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Makri Gialos - South Crete

  • Crete South Crete
  • Crete South Crete
  • Crete South Crete
The small coastal village of Makri Gialos (approx. 4204 inhabitants together with the region of Koutsouras) comes with a fine sandy beach belongs to the municipality of the coastal harbor town of Ierapetra and is located 120 km from the capital Heraklion and its airport.
The small coastal village of Makri Gialos has a small port and is located opposite the island of Koufonisi (nature reserve). 35 minutes´drive to Ierapetra (25.5 km), to the north coast town of Agios Nikolaos it is approx. 90 minutes´dirve, 60 km. It is 33 km to the north coast town of Sitia. The port of Makri Gialos and the bay is surrounded from several taverns offering traditional cuisine. Sunbeds and parasols at the beach are available.

Hiking excursions around the Makri Gialos region: the small gorge "Red Butterlfy Gorge", the Butterfly Gorge.
Hiking boots are required for this gorge. Other hikes: The "Sarakina Gorge", the "Mirtos Gorge" and the "Dasaki Gorge".
The Sarakina and Mirtos gorges are small gorges that merge one into another at the foot of the "Lazaros mountain". The total walking time is about 6 hours. Difference in altitude 600 meters. Marking: Red marking and cairn. This hike has the highest level of difficulty. Mobile phone reception is available. In spring the Sarakina Gorge can have a high water level, so please bring water-compatible shoes.
The Dasaki Gorge is in the Thipti Mountains and runs in a southerly direction. Difficulty level medium, pure walking time 4 hours. On this tour you have a beautiful view of the south coast, of the Libyan Sea.

Cultural highlights of the region around Makri Gialos:
The Zakros Palace (from 1900 BC) is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Minoan culture. It is the fourth largest palace in Crete. The site is spread in approximately 8000 m 2. This palace have 300 rooms. The houses of the city were over three floors. Approx. 10,000 findings from this site here can be admired in the Museum of Heraklion, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. It is not only the Minoan Palace, but also the beautiful pebble beach. From Kato Zakros you can also walk to the "Death Valley ". It was so named because numerous Minoan sarcophagi were discovered here. Another highlight is the fertile Presos plateau, a good contrast to the dry coastal region. This plateau has rich vegetation and remains of the Post-Minoan Presos / Praisos.

Pre-book your boat excursion to the offshore Island Chrissy.
This boat-excursion is a perfekt bathing and snorkeling-event for families and nature lovers. The place of embarkation is Ierapetra at the south coast of Crete. How to get there: we offer a private-transfer from your hotel to the place of embarkation or hire car. It is worth booking a private transfer when you are with 4 pers. Please send us an email request for sending an offer including private transfer. For booking only the tour please use our booking form.
The offshore Island Chrissy is Wildlife Refuge. Due to its stunning natural beauty and important ecosystem, it has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000.
The offshore island is situated approximately 9 nautical miles south of the city Ierapetra considered the golden paradise. The trip from the port of Ierapetra to the exotic Chrissi lasts about an hour.
The cruises depart daily from May to October. Departures from 11.00 am, from the port of Ierapetra. The timetable may change according the season. This boat tour is without meals.

Pre-book your boat excursion to the offshore Island Koufonisi, a unusual bathing experience for the whole family
This boat-excursion is a perfekt bathing and snorkeling-event for families and nature lovers. How to get to the place of embakation: we offer a private-transfer from your hotel to the place of embarkation. It is worth booking a private transfer when you are with 4 persons. Please send us an email request for sending an offer including private transfer.
The Island Koufonisi is Wildlife Refuge. Due to its stunning natural beauty and important ecosystem, it has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. The island is about 6 kilometers long, 5.5 kilometers wide, and has an area of 4,26 square kilometers.

The infrastructure and the nature of the landscape in the South of Crete make it difficult to explore the most important places / landscapes in one go. Therefore we recommend our self drive tour "Southern Crete" with 3 hotels in 2 weeks. If you want the best Crete self-drive itineraries handcrafted by the experts for Crete then look no further. The experience of our self drive tour "Southern Crete" is for the discerning visitor who wishes to learn more about Crete's history and culture through personal contact with the owners. It is a package with 3 charming hotels including car hire. Lean back and be relaxed, because now you´ll see the best idea for your holidays in South Crete made by the Crete-Experts Kreta.com

Recommendation: this optimal self drive tour "Southern Crete"consists of 3 Hotel-Locations within two weeks, it's excellent value for money, price per person(occupancy 2 guests) from 736 €, daily arrival possible. Our Self-Drive holidays include hotel accommodation and car hire (including taxes and car insurance) for the full duration. With your travel documents (Vouchers) you will also receive a comprehensive map and day-to-day itinerary.
We have carefully selected unique family run hotels, that have an extra touch of ambience and character. Click here: The South coast has been waiting for you.

Get in touch with us: info@kreta.com

Makri Gialos: Expert-Advice & Booking by kreta.com the travel experts for Greece

The small coastal village of Makri Gialos (approx. 4204 inhabitants together with the region of Koutsouras) comes with a fine sandy beach belongs to the municipality of the coastal harbor town of Ierapetra and is located 120 km from the capital Heraklion and its airport.
The small coastal village of Makri Gialos has a small port and is located opposite the island of Koufonisi (nature reserve). 35 minutes´drive to Ierapetra (25.5 km), to the north coast town of Agios Nikolaos it is approx. 90 minutes´dirve, 60 km. It is 33 km to the north coast town of Sitia. The port of Makri Gialos and the bay is surrounded from several taverns offering traditional cuisine. Sunbeds and parasols at the beach are available.

Hiking excursions around the Makri Gialos region: the small gorge "Red Butterlfy Gorge", the Butterfly Gorge.
Hiking boots are required for this gorge. Other hikes: The "Sarakina Gorge", the "Mirtos Gorge" and the "Dasaki Gorge".
The Sarakina and Mirtos gorges are small gorges that merge one into another at the foot of the "Lazaros mountain". The total walking time is about 6 hours. Difference in altitude 600 meters. Marking: Red marking and cairn. This hike has the highest level of difficulty. Mobile phone reception is available. In spring the Sarakina Gorge can have a high water level, so please bring water-compatible shoes.
The Dasaki Gorge is in the Thipti Mountains and runs in a southerly direction. Difficulty level medium, pure walking time 4 hours. On this tour you have a beautiful view of the south coast, of the Libyan Sea.

Cultural highlights of the region around Makri Gialos:
The Zakros Palace (from 1900 BC) is one of the most important archaeological sites of the Minoan culture. It is the fourth largest palace in Crete. The site is spread in approximately 8000 m 2. This palace have 300 rooms. The houses of the city were over three floors. Approx. 10,000 findings from this site here can be admired in the Museum of Heraklion, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. It is not only the Minoan Palace, but also the beautiful pebble beach. From Kato Zakros you can also walk to the "Death Valley ". It was so named because numerous Minoan sarcophagi were discovered here. Another highlight is the fertile Presos plateau, a good contrast to the dry coastal region. This plateau has rich vegetation and remains of the Post-Minoan Presos / Praisos.

Pre-book your boat excursion to the offshore Island Chrissy.
This boat-excursion is a perfekt bathing and snorkeling-event for families and nature lovers. The place of embarkation is Ierapetra at the south coast of Crete. How to get there: we offer a private-transfer from your hotel to the place of embarkation or hire car. It is worth booking a private transfer when you are with 4 pers. Please send us an email request for sending an offer including private transfer. For booking only the tour please use our booking form.
The offshore Island Chrissy is Wildlife Refuge. Due to its stunning natural beauty and important ecosystem, it has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000.
The offshore island is situated approximately 9 nautical miles south of the city Ierapetra considered the golden paradise. The trip from the port of Ierapetra to the exotic Chrissi lasts about an hour.
The cruises depart daily from May to October. Departures from 11.00 am, from the port of Ierapetra. The timetable may change according the season. This boat tour is without meals.

Pre-book your boat excursion to the offshore Island Koufonisi, a unusual bathing experience for the whole family
This boat-excursion is a perfekt bathing and snorkeling-event for families and nature lovers. How to get to the place of embakation: we offer a private-transfer from your hotel to the place of embarkation. It is worth booking a private transfer when you are with 4 persons. Please send us an email request for sending an offer including private transfer.
The Island Koufonisi is Wildlife Refuge. Due to its stunning natural beauty and important ecosystem, it has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. The island is about 6 kilometers long, 5.5 kilometers wide, and has an area of 4,26 square kilometers.

The infrastructure and the nature of the landscape in the South of Crete make it difficult to explore the most important places / landscapes in one go. Therefore we recommend our self drive tour "Southern Crete" with 3 hotels in 2 weeks. If you want the best Crete self-drive itineraries handcrafted by the experts for Crete then look no further. The experience of our self drive tour "Southern Crete" is for the discerning visitor who wishes to learn more about Crete's history and culture through personal contact with the owners. It is a package with 3 charming hotels including car hire. Lean back and be relaxed, because now you´ll see the best idea for your holidays in South Crete made by the Crete-Experts Kreta.com

Recommendation: this optimal self drive tour "Southern Crete"consists of 3 Hotel-Locations within two weeks, it's excellent value for money, price per person(occupancy 2 guests) from 736 €, daily arrival possible. Our Self-Drive holidays include hotel accommodation and car hire (including taxes and car insurance) for the full duration. With your travel documents (Vouchers) you will also receive a comprehensive map and day-to-day itinerary.
We have carefully selected unique family run hotels, that have an extra touch of ambience and character. Click here: The South coast has been waiting for you.

Get in touch with us: info@kreta.com
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kreta.com Book your excursion in Makri Gialos

With more than 30 years of travel experience between our team it's no surprise that since we began, our selection of excursions has grown. We - Kreta.com offer an exceptional range of great value excursions to suit all ages, interests and abilities. All packages are carefully designed, and we always guarantee reliability and quality.
Our dedicated and passionate team are here to assist your booking every step of the way.
This Day Cruise Adventure goes to the Nature Reserve "Balos Lagoon". You can easily purchase here your boat-ticket to the Lagoon Balos. The place of embarkation is the Port of Kissamos. There is a huge parking space for your hire car at the port without charge.

On the day of your trip you may give to the cruise - office the reservation documents provided by us kreta.com and the office shall give you your boat-tickets.
Departure from the port of Kissamos at 10.20 am – return to the port at 17.45 pm .The timetable changes according the season. More information you´ll get with the email - voucher after booking.
With soft music playing in the background, and sail for about an hour in the homonymous bay, against a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs and rocks, incredible secluded beaches, and the infinite blue.
At the end of the bay, the boat will sail between the islet of Agria Gramvousa and Cape Vouxa (Trypiti). The landscape is breathtaking, against the backdrop of Valenti, Pontikonisi, Balos lagoon, and Imeri Gramvousa. The boat will approach afterwards Gramvousa island or Balos lagoon (depending on the itinerary) in about 20 minutes.
Visit Gramvousa-the island of pirates
The boat shall arrive at the small port of Gramvousa, where you shall stay for about 2 hours. The location of Gramvousa, the Cretan nature, the legends and the turbulent history of the area exude a magical aura.
The highest point of the island, atop a steep rock, at an altitude of 137 meters, is dominated by the famous castle of Gramvousa, which was built by the Venetians in 1579. The castle played a significant role in the history of the wider area. The panoramic view, the magnificent nature, and the legend of the pirates’ hidden treasure, allure you to visit it, after a 20 minute hike (it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes).
The ship sails on to visit the lagoon of Balos

Balos is listed as one of the best beaches in the world. This exotic beach-lagoon and rare natural monument is situated between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani. Nothing can describe what you are about to feel when you see this. When you get to swim in the lukewarm, shallow, turquoise blue waters, relax in the pink sandy beach, which is filled with shells, and admire the natural beauty, the rocks and the cliffs rising above you!

The sandy beach of Balos is adorned by a special kind of vegetation. Shrubby varieties, such as heather, Yenisey, thyme, and lentisc, have impressive shapes and patterns, proving their effort to survive in the adverse environmental conditions of the area, such as the strong northerly winds and the natural instability of the dunes. During the migration periods, there are many bird species here, while the lagoon’s mollusks are not to be found anywhere else in Crete in this composition and quantity. You will have the chance to stay in this paradise for about 3 hours.

Due to the incredible natural beauty and preserved ecosystem, both Gramvousa and Balos are included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. The preservation of the island’s natural environment, beyond the moral dimensions, is imposed through a strict national and European institutional protection system.

Kreta.com - We work with professional managers, to ensure higher quality and reliability".
Kreta.com- We are the stuff of special memories and authentic emotions contact us: info@kreta.com Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-refundable. If you must cancel this tour you won´t get money back. You can book this tour till 48 hours before arrival ( subject to availability), payment with credit-card. After booking you´ll get an email-voucher from us with all information needed.
Pre-book your boat excursion to the offshore Island Koufonisi, a unusual bathing experience for the whole family
This boat-excursion is a perfekt bathing and snorkeling-event for families and nature lovers. How to get to the place of embakation: we offer a private-transfer from your hotel to the place of embarkation. It is worth booking a private transfer when you are with 4 persons. Please send us an email request for sending an offer including private transfer.
The Island Koufonisi is Wildlife Refuge. Due to its stunning natural beauty and important ecosystem, it has been included in the European initiative NATURA 2000. The island is about 6 kilometers long, 5.5 kilometers wide, and has an area of 4,26 square kilometers.

The ship is 26 meters long, and has a capacity of 250 passengers. The place of embarkation is the small village Makrys Gialos in the south coast of Crete and heads to the offshore Island Koufonisi. With soft music playing in the background, we will be sailing in the turquoise blue waters of the Libyan Sea, and the ship will anchor off the coast, giving you the chance to swim in the crystal clear waters.On the ship’s open decks, your children will enjoy our special animation program, and will have the chance to experience a magical pirate adventure, by participating in various games, such as a treasure hunt, water gun fights, face painting, and many more.
The self-service bar of the ship shall remain open throughout the cruise, offering light meals, with salads, wine, soft drinks, coffee, ice creams, etc.
Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-refundable. If you must cancel this tour you won´t get money back. You can book this tour till 48 hours before arrival ( subject to availability), payment with credit-card. After booking you´ll get an email-voucher from us with all information needed.
If you're planning on travelling in Crete: Kreta.com the travel experts for Crete, we show you the Island on its best:
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Crete, South Crete: Makri Gialos
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