Location
Makrigialos or Makry Gialos in south Lasithi, east Crete lies 25km east of Ierapetra, 34km south west of Sitia and 55km south east of Agios Nikolaos town.
Characteristics
| Access By: Car/bus | Beach Type: Sand |
| Depth: Shallow | Temperature: Cool |
| Natural Shade: Yes | Organised: Yes |
| Crowded: Normal | Family-friendly: Yes |
| Windy: No | Blue Flag: Yes |
Facilities
Umbrellas and sun beds, showers, lifeguard, water sports, parking, cafes, snack, beach bars, restaurants, tavernas, accommodation, bakeries, souper markets, ATM cashpoint machines, doctor’s offices.
Notes
Makrigialos (i.e.”Long shore”) consists of many beaches, some more secluded than others.
The sandy beach which lies in front of the village, known as Analipsi or Hani, is a 1km long beach with calm shallow waters, perfect for families with small children.
Just west of the village, there are the beaches of Katovigli and Kalamokania.
The beach of Katovigli is well organised with free umbrellas and beach bars in the nearby harbour.
Its trademark is the remains of a Roman villa of the 2nd century AD.
Behind the harbor there is the unorganised and quiet beach of Kalamokania where the waters are slightly deeper.
To the east of the long beach of Analipsi, there is the wider, organised beach of Lagoufa, well-protected by the winds, offering water sports options while further east you find the quieter and unorganised beaches of Diaskari and Lagada.
Diaskari is a sandy beach with small pebbles and slightly slippery slabs when entering the sea.
Lagada beach is large and preferred by nudists.
The magnificent mountainous scenery that embraces the village of Makrigialos and probably the best micro-climate in Crete, have contributed in making Makrigialos one of the most important touristy resorts in the prefecture of Lasithi.
How to get to Makrigialos
Makrigialos is easily accessible with frequent public buses from Ierapetra and Sitia.
Makrigialos is 25km east of Ierapetra on a good road.
The scenic coastal ride takes about 30 minutes.
It is 34 km south west of Sitia, an approximately 45-60 minute drive.
Taxis can also be booked from/to the airports of Heraklion or Sitia.
If you drive from Heraklion airport, follow the signs to Agios Nikolaos.
As you reach Agios Nikolaos, follow the sign to Ierapetra.
When entering Ierapetra you will see a cross-road.
Turn left and drive straight ahead for about 20km.
