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Makrigialos

Makrigialos skyline above the harbour at sunset.

Not so long ago Makrigialos (officially spelled Makry-Gialos), on the south-east coast of Crete, was just a scattering of store houses and fishermen's cottages. Although it owes much of its recent development to tourism, ensuring an excellent choice of beach-front restaurants, tavernas, and bars, the local economy is still firmly rooted in agriculture. When the summer season ends the local population return to their olive groves to produce some of the finest olive oil in the world.

The village remains one of the quieter, less developed destinations on the island, and boasts one of the best beaches in east Crete, among the many that can be found locally. A working fishing harbour at the western end of the village has its own stretch of sandy beach and a variety of bars and tavernas that make it a focal point of a bustling nightlife.

During the summer season there are a range of watersports available, ranging from pedal boats to jet-skis, and fishing boat charter is available from the harbour. For a rural backwater the Makrigialos area boasts some world class attractions: every June the village hosts the prestigious Casa dei Mezzo music festival, and the nearby village of Agios Stefanos is home to the Sasteria public observatory and art workshop.

South East Crete

South east Crete mountain view towards Pefki village

In a land of mountains, plateaux, gorges, and coast, Bay View is ideally positioned, close to the best beaches in south east Crete, and a central location from which to explore the natural, historical, and cultural treasures of east Crete.

The area is home to Minoan, Venetian, and Roman ruins, the former dating as far back as 1400 B.C. More 'recent' evidence of habitation can be found at Moni Kapsa, a 15th century monastery perched on the mountain side where Pervolakia gorge emerges at the coast, four miles east of Makrigialos. Contemporary culture is represented by timeless traditional Cretan villages, such as Pefki and Agios Stefanos, nestled in the mountain hinterland.

Road access is good, allowing day trips that range from Toplou Monastery in the far north-east, the palatial ruins of Minoan Kato Zakros on the east coast, the Venetian fort of Spinalonga to the north-west, and the Lasithi plateau to the west. Even a day trip to Knossos, just south of Heraklion, is achievable.

Lagada beach

Quiet beach, without amenities, 300m from the apartment.

Diaskari beach

Similar to Lagada, from which it is easily reached over a small headland. Taverna located at the far end.

Lagoufa beach

Sandy, blue flag beach serving the hotels, but open to all. Refreshments, sunbeds, and watersports available during the summer.

Makrigialos beach

Popular, long, sandy, blue flag beach with shallow waters, ideal for young families, stretching from the hotels to the harbour. Many beach front bars and tavernas offering refreshments and sunbeds. Water sports available during the summer.

Kalamokania beach

Quiet pebble/shingle beach, with deep waters that are good for snorkelling. Refreshments and sunbeds available from two restaurants on the beach-front.