Places to visit

Within the villages of Makrigialos and Analipsi there are a number of historical sites. The remains of a Roman Villa sit above the harbour and the Minoan Villa - the remains of a costal settlement of the Agios Stephanos community is within easy walking distance from the centre of the village.

It is worth taking a drive and exploring some of the out of the way villages - peaceful, timeless, traditional mountain villages, which are tucked away from the coast - Shinokapsala, Orino, Stavrochori, Chrisopigi, Lapithos, Agios Stephanos, Pefki, Lithines, Upper and Lower Pervolakia. Each have their own unique charm with their stone built houses and narrow paved streets, village squares with a big plane tree in the middle, as well as decorated churches. As you travel around the island look for the many small churches scattered around the hillside, on top of peaks, built in caves, by the side of springs and in the most charming settings. These churches represent the strong Orthodox religion.

Koufonisi island - there is a boat trip to its wonderful beaches, leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon from the harbour. The island was once partly covered by a Roman factory producing scarlet dies for the robes of the emperors, from sea shells. It is an archaeological site of interest. Until an earthquake around 500 AD it was still past of the peninsula east of Makrigialos. Boat trips can be booked from a number of places in the village - look out for signs.

The Kapsa Monastery - 6km along the coast near the spectacular Pervolakia gorge. The monastery, built on the sheer rock face , close to the spectacular Perivolakia Gorge, is believed to have been founded in the 15th Century. The Monastery is open daily in the morning and late afternoon / early evening but there are quite strict rules on suitable dress attire for entering the church so be prepared. The monastery celebrates its feast day on the 29th August.

Sitia - on the North Coast is the main town of East Crete, a very pretty town with a very pleasant sea front lined with cafés and tavernas, a harbour, and if you fancy the walk up the hill there is the Roman Fort on the hill. If you are visiting in August then don’t miss the raisin festival.

Ierepetra - 30 minutes away from Makrigialos, the only large town on the south coast it has the longest beach on Crete, a museum and the remains of a Venetian fort on the quay. You can also see signs of the Turkish occupation of 1647 near the harbour and the remains of a Turkish fountain can be found in front of a derelict mosque.

The Island of Spinalonga - just off the coast, near Elounda. It contains a Venetian fort but is probably more famous as a leper colony. From 1903 until 1957 it was home to the lepers of Crete and the rest of Greece. Have you read ‘The Island’ by Victoria Hislop - if you have then visiting Spinalonga is a must to soak up the atmosphere and get a sense of what life must have been like for those living in isolation. Spinalonga is steeped in history being a strategic outpost for different civilisations including the Venetians, and the Ottoman Turks. You can visit the island by boat from Agios Nikolaos, Elounda or Plaka for a tour of its ruined buildings. We took the 10 minute boat trip from the little village of Plaka - a very pretty village directly opposite Spinalonga.

Knossos - 5km south of Heraklion, is probably the most famous of the Minoan palaces with its wonderful courtyards, temples and its theatre. The most visited historical site in Crete (Spinolonga being the second).

Moni Toplou monastery - 14th century monastery with its high walls and beautiful gardens, it houses the icon of Theotokos the Immaculate said to be one of the most holy in all of Greece. The Monastery is located at the north eastern tip of Crete, about 10 km east of Sitia. 

Via Palm forest and beach - This is one of the most popular sites in Crete attracting thousands of visitors each year. The palm forest now covers approx 250,000m² making it the largest palm forest in Europe. Many migrating birds stop here on their journeys to and from Africa which makes this area fascinating for its biodiversity. The large sandy beach is a blue flag beach and has the usual umbrellas and sunloungers for hire.

Lasithi Plateau - Diktian Cave - the supposed birthplace of Zeus and the Lasinthos Eco-park.

The archaeological site of Zakros - The palace at Zakros is the fourth largest on Minoan Crete. It was situated at a strategic site, with a secure harbour which became the centre of trade between the countries of the east. You can walk around the ruins and imagine the palace and its surrounding buildings.  Getting there from Makrigialos is not for the faint hearted, although not far it takes in some very narrow windy roads up and down the mountain sides.

If you want a beach that offers a tranquil setting, off the beaten track and a place to unwind and recharge then Xerokambos is the place for you.

Agios Nikolaos - this is a ovely city to go visit, it has amazing views from the top, gorgeorus restaurants, lots of shops to browse, along with a harbour often full of waterfront restaurants and fun things to see!

The Kapsa Monastery

Sitia

The Island of Spinalonga

Via Palm forest and beach

Lasithi Plateau - Diktian Cave