Makry Gialos (Greek Μακρύ Γιαλός, “long beach”) is a fishing village and beach resort on the southeast coast of Crete, in the Lasithi region beside the Libyan Sea. Makry Gialos sits about 60 km from Agios Nikolaos, 25 km from Ierapetra, and 33 km from Sitia, and it acts as the local centre of a municipal unit within the Ierapetra municipality. A small fishing harbour anchors the resort, and a sandy beach runs roughly 1 km east from it. Around 1,000 people live here year-round, many with roots in the mountain villages inland.
The main beach shelves gently into shallow, clear water, which makes it easy for families and young children. The resort has 4 more beaches within a short distance: Kalamokanias to the west, and Lagoufa, Diaskari, and Koutsouras to the east. Swimmers and snorkellers use the calm bays, while windsurfing and scuba diving run from the organised beaches in summer. Bars, restaurants, and tavernas line the seafront and the harbour, several of them a few steps from the water.
History sits close to the shore at Makry Gialos. Archaeologists have excavated a Minoan country house and a Roman-era villa near the coast, and the 15th-century Kapsa Monastery stands a few kilometres east, above the point where the Pervolakia Gorge reaches the sea. The inland villages of Pefki and Agios Stefanos sit about 7 km up the tree-covered mountainside, keeping older Cretan customs and cooking. A morning boat also crosses from the harbour to the uninhabited island of Koufonisi.
Reach Makry Gialos by road along the south coast of Lasithi, on the route between Ierapetra and Sitia. The nearest airport is Sitia, about 34 km away, and Heraklion airport lies roughly 120 km to the west. A car makes both the transfer and the spread-out beaches, gorges, and villages far easier to reach, because the resort sits well east of the main airports. Many visitors sort out their car rental in Crete.
Makry Gialos is located on the south-east coast of Crete, Greece.
Makry Gialos is located 60km from Agios Nikolaos.
Makry Gialos is located 25km from Ierapetra.
Sitia is located 33km from Makry Gialos.
Makry Gialos features a small fishing harbour and a 1km long sandy beach that stretches from the harbour to the east. There are also four more lovely beaches in the immediate area.
Accommodation in Makry Gialos is mostly family-run studio and apartment complexes.
There is a good choice of bars, restaurants, and tavernas in Makry Gialos, some of them right on the beach front or at the small fishing harbour.
Makry Gialos is the administrative centre of the wider area which comprises some picturesque traditional villages built on the tree-covered mountain sides.
The area around Makry Gialos has been inhabited since the Minoan times, as many ruins from this as well as the Roman and the Venetian periods prove.
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.
Featuring an outdoor pool, Asterisuites in Makry Gialos offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive.
Each unit is fitted with a terrace, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a well-fitted kitchenette and a private bathroom with walk-in shower, bathrobes and a hair dryer. An oven, a toaster and fridge are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The aparthotel offers an outdoor fireplace.
Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area.
Makrigialos Beach is 400 metres from Asterisuites, while Kalamokanias Beach is 700 metres away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 34 km from the accommodation.
Boasting sea views, MMM Apartment offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around a few steps from Kalamokanias Beach. This beachfront property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home is located on the ground floor and is fitted with 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with an oven, a toaster, a washing machine, a fridge and a stovetop. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
Makrigialos Beach is 800 metres from the holiday home, while Lagoufa Beach is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 35 km from MMM Apartment.
This guided hike walks the 7 kilometres of Richtis gorge in eastern Crete, following the river past old water mills to a 20-metre waterfall. Richtis gorge forms part of the Sitia Geopark, and the route stays green and largely shaded through the Cretan summer, unusual for a gorge on this island. Experiences Crete runs it over 7.5 hours including transfers, from €95, and it holds a 4.91 rating across 51 reviews with a perfect 5.0 for guiding.
The walk follows the riverbed downstream through the gorge, rising and falling gently rather than climbing, and ends near the coast. Four things define the route.
First is the water. A small river runs the length of the gorge, feeding ponds and small falls along the way before the 20-metre main waterfall. Second are the crossings, wooden bridges span the stream repeatedly, which is what keeps the route walkable rather than a scramble. Third are the old stone water mills, left where the river once powered them. Fourth is the flora and fauna, with endemic plants the guides point out as you go.
The terrain is flat and rocky, and the operator rates the activity level as easy. Children from 5 years old can take part.
The hike takes place in one gorge in the far east of the island.
The €95 covers the guide, the transfers and the practicalities, leaving only the gorge entry ticket.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this hike as the best first gorge in Crete, and we mean that specifically. Samaria is 16 kilometres and a serious day; Richtis is 7 kilometres on flat rocky ground with bridges over the water. It gives you the gorge experience, the walls closing in, the river, the shade, the waterfall at the end, without the commitment, and reviewers say exactly that, calling it an excellent introduction to walking in Crete’s gorges and perfect for beginners.
The guiding is the strongest thing here, and the numbers back it. A 5.0 out of 5 dimension score for guiding is rare, and the reviews explain it: the guide, Giorgos, is named again and again by walkers from the UK, Germany and the US, praised for pointing out wildlife and plants that nobody would notice alone, for answering questions properly, and for setting a pace that suits the group.
Group sizes are genuinely small. Several reviewers describe being one of two or three people on the walk with the guide, which is not what €95 usually buys.
The shade matters more than it sounds. One reviewer noted the route is largely in shade, and in a Cretan July that single fact decides whether a hike is pleasant or punishing.
Two things to weigh.
Value is the weakest dimension at 4.7 out of 5, still high, but the lowest of the three. At €95 plus the €5 gorge ticket this is not a cheap day, and what you are paying for is transfer, a private-feeling group and expert guiding rather than distance covered.
Some flexibility helps. One reviewer who otherwise rated it five stars noted that a degree of flexibility is advisable for parts of the walk. The grade is easy, not effortless, and the terrain is rock rather than path in places.
Wear real shoes, send your details ahead, and carry more water than the bottle provided.
Pick-up, transfer and drop-off are included, and the day runs 7.5 hours in total. The operator needs the full name and date of birth of every participant after booking.
Bring sunglasses, a hat, hiking shoes and water. The hike suits anyone in normal health and fitness, and children from 5 years old can take part.
The hike covers about 7 kilometres, within a 7.5-hour day that includes the transfers from your hotel.
The operator rates it easy, on flat and rocky terrain with wooden bridges over the river, and reviewers describe it as suitable for inexperienced hikers.
The main waterfall drops 20 metres, with smaller falls and ponds along the river before it.
Children from 5 years old can take part, and the flat terrain and short distance make it one of the more family-manageable gorges in Crete.
The €5 gorge ticket is not included and applies from age 15, so carry cash for it.
Much of the route is shaded, which reviewers single out as the reason it works well in Cretan summer heat.
Check dates and prices for the Richtis gorge and waterfall guided hike.
This quad safari rides the mountain tracks of south-eastern Crete from a meeting point at Galini, between Ierapetra and Makrigialos. The route crosses olive groves and pine forest to a plateau with a 360-degree view taking in both the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea at once, and finishes with a Cretan lunch in a mountain taverna. SOUTHEAST CRETE IKE runs it over 5 hours 30 minutes from €195, with a 4.94 rating across 70 reviews.
The day starts with a briefing and ends with lunch, with five stops in between. The route is a loop from Galini back to Galini.
First is the 09:00 meeting and briefing, covering the vehicle controls and safety rules, followed by a test drive so you are comfortable before leaving. Second, the group heads into the southern mountains through olive groves, stopping at stalactite formations for photographs. Third comes a mountain village and a forest of Mediterranean plant species, then a stop above the Libyan Sea. Fourth, the track climbs past a sheepfold and an isolated Orthodox chapel to a plateau at around 1,500 metres, from there you see Mirabello bay, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda to the north, and Chrissi and Koufonisi islands to the south. Fifth is the descent to a mountain village for lunch, then the winding roads back to Galini.
You need a driving licence to ride.
The route stays in the mountains behind the south-east coast.
The €195 covers the quad, the fuel, the guiding and the meal.
Included:
Not included:
Bring your driving licence, it is required.
We recommend this one for the viewpoint, which is the single best argument any tour on this page has. Standing on a plateau at 1,500 metres where you can see the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea at the same time, Mirabello bay one way, Chrissi island the other, is something Crete offers in very few places, and almost none of them have a road.
At 4.94 across 70 reviews with a flat 5.0 for guiding, the delivery is as good as the route. The guide, Jürgen, is named in review after review by guests from Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UK and Austria, praised for speaking English, French, German and even Dutch, for explaining how the landscape and the island came to be, and for looking after small groups properly. One German couple were the only two on their tour.
The safety briefing gets repeated praise, which matters on a quad. A French reviewer described the instructions as very clear and said it let them ride with confidence. Another noted the staff explain the day’s schedule and the safety briefing before anything starts, and the test drive means nobody’s first time on a quad is on a mountain track.
The lunch is not an afterthought. Reviewers from France, Germany and the Netherlands all single it out, a family tavern, a typical Cretan meal, properly taken care of.
Two honest points rather than complaints, because this review record contains no criticism at all.
It is €195, which is at the upper end for a half-day activity in Crete. Value for money still scores 4.9, so people who paid it thought it worth it, but go in knowing the number.
Transport is extra. The meeting point at Galini is signposted from the main road, but if you are staying in Heraklion or Chania this is a long drive, and the transfer is a paid option rather than an inclusion.
Bring your licence, ride the test loop properly, and take a layer for the altitude.
The meeting point is at Galini, between Ierapetra and Makrigialos, marked by a large sign on the main road. The day starts at 09:00 and runs 5 hours 30 minutes.
Bring your driving licence. Transfer from your accommodation is a paid option rather than an inclusion.
The tour runs 5 hours 30 minutes, starting at 09:00 from the meeting point at Galini.
A driving licence is required to ride the quad.
Lunch and drinks at a mountain taverna are included, and reviewers consistently rate the meal as a highlight rather than a filler.
From the plateau you see the Cretan Sea with Mirabello bay, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda to the north, and the Libyan Sea with Chrissi and Koufonisi islands to the south.
A safety briefing and a test drive come before the route starts, and reviewers who had never ridden a quad describe feeling confident afterwards.
Transfer is a paid option, not an inclusion. The meeting point is signposted on the main road at Galini.
Check dates and prices for the Ierapetra quad safari day tour.
Take a tour to Richtis beach on the far side of Mirabello Bay and trek through the forest to the stunning Richtis waterfall. After pickup from your accommodation, enjoy the beautiful scenery on the 1-hour drive to the bay of Mirabello. Leave the asphalt and travel off road down to Richtis beach, hugging the mountainside.
Park at the bottom and enter Richtis gorge to start the 30-minute walk to reach the falls. Follow a trail through the forest, listening to the sounds of birds and running water. Stop to admire the incredible waterfalls, with time to climb up the stairs to the top of the falls, take photos, or swim in the cool waters.
When you are ready to leave, head back to the beach along the same trail. During the tour you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local tavern, with wine and water included. At the end of your tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel in the Elounda area.
This is a small family boat trip rather than a charter: four hours out of Agios Nikolaos marina with Captain Kostas aboard the Monomahos, fishing the bays of Mirabello with rods, stopping to swim, and eating a snack his wife cooks. Fishing Trips Crete run it from €90, with a 4.87 rating across 68 reviews, and reviewers keep saying the same thing, that beginners are welcome.
The four hours divide between fishing, swimming and eating, and the captain reads the weather to decide the order.
First is the marina at Agios Nikolaos, where Kostas meets you at the boat. Second is the run out into Mirabello Bay, the large sheltered gulf that gives eastern Crete its calmest water, to whichever spot is fishing that day. Third is the fishing itself, with rods and tackle provided and the captain baiting and advising as needed. Fourth is a stop in one of the bays for a swim and the snack, with beer, local wine, soft drinks, coffee and water on board.
Reviewers commonly report three different stops in a single trip, and several describe snorkelling between the fishing spots.
The boat works the gulf immediately around the town.
The €90 covers the boat, the captain, the tackle and the food.
Included:
There is nothing listed as excluded, which is unusual and worth noting, the price is the price.
We recommend this one because of who it works for: people who have never fished. That is not the usual pitch for a fishing trip, and it is the single most repeated point in the reviews.
A German guest put it directly, Kostas is attentive, helpful and patient, and that matters when you have people aboard fishing for the first time in their lives. Another German family called it recommended even for inexperienced anglers. A British couple reported their daughter Freya catching her first fish ever. If you have been put off booking because you would not know what to do with a rod, this is the trip that solves that.
The second thing is that it is genuinely a family operation. Kostas runs it with his daughter Katerina, the snack is cooked by his wife, and there is a dog on board that a French reviewer went out of their way to mention. A German visitor said it felt more like being out with friends than on a tour. Guide and transportation both score 4.9 out of 5.
Third, it is not only fishing. Reviewers describe three stops in four hours, snorkelling between them, and the captain explaining the species being caught. A Dutch family of four fished and snorkelled at three different locations. If half your group wants to swim rather than fish, they are catered for.
Two honest notes.
Value for money is the weakest dimension at 4.7 out of 5, which is still high, but €90 for four hours is a real price, and it reflects a small boat with few passengers rather than a bargain.
Weather decides the itinerary. The operator states that the captain chooses the route and the spot according to conditions on the day, so nothing about the route is fixed in advance.
Say you are a beginner, bring a towel, and come hungry.
The meeting point is Akti Nearchou 18 at the Agios Nikolaos marina. The trip runs 4 hours and the boat is the Monomahos.
Bring swimwear, a towel and sun protection. The captain has 30 years at sea and all fishing equipment is supplied, so there is nothing else to bring.
The trip runs 4 hours from the marina, covering fishing, a swim stop and a snack.
No, reviewers repeatedly describe it as suitable for complete beginners, including children catching their first fish.
All fishing equipment is included, along with a snack, water, a soft drink or coffee, and a beer or glass of local wine.
Yes, the boat stops in one of the bays for a swim, and reviewers commonly report snorkelling between fishing spots.
Into Mirabello Bay, the sheltered gulf around Agios Nikolaos, with the exact spots chosen by the captain on the day.
Captain Kostas, with 30 years at sea, working alongside his daughter Katerina, with the onboard snack cooked by his wife.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos fishing trip.
This boat trip leaves Agios Nikolaos harbour at 12:30 and spends 4.5 hours in the Mirabello gulf, crossing to Spinalonga and stopping to swim at Kolokytha bay on the way. Spinalonga carries Venetian fortifications and the buildings of the leper colony that operated there until 1957, and the route also passes the sunken city of Olous and Barbarossa’s cave. NOSTOS CRUISES runs it from €25, with a 4.41 rating across 3,526 reviews, ranking 37th among all GetYourGuide experiences in Greece.
The boat makes a circuit of the gulf with one landing and one swim. Four things fill the 4.5 hours.
First is the cruise across Mirabello bay from the main harbour, with live commentary and views back at the coast. Second are the sights passed en route: the cave associated with the corsair Barbarossa, the submerged remains of the ancient city of Olous, and the island where the kri-kri goats live. Third is Spinalonga itself, with a guided walk covering the Venetian period and the colony years. Fourth is the swim stop at Kolokytha bay, entered straight off the boat by ladder and platform.
Live guiding runs in English and Dutch; French, German, Polish and Greek are provided by audio guide only.
The route stays within the Mirabello gulf on the north-east coast.
The €25 covers the boat and the guiding; the island fee and everything you consume are separate.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this as the efficient way to do Spinalonga: half a day, from a town harbour you can walk to, at €25. It leaves your morning and evening free, which the full-day coach trips do not.
The swim stop is what reviewers rate highest, and it is better than it sounds. A New Zealand guest called it the highlight of the trip, jumping into the sea straight from the boat using the ladder and platform, far more convenient than wading off a beach. French and Polish reviewers describe the same thing, and one noted the swimming time is exactly right.
Guiding on the island earns specific praise. A Dutch reviewer named Dimitri for the history he gave on Spinalonga; a British reviewer described the island guide as very informative and happy to answer questions. A Greek guest said the guides were warm and attentive from the first minute to the last.
The boat itself gets good marks, clean, with a bar and restaurant, food and drink at reasonable prices, and plenty of facilities.
Two honest caveats, and one of them is the dominant complaint in this record.
The €20 island fee is not clear enough at booking. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers want clearer information on the additional entry fee, and two separate German reviewers raised it directly, one saying the price should be more clearly indicated, the other spelling out that an add-on ticket of €20 each is needed for the roughly 90 minutes on the island. At €25 for the boat, the fee nearly doubles your cost.
Language coverage is uneven. Only English and Dutch get a live guide; French, German, Polish and Greek passengers listen to a recording. Guiding scores 4.3 out of 5, the weakest dimension, and this is the likeliest reason.
If you would rather have the towns of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda included with a coach and a guide for the whole day, the full-day Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga trip covers all three.
Budget €45 not €25, bring a towel, and take the ladder rather than the beach.
The boat departs from Nostos Cruises at Akti Koundourou 6, Agios Nikolaos 721 00, at 12:30. No hotel transfer is included.
French, German, Polish and Greek commentary is by audio guide rather than a live guide. Pets are allowed on board, towels are not provided, and the Spinalonga entry fee is paid separately.
The trip runs 4.5 hours, departing Agios Nikolaos harbour at 12:30.
No, the island entry fee of around €20 is separate, and it is the most common complaint in the review record.
The swim stop is at Kolokytha bay, entered directly from the boat by ladder and platform rather than from a beach.
A live guide covers English and Dutch. French, German, Polish and Greek are provided by audio guide only.
No transfer is included. The boat leaves from the main harbour in Agios Nikolaos, walkable from the town centre.
Pets are allowed on board, which is unusual among the Spinalonga boats.
Check dates and prices for the Agios Nikolaos boat trip to Spinalonga.
Board a comfortable air-conditioned semi-submarine vessel at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Discover marine life which inhabits the coastal waters of Agioi Pantes Island. Learn more about the flora and fauna you will see from the onboard audio guide.
See many different species of colorful fish as the boat crew feeds them. If you are lucky, you may spot curious sea turtles, dolphins, and seals who sometimes choose to investigate the vessel.
In the second part of the tour, take a seat on the main deck of the boat in order to admire the spectacular views of Agios Nikolaos Bay. Feel the sea breeze as you cruise through the bay before heading back to the port.
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.
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.
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