Makrigialos (settlement)
The sandy beach of Makrygialos is found at a distance of 58 kilometers far from Aghios Nicolaos at the Southeast, 23 kilometers eastern to Ierapetra, in front of the homonymous tourist resort of 600 permanent residents; it is well protected from the winds and, as the sea is shallow enough, it is ideal for families with small children.

The beach and the settlement offer good accommodation in several good hotels of all categories, as well as studios and rooms to let. Food is excellent, fresh fish and seafood is abundant and gorgeous in the fish taverns of the resort.

You will enjoy swimming and sea sports at the well-organised beach, with all facilities for swimming and sunbathing (sunbeds, umbrellas etc). If you prefer a less crowded beach you may pop round to the nearby beach in front of the archaeological site of the Minoan villa, at a distance of 2 kilometers at the East, or to Diaskari and Langada (4 and 5 kilometers, respectively, eastern to Makrygialos ); or, you may catch one of the excursion boats departing from the village and go to the islet of Koufonissi, where several wonderful beaches are waiting for you to enjoy them.

For a change to the daily “program” of swimming and sunbathing, you may visit the Minoan villa at Plakakia , or the ruins of the Roman period at Katovgli , both at a distance of 2 kilometers at the East. You may also drive to the village of Lithines (meaning “stony” in Greek), some 12 kilometers northeastern to Makrygialos, where you may visit the church of Panaghia, dedicated to Holy Virgin; or you may take your coffee at the village of Aghios Stefanos, 7 kilometers far away, at the North. Those liking nature and natural life may visit to the gorge of Pefki, at a distance of 10 kilometers far from the resort and the cave Apoloustres, found 2 kilometers northern to Pefki. Or you may visit...., but there are so many places to go in the area !

Access from Aghios Nicolaos is possible by rented or private cars and motorbikes, but also by public bus and taxi from the nearby Ierapetra.

Makrigialos (in front of the Minoan villa)
Situated in front of the archaeological site of the Minoan villa at Makrygialos, this pebbly and singly beach is found at a distance of some 60 kilometers Southeastern to Aghios Nicolaos and 25 kilometers far from Ierapetra at the East. The beach is affected by the winds blowing in the area.

It is a well-organised beach and, as it is very close to the tourist resort of Makrygialos and close enough to Ierapetra, all facilities are available for the visitor. Usually not very crowded, it is a very good choice for swimming at a peaceful beach with crystal clear and clean sea, especially if you are not a fan of the sand.