Makrygialos, is a village (it means "Long Beach" in Greek) along a long beach, in the south of Crete, 25 km east from Ierapetra, on the national road to Sitia. The village has everything (bank, small "super markets", doctors, tavernas and cafes). The taverna opposite "Villea Village", named "Hani", serves very good home-cooked food in reasonable prices and good portions.

We were lucky to see a traditional Cretan feast in this taverna, with good live music. Very famous in the area is the taverna "Dragon 's Cave" (I Spilia tou Drakou), 3 km east of Makrygialos in the direction of Goudouras, with good food and delicious lamb ribs (but I have to say that the prices now there are quite high in comparison with 12 years ago...). You have to go there by sunset and enjoy the stars in the night, it 's a don 't miss experience. Staying in Villea and Markigialos you can make excursions to the Lasithi area.

So from there you can go to Ierapetra (not very interesting indeed, but from there you can take the boat and go to Hrisi island, where there is a fantastic beach facing Ierapetra, with excellent waters), Agios Nikolaos (the route from Pahia Ammos is very nice, with all these fiord shaped beaches), the capital of the area, where you must walk round the sea-lake and the promenade, Elounda (there are the most expensive hotels of Greece) and Plaka (so as to visit the small island of Spinaloga, where the lepers lived in the first half of the 20th century; notice that it is cheaper to take the boat from Agios Nikolaos, than from Plaka, although it 's 5 minutes away from there!!!), Sitia (nothing special, only the Kazarma Venetian Castle), the Toplou Monastery, the Palm Forest of Vai (the only palm forest in Europe), with a fantastic beach (ideal sea for snorkelers), which has a lot of visitors, the area of Zakros, with the ruins of Minoan era (and good fresh fish!), the Xerokampos village with its fantastic beaches (if you go to Xerokambos from Ziros, where the military radars are, you 'll enjoy breathtaking views of the beaches driving down the road from the mountain).

All these routes are the maximum 2 hours away, but you have to notice, that the roads of Crete are narrow and full of curves, so driving is a bit tiring, but that 's the only way to tour around Crete. Of course if you don 't have a car, you have to rent it, but that ' s how you 'll go to a place 2 hours away from the port and airport (Heraklion). There are excellent organized beaches near Makrigialos, in the direction to Ierapetra, in Ahlia and Agia Fotia.

In general Lasithi has a lot of beaches, ideal for every taste (lonely or crowded, rocky or sandy). Markigialos is a peaceful place, ideal for people who don 't want glam, crowds, bars with noise etc. The village is new (no old or traditional houses). So I was very satisfied and I would suggest someone to go there.

What more is there to say than it was the most relaxing holiday in a long time!
The ambience of Makrigialos Village and the local area have to be experienced. Having stayed many times before we keep coming back for more!

The people there couldn’t be more helpful whether it be meeting any requests or allowing us to be part of the “Cretan way of life”. It has become a second home. Either taking us to or telling us where to eat or visit, the Hotel owner is a mind of information whether it be local food, wine, flora, culture or adventure! Two gorge walks completed with flowing waterfalls, pools, great scenery and views.

Southeast Crete is a hidden gem which I would recommend to anyone with or without families. Makrigialos the local village is all within a strolls distance with the sea only metres away. Mornings are punctuated by the lovely smell of a local bakery across the road!

All we can say is visit and give them the opportunity to spoil you and make it a holiday to remember. So many places to visit and eat out where the locals go. Experience the Cretan Way.