MAKRYS GIALOS Area: 159.229 km2
Population: 4,200
The very name itself, Makrys Gialos-which in greek means ‘long beach’- hightens the visitors expectations, which are more than fulfilled by the large expanse of coastline, the beautiful, clean beaches and the crystal clear blue sea.
Rich in tradition and history, and with a strong cultural identity that is kept alive to this day, the Municipality of Makrys Gialos is a favourite tourist destination.
It is comprised of the villages Agios Stefanos, Lithines, Orino, Pervolakia, Pefki, Stavrochori, Schinokapsala, Chrysopigi, and of the coastal settlements of Makrys Gialos, Lagada, Agios Panteleimon, Kalo Nero and Achlia.
Its beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear waters- some isolated and ideal for quiet moments, others popular and organized- and the picturesque taverns that serve traditional Cretan dishes and fresh seafood convince thousands of visitors to make the Municipality of Makrys Gialos their greek experience every year.
The area is also famous for its high quality olive oil and fine agricultural products, since farming, agriculture and olive oil harvesting are the main occupation of the residents, along, of course, with tourist business.
The Municipality of Makrys Gialos neighbours with:
the Municipality of Sitia to the north the Libyan Sea to the south
the Municipality of Lefki to the East
the Municipality of Ierapetra to the West
The Municipality of Makrys Gialos lies in one of the most beautiful corners of Europe with the overwhelming advantage of ideal climate and boundless beauty, that only the amazing combination of mountainous terrain and sea can create.
Bare mountain slopes, pine forests, rocky hills, deep canyons, caves, rocks corroded by wind and rain, bright colours, all conspire to make you feel the irresistible force of the Earth.
Here, the bright Sun rules the place, whose power of light magnifies the visitor’s senses. Warm hospitality and a sunny countenance is the resident’s hallmark.A trip to the southernmost edge of Europe, to Makrys Gialos, is an unprecedented experience of emotions and of a way of life that feels like a sweet love game, where all the elements of nature take part: earth, sea, air, and the sun.
