Situated in Makry Gialos and only 800 metres from Lagoufa Beach, Newly built maisonette with swimming pool and seaview features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The holiday home offers a children’s playground. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Newly built maisonette with swimming pool and seaview, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Makrigialos Beach is 1.1 km from the accommodation, while Diaskari Beach is 1.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 33 km from Newly built maisonette with swimming pool and seaview, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Located in Pilalímata and only less than 1 km from Lagoufa Beach, Villa Evdokia II provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This holiday home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The holiday home with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Diaskari Beach is 1.2 km from the holiday home, while Makrigialos Beach is 1.5 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 33 km from Villa Evdokia II.
from
€134
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a pool with a view, sea view and a terrace, Bayview Villa B11 is set in Makry Gialos. Featuring mountain and pool views, this holiday home also has free WiFi.
Featuring a DVD player, the holiday home has a kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, a living room with a seating area and a dining area, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a bath. A flat-screen TV, as well as an iPad and a computer are featured.
The holiday home offers a barbecue. Guests at Bayview Villa B11 can enjoy table tennis on site, or go fishing or hiking in the surroundings.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Lagkada Beach, Diaskari Beach and Mikro Ammoudi Beach. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 34 km from Bayview Villa B11.
Pearls Of Crete – Holiday Residences is a house complex set in Makry Gialos, 60 km from Ágios Nikólaos. The complex is fitted with air conditioning and free WiFi. Free private parking is available on site.
The villas are composed of 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and the apartments of 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, equipped with bath robes. A dishwasher, an oven and a microwave can be found in the kitchen. A flat-screen TV is featured. Other facilities at Pearls Of Crete – Holiday Residences include an outdoor pool.
A restaurant and a mini market can be found 100 metres away, while a pharmacy is at a distance of 300 metres. Elounda is 70 km from Pearls Of Crete – Holiday Residences, while Ierapetra is 22 km away. Sitia Public Airport is 22 km from the property.
Lagada Resort has garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Makry Gialos, 300 metres from Lagkada Beach.
The aparthotel provides guests with a terrace, mountain views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Lagada Resort offers a picnic area.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while snorkelling and cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Diaskari Beach is 1.1 km from Lagada Resort, while Mikro Ammoudi Beach is 1.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public, 34 km from the aparthotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Featuring a pool with separate children’s section, Helios Studios & Apartments offers self-catering accommodation with Libyan Sea views. Surrounded by a garden, it is located 250 metres from Makrigialos Beach. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Opening to a balcony, all air-conditioned units have a kitchenette with cooking hobs, a fridge and coffee maker. Traditionally decorated, some come with built-in beds. Facilities include a TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with shower.
Guests will find taverns, bars and shops at 250 metres from Helios Studios & Apartments. Sitia Town is at 35 km and the town of Ierapetra is 24 km away. Free, private parking is possible on site.
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.
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.
Sailing trip is designed for half a day – just enough time to enjoy sea and swimming activities.Afternoon sailing trip is suitable for those who prefer waking up late and avoid the hottest hours. The boat trip starts at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Guests will have the opportunity to see famous island Spinalonga from the water. Our catamaran Lagoon 450F* will comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests. For adults, we have snorkel equipment, SUPs, tackle and fishing bait. For children – a box with toys, colouring books, board games. And inflatable flamingos and unicorns for the entire family. Food on a cruise is our pride. For our guests, we have compiled a Mediterranean-style menu with seafood** and unlimited drinks.
* Catamaran model may change,
** The menu consists of local, high quality products. Dishes are subject to change.
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.
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.
Lagada, positioned 29km to the east of Ierapetra, 62km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, and 6km east of Makrigialos, nestles within a verdant valley rich with olive groves and flanked by the towering Thripti mountains. In recent years, the area has seen the development of a few hotels and rental properties, yet the beach has managed to maintain its secluded charm.
To reach Lagada from Makrigialos, travel along the Sitia road and look out for the signs for Moni Kapsa. Within 500-800m, you’ll spot numerous greenhouses with the expansive Lagada beach to your right. Several roads starting near the greenhouses will lead you straight to the beach.
Lagada’s beach is characterized by its small pebbles and crystalline water. It’s entirely unpopulated and devoid of any facilities, making it a perfect getaway for naturists and campers. There are a handful of spots with tamarisk trees for shade. Towards the west, the Andromilos torrent cools the water. The beach, which is exposed to the southern winds, is recognized as an excellent spot for windsurfing in Crete, despite the rocky seabed posing some risks.
Venture from Makrigialos towards Goudouras, and post Lagada, take a right onto a dirt path that guides you to the greenhouses located on the petite peninsula at the eastern extremity of the bay. Continue along this path, past the greenhouses, to discover the secluded pebbly beach of Spilia, home to a small cave. This spot is typically deserted, though unfortunately, streams often carry litter here. Proceeding westward along the road, you’ll soon reach the remote sandy beach of Psalidia, named after the Greek word for scissors, a reference to the bay’s shape. The surrounding landscape is arid, dotted with low sand dunes and shrubs. However, come September, it transforms into a haven of white sand daffodils. Furthermore, a coastal walk from Psalidia to Lagada rewards you with spectacular rock formations, perfect for photography.
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.
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.
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.
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.
© All rights reserved. Crete Locals
