated 1.5km west next to the Apiganias woodland. Additionally, the family-friendly Koutsourelis beach, boasting sandy shores, lies 1km east of Koutsouras.
Sights to See
Koutsouras’ surrounding region, a heavenly landscape of Eastern Crete, is worth exploring. The southern slopes of Thripti are blanketed by a lush pine forest, providing an oasis in Lasithi’s arid landscape. Despite significant damage from a 1993 fire, the forest has gradually regenerated. The Apiganias park, 1.5km west of the village, offers a glimpse of the pine trees and also hosts cultural events. This park also marks the end of the Red Butterflies gorge, a unique canyon filled with pine trees and fresh water springs. For a complete experience, consider visiting the village Orino on Mount Thripti, which marks the starting point of the gorge.
Located at Vothoni of Kakia Skala, in the province of Ierapetra, you can find the Roman fish tanks carved by the Romans into the soft sandstone, featuring a small opening to the sea to allow fresh water to flow in. There are also some steps in one corner.
It is not difficult to envision a housewife from that time standing on top, pointing, and exclaiming, “I want that one!” This historical site is truly impressive and well worth the effort to visit.
Praesus (now known as Pressos) stood atop three hills, approximately 13km south of Sitia and a mere 2km from today’s Nea Pressos, formerly Vaveli. Established by the Eteocretans, who fled the Minoan cities after the Dorian invasion around 1100 BC, they settled in Crete’s secluded regions. Two ports served Praesus, one near Sitia (Etea) and another on the southern coast (Stales).
Initially, the Eteocretans maintained their Minoan traditions, language, and religious practices. Archaeological finds here include inscriptions in the Minoan language using Greek characters, offering significant insights into deciphering the Minoan language. Over time, the city adopted a democratic constitution, akin to the Dorian city-states.
All its hills functioned as strongholds, with the tallest encircled by a defensive wall and remnants of a grand mansion. One hill reveals traces of an altar and various artefacts from sacrificial rites. Remarkably, an athlete’s tomb was discovered here, along with possible Panathenaic Game awards.
As a dominant Cretan city, Praesus minted its own coins bearing various icons like Hercules and Zeus. The city vied with Itanos and Ierapytna for control over Palekastro’s Zeus temple and Koufonissi island. However, by 155 BC, Ierapytna overpowered and razed Praesus, leading its inhabitants to retreat to the Etea port and establish New Praesus.
Italian archaeologists Halbherr and Mariani initiated the site’s excavations in the 1880s. Presently, visitors can explore a sprawling archaeological area dotted with ancient churches, temples, fortifications, and more.
The sheltered harbor and verdant valley of Makrigialos made it a prime spot for settlements over the years. A testament to this is the Roman villa discovered at Katovigli in 1977 by archaeologist N. Papadakis, located above today’s Makrigialos port. Before this, the site had revealed plundered graves and a 4th-century AD headstone.
This grand mansion, active from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD, spanned at least 1500 sq.m. Its layout featured a central courtyard surrounded by rooms, storage spaces, and a bath system with reservoirs. The entrance showcased a mosaic floor adorned with floral and geometric designs, while rooms boasted marble flooring. The estate also housed a burial chamber, an oven with a vaulted entrance, and ash remnants, indicative of the site’s multifaceted history.
The peaceful region of Makrigialos, with its small fertile plane and sheltered sandy beach, was not overlooked by the Minoans, who left significant evidence of their presence. The primary discovery is a rural mansion, a miniature Minoan palace, located in Plakakia and found in 1971 by Kostas Davaras.
Dating back to 1480-1425 BC, the villa was likely a center for commercial control of the Makrigialos plane and its harbor. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire. The mansion featured a large central courtyard, tiled floors, sturdy external walls, secondary courtyards, rooms, a sanctuary, and a location where a sacred palm tree stood; this can be seen in a stamp depicting a sacred ship, a priestess, and a palm tree.
The Kapsas Monastery of St. John is situated 9km east of Makrigialos, adjacent to Goudouras, and is owned by the Toplou Monastery near Sitia. It is dedicated to the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, which is commemorated on August 29.
This monastery is constructed like a fortress on a steep, rocky slope above the sea, along the edges of the stunning Pervolakia gorge. A picturesque pebble beach can be found in front of the monastery.
It is said that the monk Joseph Gerontoyannis, who lived in a nearby cave, made the monastery famous due to his miraculous abilities. He was able to experience divine visions, walk on the sea to the neighboring island of Koufonissi, and cure any sickness. Today, he is honored on August 7.
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The Pefki Gorge, also known as Anegyrous Gorge, is a stunning small gorge located in East Crete. Its beauty is characterized by breathtaking rock formations molded by nature and lush greenery. The gorge extends for approximately 4.5 km, with an elevation difference of 300 meters between the entrance and exit. The gorge begins south of Pefki village and concludes at the Aspros Potamos settlement, 2km north of Makrigialos. The stream running through the gorge collects water from the area south of the Romanati peak (937m) and carries it to the Analipsi beach. The gorge features a well-defined path that traces the riverbed for most of its length. At certain points, benches are available for rest. A 2-hour journey through the gorge is part of the E4 European long-distance path.
The Journey
The journey through the gorge commences slightly south of Pefki, where the familiar black and yellow E4 signs direct you to the entrance, adjacent to the old Ilias water mill (1925). From here, an easy path skirts the edges of the canyon before descending to the river bed at the heart of the gorge. The canyon is vibrant with pine trees, while the riverbed is predominantly surrounded by platans and herbs. Spectacular white rock formations, unique to Crete and over 100 meters tall, flank the sides of the canyon.
Upon reaching the southern exit of the gorge, you’ll find a spring of clean, drinkable water for refreshment. The gorge’s exit is located in the Pisokaminos area, near the Aspros Potamos village, rather than by the sea. Further along, you’ll encounter the remarkable large rock known as Volakas Sarakinou (Saracen’s rock). Legend has it that a Saracen pirate once took refuge here after being left behind in Crete. The rock is covered in small pebbles, believed to be the remnants of an old children’s game. The kids would throw stones at Volakas, and if a stone stayed on the rock, they would find food at home. If not, they wouldn’t. Following Aspros Potamos village, you’ll reach the main road connecting Makrigialos and Pefki. If no one is waiting to pick you up by car, you’ll need to walk the remaining 2km to Makrigialos.
In the vicinity of the verdant and water-rich springs of Orino village, we encounter one of Crete’s most precipitous rivers. The river’s sources are found high up on the Abelia plateau, nestled within the Thripti and Papouri mountains. These springs quickly form a river which traverses the village square before making its way into the rugged Orino canyon. To navigate the canyon along the riverbed, canyoneering gear is necessary. The river carves out stunning waterfalls and pools, with the final section being particularly breathtaking. The last trio of waterfalls at Peristerionas are among Crete’s most beautiful. The river’s water volume is also noteworthy, particularly in the typically dry region of East Crete. Even in the summer, the gorge maintains a steady water flow.
The river continues its journey downstream, passing through the Red Butterflies canyon before reaching Koutsouras beach. Despite suffering considerable damage in a 1993 fire, the gorge’s vegetation remains lush, serving as a green oasis in the warm eastern Crete. The gorge begins near the exit of the Orino Gorge and concludes at Koutsouras after a 3-4 hour walk (starting from Orino village and circumventing the wilder parts of the Orino gorge). Signposts along the route guide the way. At the route’s commencement, there are a few small springs and waterfalls which dry up during the summer. Winter, however, makes hiking in the gorge quite challenging. The gorge earns its name from the red butterflies that flutter amongst the bushes and flowers, creating a truly unique spectacle. Regrettably, their numbers have significantly dwindled in the aftermath of the fire.
The Kapsas gorge, a wild and majestic natural wonder, is situated 8-9km to the east of Makrigialos and 33km to the east of Ierapetra. It is also known as Pervolakia, named after the charming and remote village located near its northern entrance. While in the area, it’s worth taking a stroll through the neighboring traditional village of Pezoulas, known for its stunning houses. The gorge concludes by the Kapsa Monastery, opening up to the Libyan Sea. Here, visitors can enjoy a peaceful swim on the serene pebbly beach, just opposite the gorge’s end.
The gorge spans approximately 4km, and hiking through it is a moderately challenging task. The trek takes around 2 hours if you decide to start from the southern end (the Monastery) and head towards Perivolakia. However, if you opt for the less strenuous route, descending from Perivolakia to Kapsa Monastery, it takes roughly 1.5 hours.
The gorge’s interior is a sight to behold, characterized by towering walls and sparse vegetation, giving it a desolate and arid appearance. The trail features several climbing points and signposts. The road that links Makrigialos and Goudouras runs adjacent to the gorge’s exit, near the Monastery. Public transportation is available, with buses running between Goudouras and Ierapetra. Alternatively, you can drive to Pervolakia or Kapsa Monastery and then hail a taxi in Makrigialos to return to your vehicle.
The gorge is also a habitat for one of the rarest plant species in Crete, the Limonium of Cornaros (limonium cornarianum). This plant is found only in certain limestone maritime rocks within the gorge and a tiny islet named Agia Fotia.
Commencing from the west of the village of Skinokapsala, at the Kipos spot, lies the petite yet fairly broad Ahlia gorge. This gorge, blanketed by pine trees, concludes at the Ahlia beach, also referred to as Galini. Throughout the winter season, the Thripti Range feeds a river with its waters, creating a string of waterfalls that vary in height from 5 to 8 meters. The gorge’s sandstone walls are wide enough to make hiking a breeze, eliminating the need for any canyoning gear.
Located in Makry Gialos, 300 metres from Makrigialos Beach and 400 metres from Kalamokanias Beach, Villa NOTOS provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and quiet street views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 2 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are featured in the villa.
Lagoufa Beach is 1.8 km from the villa. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 34 km from Villa NOTOS.
Set 300 metres from Kalamokanias Beach, Marena 1 offers a garden, barbecue facilities and air-conditioned accommodation with a patio and free WiFi.
Each unit comes with a terrace, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Makrigialos Beach is 400 metres from the aparthotel, while Lagoufa Beach is 2.1 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 34 km from Marena 1.
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Just a short walk away from the sandy beach of Makrys Gialos, Palmira Apartments offers self-catering accommodation with a furnished sea-view balcony set around a flowery courtyard with tables and benches.
The air-conditioned apartments at Palmira are spacious, each with a separate bedroom. They all include a kitchenette equipped with electric kettle and mini fridge, as well as 2 TV sets.
In the centre of Makrys Gialos, guests will find seaside taverns, bars and cafes. The town of Sitia is 35 km away, while Ierapetra is at 29 km. Free parking is available on site.
Located in Makry Gialos Village, the family-run Villa Victoria is just 100 metres from the nearest beach. It offers self-catered accommodation with Libyan Sea and garden views. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
All bright and air-conditioned studios at Victoria open to a balcony. Each has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A mini oven with cooking hobs and a mini fridge are included in the kitchenette.
The sight of the Roman Villa is 30 metres away. Several supermarkets, restaurants and cafes can be found 150 metres away. The port and airport of Sitia Town are 35 km away. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is at a distance of 120 km. Free private parking is possible on site.
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