Makrigialos, East Crete

Makrigialos is a find. Some way from any major or developed tourist towns, it lies east of Ierapetra, in Eastern Crete, a 30 minute drive, along a coastline filled with a number of secluded bays and quieter beaches. Easy access to and from Sitia, a one hour drive. The older-seeming harbour area has some character-full cafes and tavernas; this place is special. Though it virtually merges with neighbouring Analipsi, where the main beach is, the two are different in character. Both parts of what is now really the same village, are framed in front of an impressive mountain backdrop with gorges that are more accessible and every bit as rewarding as the Samaria Gorge. The harbour area is where we’d be tempted to go and meet friends, spend a long time reading or just idling away some relaxed times. The large sweep of sandy beach offers a selection of hotels, apartments and rooms for rent. It also has some well conceived and decorated restaurants, cafes and bars, feels casually-stylish in the evenings (mostly casual!) and also provides a local and not excessively tourist-trodden atmosphere – we’re looking forward to going back.