Makrigialos
The resort of Makrigialos stretches from the south coast resort of Agia Fotia in the West to the monastry of Moni Kapsa in the East and from the Libyan Sea to the 1200 metre high (4,000 ft) mountains of Orno Oros in the north. It lies in the South East corner of Crete.
Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and is renowned for its beautiful sandy shores, magnificent mountains, quiet fishing villages and friendly people. Makrigialos is an exceptional village situated on the edge of a thriving agricultural area. The main economy of the area is olives, vegetables and fruit so the diet reflects the quality that makes Crete famous for healthy living and longevity.
The people of Makrigialos pride themselves not only on their Greek nationality, but more especially of their Cretan heritage, a history that dates back 5,000 years. Their welcome is never less than enthusiastic for the people who come to soak up the culture and the climate.
Makrigialos has a variety of tavernas, bars, restaurants and shops to suit most tastes and budgets.
The area surrounding Villea Village is very rural - in fact a couple of goats live in the field behind Fisherman Jacks Bar!! During the spring the variety of flowers in the area is quite amazing and also in the spring and autumn we have many visiting birds stopping by on their annual migration - last year a heron landed by the pool and swans were seen swimming in the harbour.
The small fishing harbour is only 900 mtrs from Villea. You can watch the fisherman bring in their catch in the morning and sample the local fresh fish in the evening.
The area is not very commercialized and the main economy is agriculture - we have excellent fresh local produce and also have prize-winning olive oil which is a great gift to take home with you.
Makrigialos, literally translated means long shore. The main beach is about 50 metres from Villea and is gently shelving and sandy. Nearby there are beaches with rocky headlands, which are great for snorkelling and spear fishing. There are also deserted beaches that can be reached with a little scrambling!!!
We recommend a car to make the most of this area as we are surrounded by beautiful countryside and unspoiled mountain villages. There are many archaeological sites in the area from the famous Knossos in Heraklion to the not quite so famous sites such as Paleokastro, Kato Zakros, Itanos, ancient Praesos and the submerged ruins at Mochlos. There are Venetian castles in Sitia and Ierepetra and also archaeological and folklore museums and you should visit the medieval mansion and deserted villages of Etia and Voila. There is indeed too much history to be consumed locally.
Within a short drive are several unspoilt villages including Pefki which has an adorable folklore museum run by the world's most enthusiastic curator, Ourania (means Heavens in Greek). Also nearby is the Moni Kapsa Monastery where it is rumoured Lord Lucan paid a visit whilst on the run in the 70's.
We are also near to the only natural palm forest in Europe, Vai, where the Bounty bar adverts were filmed.
Near Sitia is the beautiful Toplou Monastery with its lovely little museum. From Ierapetra you can take a boat trip to the uninhabited Island of Chrissi -- both Sitia and Ierapetra are about a thirty minute drive away.