Sandstrände

Makrigialos Beach

Ierapetra, Lasithi · Free

Route

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

Organised

Gut organisiert

Characteristics

Good for

Familienfreundlich

Facilities

About

A long sandy beach with shallow water in a popular south east resort village.

Makrigialos has a long sandy beach with very shallow, clear water, ideal for children. The village has lots of tavernas and rooms and a relaxed atmosphere.

Makrigialos is a popular resort on the south-east coast of Lasithi, about 25 km east of Ierapetra. The village has kept a relaxed, friendly feel, with tavernas, cafes and small hotels along the waterfront. A Roman villa was excavated here, and finds from it are in the Sitia museum.

The long sandy beach has very shallow, clear water, ideal for children. The area is one of the warmest in Crete, and the swimming season lasts well into autumn. Nearby, the Pervolakia gorge and the Kapsa monastery make good short trips.

Ierapetra is the southernmost town in Europe, and the area around it is known for its greenhouses, which produce vegetables for all of Greece. The coast stretches east to Makrigialos and west to Myrtos, with long beaches, small coves and a warm climate that allows swimming from April to November. Boats leave Ierapetra for Chrissi island, with its cedar forest and white sand. Inland, the Sarakina and Ha gorges and the Selakano forest offer cool escapes.

Around Ierapetra

South coast, on the Libyan Sea
Nearest town: Makrigialos, about 1 km by road
Nearest airport: Sitia airport (JSH), about 30 km by road

Lasithi, the eastern end of Crete, is quieter and greener than you might expect. Agios Nikolaos wraps around a small lake and a lively harbour, with cafés on the water and beaches within walking distance. Just north, Elounda and Plaka look across to the fortress island of Spinalonga, one of the most moving places on the island. More about Lasithi