Makry Gialos

Makry Gialos (Greek: Μακρύ Γιαλός) is a former municipality in Lasithi, Crete, Greece, with a population 2,589 in 2021.

It was established in 1997 when the communities of Stavrochori, Chrysopigi, Lithines, Schinokapsala, Agios Stefanos, Oreino, Perivolakia and Pefkoi amalgamated into one municipality (Δήμος).

[5] The name Makry Gialos - or, alternatively, Makry-Gialos, Makrygialos, Makriyialos, or Makrigialos - is also specifically given both to a village and tourist centre on the coast within the municipality, and to the nearby archaeological site of an ancient Minoan country house.

Down below along the main coastal road, farming can also be found along with the greenhouses, in which most of the produce grown is tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines and bananas, which grow all year round.

The sun and the rich soil give more taste to the fruit and vegetables, and the region has won the gold medal for the extra virgin olive oil (SITIA 0.03).

Places with pine forest and wild oak trees, with granite nuggets and sharp rocks.

The coastline that runs from Galini to Kalo Nero, is etched with rocky inlets, small coves and long sweeping stretches of sand and pebble beaches.

The Bay of Makry Gialos boasts the longest shallow sandy beach of East Crete.

Before the introduction of tourism and greenhouses, the life revolved mainly up in the villages, which you find nestled in the mountains.

Back in the early days the main work for the villagers was farming or tending their flocks on the higher peaks.

On the boundary of the area are Achlia, Mavros Kolimbos, Koutsouras, Makry-Gialos village, Analipsi, Lagada and Kalo Nero with many apartments, studios and hotels.

The summit affords views of Eastern Crete, Sitia, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra and the surrounding islands of Chrissi and Koufonisi, depending on the visibility.

Other places nearby are Schinokapsala, Oreino, Stavrochori, Bebonas, Chrisopigi, Lapithos, Agios Stefanos, Pefkoi, Lithines, Upper and Lower Pervolakia.

There are many small churches scattered around the hillside on the top of peaks, built in caves, and by the side of springs.

Along the coast about 6 km from Makry Gialos, is the Kapsa Monastery, built on a sheer rock face, close to the spectacular Perivolakia Gorge which is believed to have been founded in the 15th century.

Suggestions that the building was a "cult villa," similar to those of Nirou, Amnisos, Kannia and Vathypetro have not been proven.

Minoan Villa of Makrygialos