A Luxury Holiday Apartment in Crete
Locality around Makrigialos
7 Top things to see and do during your visit to Makrigialos, Crete
A word of warning – if casinos, nightclubs or amusement arcades is what you are looking for, then please stay away as there aren’t any in Makrigialos. What you will find, after a little search behind whitewashed buildings, is what your mind and body really craves – peace, relaxation, vibrant flowers, infinite sunshine and unadulterated sandy bliss just outside your front door.
Explore the unspoilt beaches
Walk to the nearest gorge
Visit the historical treasures
Go on an island trip
Admire Lassithi Plateau
Chill in thriving Sitia
Check out the fabulous food at the local tavernas
Makri-gialos has one of the best beaches in Crete – long and sandy with crystal clear waters. It is known as Makrigialos Beach but you might hear locals call it Hani or simply Long Beach. The exceptionally shallow waters are particularly popular with young families, and there are numerous harbour-side and beach-front cafes, bars, and restaurants providing shade under the tamarisk trees. Sunbeds and beach umbrellas are often provided by businesses that line the beach - some charge for their use, others provide them free for the use of their customers. Jetskis, water-skiing, towed inflatable rides, and pedal boats are available in summer.
The Gorge of Pefki (Pefki means Pines) is one of the most beautiful small gorges of Crete, with amazing rock formations shaped by the natural forces and with lush vegetation.The best thing about this walk, in our opinion, is the tavern Piperia awaiting at the top. You will be assured of a warm welcome and a Frappe or a very cold beer taste amazing after that 7 km walk! The name Piperia (that means pepper tree) comes from the huge historic pepper tree that exists in the tavern. Piperia Tavern is known for its healthy, fresh and delicious Cretan dishes, as well as for its varied and tasty menu. Piperia also organizes nights with live music and traditional Cretan dancers. Fanis and his family, the tavern's owners, will happily cater for large groups or provide any special dish, with prior arrangement.
The first evidence of a settlement at Makrigialos can be found at the Minoan Villa dating from the Late Minoan period (1550-1450 BC). Near the church, on the hill behind The White Houses guest house, Roman remains have also been found. This domestic establishment dates from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD.
Discover unknown islands, tranquil coves and secret beaches exploring the timeless beauty of Crete and the Mediterranean from the sea.
Have an unforgettable experience by chartering a Motor Yacht and see the Greek Islands of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas – day trips to Chrissi Island or Koufonisi Island (including a beach barbecue!) can be arranged at the Lagada Resort reception by our site managers.
Chrissi Island (Gaidouronisi)
Chrissi Island's sandy beaches are some of the loveliest in Crete, and its nickname 'Chrissi' comes from the Greek word χρυσος, meaning gold, because of the golden colour of the sand. You can explore the ancient cedar pine forest, with shells, fossils and its unique natural fauna. Or simply enjoy a swim in the turquoise waters, relax on the beach, and chill out in the taverna. Our site managers can arrange an exclusive daily boat cruise service to Chrissi Island throughout the summer from Ierapetra Harbour (crossing 8 nautical miles, approx 25 minutes each way)
Koufonisi Island (visit Koufonissi web site)
Koufonisi Island is another small uninhabited island off the south coast of Crete with beautiful beaches. It was famous for sponge fishing and shells which produced a much sought-after purple dye. Ancient ruins from Roman times include a well-preserved amphitheatre for 1,000 people, remains of a house-villa and a luxurious complex of baths and temples with a colossal roman statue depicting a goddess on a throne. Our site managers can arrange a day boat cruise to Koufonisi Island from Ierapetra or Makrigialos harbours.
The Lassithi Plateau is one of the most beautiful areas in Crete. High up on the Dikti Mountains, it is a green, fertile valley,covering an extension of 25 000 sq. km full of cultivation of potatoes, garden and fruit products and almond trees. The spectacle of 10 000 windmills scattered throughout the area is unique. About 8 km from the village of Agios Konstantinos, is the famous Diktaen cave, a source of ancient legends, a pre-Minoan place of worship, and regarded with great mythological significance as the birthplace of the God Zeus.
Sitia is the main port and town of the eastern extremity of Crete. The frenetic lifestyle of its more famous westerly neighbours has escaped this charming, cosmopolitan town. A lively waterfront has many excellent tavernas and cafes. These, together with a long, sandy beach where water sports are offered are the mainstay of holiday life and will be more than enough to keep most holidaymakers occupied. An interesting aside are the town's folklore and archaeological museums.
Sitia is a good starting point for several excursions throughout Eastern Crete. Some of the most important places to visit are Toplou Monastery, Palaikastro, Vai, Zakros, Makri Gialos, Itanos.
If you love Cretan cuisine, you'll love Makrigialos. The best thing about the Cretan food is its simplicity. No overpowering spices or cooking processes mar the flavour of the fresh, locally gathered produce The village boasts a delightful selection of tavernas, bars and cafes, all serving delicious local fare. There are many charming resturants in the area, such as the harbourside Olympio Café (Dimitris and his wife Hara will be happy to welcome you), and Kalliotzina in the nearby village of Koutsouras. A five minute drive from Lagada Resort will take you to Kalo Nero, where you can dine with view of an illuminated mountainside cavern - The Dragon's Cave.
In Crete, as in all Greece, eating is a way of life, and any meal can take all afternoon or all night. Good wine, good conversation, and a bit of the strong stuff - Raki, these are just as valuable ingredients to a meal in Crete as are the fresh produce and the generations of experience accumulated by the cook. All this combines to make eating the Cretan way such a satisfying and magical experience.
Lagada Resort also sponsors the prestigious Casa dei Mezzo Music Festival, which takes place every year at the end of June. The Sunday Times Online names it “The most unique and intimate classical summer music festival in Europe”
Every day you discover more and more beautiful things
This is our Crete - from spectacular scenery in deep mountain gorges, to awe inspiring ghostly deserted villages once home to Europe's last leper colony.
From the home of the beginning of Civilization itself to a balmy, palm laden beach that inspired a famous chocolate advert.
From a unique Roman settlement almost forgotten by the world, to a sun-drenched crazy, club crammed resort. It’s all there awaiting to be admired and discovered over and over again…
