Makrigialos

The main beach of Makrigialos, on which Porfyra’s Island apartments stands, is one of the most beautiful and best-organised beaches in Crete. It is also one of the island’s most popular summer tourist resorts, since its 1.5-km expanse of sandy beach offers all kinds of entertainment and recreation for children and adults alike.
In some parts of the beach the water is so shallow that even the smallest children can play in total safety. On the east side of the beach you can try a variety of watersports.
The beach has been awarded the EU Blue Flag for clean beaches with amenities.
Just five minutes’ walk from the main beach, behind the little harbour, is the equally clean beach of Kalamokanias.

The pretty little harbour of Makrigialos is famed for its fish tavernas. Some taverna owners have their own fishing boats, so you can be sure that the fish you enjoy couldn’t be fresher.

Koutsouras Beach

Just a few minutes’ drive away from Makrigialos, on the road to Ierapetra, is Koutsouras, the newest village in the local area.
The wonderful beach with its dark grey pebbles, crystal-clear aquamarine waters and shady tamarisk trees, is a great temptation for visitors. The two village tavernas, attracting hundreds of visitors daily, are famed far and wide. The beach, awarded EU Blue Flag status, is the first of the series of long strands on the south coast, on the way from Ierapetra to Sitia.

Agia Fotia

Another pretty cove, with fine sand and crystal-clear waters, about 10 minutes’ drive west of Makrigialos. The tiny sandy cove of Agia Fotia lies in front of one of the loveliest coastal villages on the shores of the Libyan Sea.
The sandy strand is truly wonderful. Nearby is Koutsounari, a resort with advanced tourist infrastructure, set in a landscape of tiny, picturesque harbours, plane trees and reed beds. The tourist resort of Galini is also close by.

Achlia – Galini

After Koutsouras, continuing on the road to Ierapetra, you come to the small village of Achlia and its tiny cove with clear blue water. It embraces one of the loveliest beaches in the area, protected from the wind.
The name of the beach is disputed, some calling it Achlia (“Embers”) and others Galini (“Serenity”). Either way, it’s a large, beautiful strand of coarse sand, with beach umbrellas and tamarisk trees offering visitors their shade.
There are also other, smaller beaches awaiting discovery.
The area is ideal for quiet family holidays, with cafeterias, tavernas and mini markets.
Source: http://www.insitia.gr

Diaskari

Leaving Makrygialos from the east exit, you will see signposts to Diaskari Beach on your right. Two minutes’ drive away is an idyllic sandy beach with crystal-clear water. The area is quiet and frequented by those who would rather avoid overly organised beaches.

Source: http://www.insitia.gr

Non-organised beaches

A whole host of beaches await discovery, especially east of Makrigialos, on the road to Sitia. Although no amenities are provided, they attract many visitors in search of a quiet swim away from the crowds.
Most of these beaches are not accessible by car but are very close to the road. Delight in their discovery and enjoy the peace and quiet afforded by their untouched scenery.
These pristine beaches, less that 5 km from Makrygialos, include Ladaga (“Ravine”), Kalo Nero (“Good Water”), Spilia tou Drakou (“Dragon’s Cave”) and many others. Go and discover them!