We arrived in Makrygialos late afternoon after travelling from Agia Gallini, we actually felt a bit disappointed as from first impression the resort did not look great, however we decided to give a chance and were glad we did.

Maria called us in and showed us a room, the view and position sold it! Right on the beach. We agreed a price for two nights which after the first evening we extended to four.

The appartment was exceedingly clean and very homely with lots of little touches (tablecloth, bowl of sweets) The only drawback was the lack of a window or any ventilation in the bathroom which was quite dark, and the only (small) mirror was above the sink.
Each appartment has its own sunbeds and umbrella on the beach, and own tub for feet washing!

There are a selection of restaurants in walking distance and Maria also gave us some excellent recomendations as well.
Maria is a lovely lady and could not do enough for us, she gave us cakes, tomatoes, peppers and onions.
It was hard to leave and we would go back.

I first went to Makriyialos as a child and remembered wonderful Cretan hospitality as something found in few other places in the world – Maria and her fabulous daughter Debbie keep this tradition alive. In fact the whole of Markiyialos is full of wonderful characters whose want to chat, be friendly and hopefully make your world that little bit more blissful than it already is.

The location of Maria’s apartments can’t be beaten – we stayed in one of the studios with with the big, romantic (shared) balcony overlooking the sea and then also in one of the apartments which – as Debbie described – are pretty much patio, garden, beach. You sleep with the sound of the waves and wake to the sun.

As a child I was given sweets, peanuts and every kind of attention: as adults we were fed home-made moussaka, given fresh tomatoes that tasted like no tomatoes have ever tasted before or since, local olives and olive oils by Maria and a parting present of Oregano that is currently perfuming my kitchen and reminding me daily of what I have lost by ever leaving. Manos, in the nearest supermarket has an interesting line in phallic candles and a memory that stretches back decades and he still gives you the sweets. Try Petras taverna for some of the best food I have ever had and say hello to Vaggelis at the end of the harbour. It won’t be long, hopefully, before I am back again.

Downsides? They were so very few – the kitchen could have had a few more utensils, pots and pans and a kettle – the Greeks and the English have a cultural devide over tea – but I understand this is being dealt with. Then there were some serious beasties like the mozzies but you develop ways of coping and it’s a small price to pay for the heaven of it all. This is the way things are in Greece and if you have any sense you will book now because Maria’s repeat customers keep piling up and it won’t be long before we’re struggling to find a space in these lovely apartments where the world is kept at bay by the peace and beauty. It’s also unbeatable value. Book me in Debbie and Maria – I’m coming back as soon as I possibly can.

Stayed May 2009, traveled as a couple

We found Makriyialos and Maria’s apartments by searching this site, and were not disappointed. The town (more of a village) is in a corner of Crete unspoiled by recent development, and going there reminded me of trips to Greece and Cyprus in the 1970s and 80s. When we drove along the north west coast of the island it looked ghastly by comparison.

Maria and her daughter Despoina were delightful – genuinely kind and welcoming, available without being intrusive. The apartment was basic but equipped with thoughtful extras like a coffee maker, books, a welcoming beer and homemade cakes, homegrown grapes and olive oil. It was also spotless, close to supermarkets and a couple of great tavernas, and the bedroom doors opened right onto the town’s exceptionally clean, sandy underpopulated beach. (Our son’s bed was in the rather noisier kitchen area by the front door,, so our apartment may have worked better for two people, but this is a small point. )

The swimming in Makriyialos is particularly good, and we liked the fact that we found no discos and only two places with an internet connection in town. We swam around to the next bay where there is a ‘holiday village’, and were mystified by the sight of people packed like sardines in loungers on a tiny beach – a world away. Maria’s apartments is old-fashioned budget accommodation, run by very nice people who would go some lengths to make you comfortable. It is easy to recommend it.

Fantastic place run by an exremely friendly and helpful family.
Everything was of ahigh standard and the wonderful location made it a home from home in paradise.
Beach is sandy and safe.
There is a good selection of shops nearby.
Activities: We only left the beach to eat or sleep perfect place to chill out.
Plenty of good tavernas for fish try Tramountana, Petra Bay is a good all round choice.
Stayed August 2009, traveled as a couple.

When we arrived it was the perfect location ,right on the beautifull beach we were met by maria and her lovely family .The apartments are quiet but close to the tavernas ,maria made us very welcome throughout the stay and the apartments were very clean and comfortable we would strongly recomend a visit as we feel this is the perfect greek location with truly the perfect greek hosts in Maria and her family

Stayed July 2009, traveled as a couple