Makrys Gialos: The Hidden Gem of Lasithi

Makrys Gialos (or Makrygialos) is one of the most beautiful villages in Crete, located 35 km from Sitia and 29 km from Ierapetra. It is famed for its wonderful beach with shallow, clean waters—ideal for families with children and non‑swimmers, while also offering areas for more experienced swimmers. The quaint harbor and tavernas around the beach provide the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Besides the beach, Makrys Gialos offers a wide variety of shops, tavernas, and sporting activities, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

 The Makrygialos area has a rich history, with excavations revealing a Minoan villa and a Roman villa. Formerly a small seaside settlement where locals stored and exported products such as oil, sultanas, and carob, Makrygialos remained isolated until roadworks began in the 1970s. Today it is a vibrant tourist area, while the surrounding mountains offer stunning views and picturesque traditional villages with narrow alleys, restored stone houses, and lush vegetation.