The small coastal village of Makri Gialos (approx. 4204 inhabitants together with the region of Koutsouras) comes with a fine sandy beach belongs to the municipality of the coastal harbor town of Ierapetra and is located 120 km from the capital Heraklion and its airport.
The small coastal village of Makri Gialos has a small port and is located opposite the island of Koufonisi (nature reserve). 35 minutes´drive to Ierapetra (25.5 km), to the north coast town of Agios Nikolaos it is approx. 90 minutes´dirve, 60 km. It is 33 km to the north coast town of Sitia. The port of Makri Gialos and the bay is surrounded from several taverns offering traditional cuisine. Sunbeds and parasols at the beach are available.
Hiking excursions around the Makri Gialos region: the small gorge "Red Butterlfy Gorge", the Butterfly Gorge.
Hiking boots are required for this gorge. Other hikes: The "Sarakina Gorge", the "Mirtos Gorge" and the "Dasaki Gorge".
The Sarakina and Mirtos gorges are small gorges that merge one into another at the foot of the "Lazaros mountain". The total walking time is about 6 hours. Difference in altitude 600 meters. Marking: Red marking and cairn. This hike has the highest level of difficulty. Mobile phone reception is available. In spring the Sarakina Gorge can have a high water level, so please bring water-compatible shoes.
The Dasaki Gorge is in the Thipti Mountains and runs in a southerly direction. Difficulty level medium, pure walking time 4 hours. On this tour you have a beautiful view of the south coast, of the Libyan Sea.
Cultural highlights of the region around Makri Gialos:
The Zakros Palace (from 1900 BC) is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Minoan culture. It is the fourth largest palace in Crete. The site is spread in approximately 8000 m 2. This palace have 300 rooms. The houses of the city were over three floors. Approx. 10,000 findings from this site here can be admired in the Museum of Heraklion, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos.
It is not only the Minoan Palace, but also the beautiful pebble beach. From Kato Zakros you can also walk to the "Death Valley ". It was so named because numerous Minoan sarcophagi were discovered here. Another highlight is the fertile Presos plateau, a good contrast to the dry coastal region. This plateau has rich vegetation and remains of the Post-Minoan Presos / Praisos.
Pre-book your boat excursion to the offshore Island Chrissy.
This boat-excursion is a perfekt bathing and snorkeling-event for families and nature lovers. The place of embarkation is Ierapetra at the south coast of Crete. How to get there: we offer a private-transfer from your hotel to the place of embarkation or hire car. It is worth booking a private transfer when you are with 4 pers. Please send us an email request for sending an offer including private transfer. For booking only the tour please use our booking form.
The offshore Island Chrissy is Wildlife Refuge. Due to its stunning natural beauty and important ecosystem, it has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000.
The offshore island is situated approximately 9 nautical miles south of the city Ierapetra considered the golden paradise.
The trip from the port of Ierapetra to the exotic Chrissi lasts about an hour.
The cruises depart daily from May to October. Departures from 11.00 am, from the port of Ierapetra. The timetable may change according the season. This boat tour is without meals.
Pre-book your boat excursion to the offshore Island Koufonisi, a unusual bathing experience for the whole family
This boat-excursion is a perfekt bathing and snorkeling-event for families and nature lovers. How to get to the place of embakation: we offer a private-transfer from your hotel to the place of embarkation. It is worth booking a private transfer when you are with 4 persons. Please send us an email request for sending an offer including private transfer.
The Island Koufonisi is Wildlife Refuge. Due to its stunning natural beauty and important ecosystem, it has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. The island is about 6 kilometers long, 5.5 kilometers wide, and has an area of 4,26 square kilometers.
The infrastructure and the nature of the landscape in the South of Crete make it difficult to explore the most important places / landscapes in one go.
Therefore we recommend our self drive tour "Southern Crete" with 3 hotels in 2 weeks.
If you want the best Crete self-drive itineraries handcrafted by the experts for Crete then look no further.
The experience of our self drive tour "Southern Crete" is for the discerning visitor who wishes to learn more about Crete's history and
culture through personal contact with the owners. It is a package with 3 charming hotels including car hire.
Lean back and be relaxed, because now you´ll see the best idea for your holidays in South Crete made by the Crete-Experts Kreta.com
Recommendation: this optimal self drive tour "Southern Crete"consists of 3 Hotel-Locations within two weeks, it's excellent value for money, price per person(occupancy 2 guests)
from 736 €, daily arrival possible.
Our Self-Drive holidays include hotel accommodation and car hire (including taxes and car insurance) for the full duration.
With your travel documents (Vouchers) you will also receive a comprehensive map and day-to-day itinerary.
We have carefully selected unique family run hotels, that have an extra touch of ambience and character.
Click here: The South coast has been waiting for you.
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