Location
Discover the Authentic Cretan Hospitality
ACCESS TO VILLA DOLCE EVITA
To reach Makry Gialos you can choose between two different routes, either via Heraklion or via Sitia.
You can reach Makry Gialos via Sitia which is the shortest and clearly the most economical way as it is only 35km away and about 40 minutes in duration. You can fly through Athens to the airport of Sitia "Vitsentzos Kornaros" - (JSH), or by ferry from the port of Piraeus. Then you can rent a car driving on a beautiful route with enough greenery, use the KTEL bus to Makry Gialos or take a taxi at a cost of about 30 €.
You can reach Heraklion either by plane through the airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" choosing one of the many flights operated by cities in Greece and Europe, or by ferry from the port of Piraeus. After your arrival in Heraklion you can rent a car following the route to Agios Nikolaos-Ierapetra-Makry Gialos or use a taxi which is clearly a faster and more relaxed way to get to your destination but not the most economical (cost: 130 €). You can also use the KTEL bus to Ierapetra and from there to Makry Gialos.
Makry Gialos
The ideal destination for your summer vacation
Just 35 km south of Sitia and 29 km east of Ierapetra is one of the most picturesque settlements overlooking the endless blue of the Cretan Sea. As one understands from its name, Makry Gialos took its name from its sandy beach which stretches for a total distance of more than one kilometer.
Makry Gialos was predominantly a fishing village, but in recent years it is one of the most visited tourist resorts in the prefecture of Lassithi. It is a place suitable for both couples and families, ideal for travelers who want peace, quiet and more privacy.
The beach of Makry Gialos with its crystal clear shallow waters and fine sand will excite you, while it is an ideal choice for families with small children. In the small picturesque port you will find coffee bars and traditional taverns where you can enjoy your coffee or drink and taste dishes from Cretan cuisine in a very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for all tastes.
Makry Gialos has all the infrastructure to facilitate the life of visitors, as there is a bank (ATM), car rental offices, supermarket, doctor, pharmacy and many tourist shops.
The area can meet the needs of even the most demanding traveler, which makes it an ideal destination both for families looking for something more organized away from the fast pace of the city, and for the younger ages looking for intense fun, the sea sports and other activities.
BEST BEACHES IN LASITHI
PALM BEACH VAI
The exotic beach of Vai is located 24 km east of Sitia. It is the most famous beach of eastern Crete, as its main feature is the largest in the Mediterranean forest with Cretan palm trees (Phoenix theophrastii). It is a beach with fine sand and pebbles, a real oasis for the desert landscape of eastern Crete. The beach is well organized as it has water sports, many sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes and restaurants.
DIASKARI BEACH
Diaskari beach is located at the exit of Makry Gialos to Sitia, just 2 minutes from the main road. Arriving there you will see a beautiful and enchanting beach with crystal clear waters and sand. It is a quiet beach without a lot of people, while there is only one tavern which offers sunbeds and showers.
KALAMOKANIAS BEACH
The beach of Kalamokanias is very calm and has thick black sand, which does not stick to the body. It is poorly organized, while there are tamarisk trees that offer shade as well as a few taverns. The coastal road connects the beach with the port and the beach of Makry Gialos, where the entertainment options are clearly more. The access to the beach is very easy, as the main road to Ierapetra passes by.
XEROKAMPOS
The beaches of Xerokampos are simply amazing. In Xerokampos you will find beaches with golden sand, white sand, pebbles and even clay for lovers of natural spa. The wild beauty of the mountains and gorges is combined with the fantastic deserted beaches, coastal coves, palm trees and olive groves and creates a fairytale setting turning the area of Xerokampos into a small paradise of southeastern Crete.
ANALIPSI BEACH
The beach of Analipsi or also known as "Hani" is the main beach in Makry Gialos and larger as it stretches along 2km. The beach has been awarded a blue flag and its crystal clear shallow waters which makes it ideal for families with children but also for those who do not know how to swim well. It is organized with chairs, umbrellas and water sports while along it are the restaurants and cafes of Makry Gialos.
KOUFONISI
Koufonisi or Lefki island is a small island in the South Cretan Sea just 10 miles southeast of Makry Gialos, ideal for a day trip. The access to the island is done with the pirate ship "EVDOKIA", which departs every morning from the port of Makry Gialos. Approaching the island, we admire its shores with its many pits, caves and beautiful bays, which the sea formed in its soft rocks. The island is surrounded by 36 fantastic beaches, with fine white and golden sand and crystal clear, turquoise waters.
LASITHI SIGHTSEEING
TOPLOU MONASTERY
The Monastery of Toplou or Panagia Akrotiriani is located at the north-eastern end of Crete near the Palm Forest of Vai and is one of the most historic and beautiful monasteries in Crete. Toplou Monastery impresses from afar as it looks like a small fortress surrounded by a high wall about 10 meters high. In the Monastery of Toplou are preserved icons from the 15th century, which together with other newer ones, are of great artistic interest because they present the stages of development and evolution of the painting school of Constantinople, which also influenced Cretan Art.
RICHTI GORGE
Richti Gorge is located on the north side of the Prefecture of Lassithi, 15km from the city of Sitia to Agios Nikolaos. The gorge starts just outside the village of Exo Mouliana and ends at the rocky beach of Richtis, east of the village of Kalavros. The route starts from the stone arched bridge of Lahanas, while the route continues in a verdant landscape in the river, where you will find the ruins of two watermills. But what will impress you is the beautiful waterfall of Richtis, 20m high, which forms a wonderful pond at its base. The route ends with the exit from the gorge to the Cretan Sea and the homonymous beach.
MILONAS GORGE
The Gorge of Mylonas is located 18km east of Ierapetra. It starts near the village of St. John, at an altitude of 500m, and ends at the beach of Kakia Skala. The way is wonderful while its most exciting spot is the great 20 meter waterfall where every visitor ends up. Especially in the winter and after huge rains the waterfall presents a spectacular show.
MONI KAPSA (PERVOLAKIA GORGE)
The area is located 10 km east of Makrigialos. It includes the small gorge of Pervolakion, 3 km long, while it is also known as the gorge of Kapsa from the homonymous monastery located at the exit of the gorge, which dates from the 15th century. Extremely beautiful gorge, and easily passable almost along its entire length. It starts south of the village Pervolakia and ends at the sea where there is a small pebble beach.
Get In Touch
Epar.Od. Ierapetras - Sitias, Ierapetra 720 55
+30 697 254 6917
+30 697 679 1676
info@villadolceevita.gr