Makry Gialos beaches

The Beaches of Makry Gialos

The beaches of Makry Gialos are among the best in Crete. The good thing is that the sun loungers and beach umbrellas are free of charge, even those right in front of the large hotels.

Makry Gialos Beach

The largest beach at Makry Gialos is that of the same name, which also used to be known locally as “Hani”. Most people just call it “big beach”, because it’s almost a kilometre long.

The beach, which lies in front of the village, has golden sand, very shallow water and a Blue Flag. It is an organised beach with loungers and umbrellas, and all along it are spread the restaurants and cafeterias of Makry Gialos.  

The beach is relatively sheltered from the wind, so you rarely see big waves and most of the watersports facilities are found here.

It is also worth noting that the main beach at Makry Gialos is the shallowest in Lassithi Prefecture, making it ideal for families with small children.

Kalamokania and Katovigli Beaches, west of the harbour

To the west of the harbour is Kalamokania Beach, where the water is deeper. This beach, too, is sandy, with small pebbles at the end, and is served by the nearby cafés.

Shortly after Kalamokania, in front of the Roman villa, is Katovigli Beach, a pebble beach providing little shelter from the wind. There are no sun loungers and beach bars, although the harbour with its cafeterias is very close and you can easily get whatever you want from there.

Lagoufa Beach

To the east of the big beach are two smaller ones in front of the large Sunwing and Mikri Poli hotels. These beaches are both called Lagoufa and are a little wider than the western beaches of Makry Gialos.

The beach is sandy with calm, shallow water, as Lagoufa is in a small, picturesque, leeward cove. You can also try waterskiiing, banana boat and other watersports.

Diaskari and Lagada Beaches

Past Analipsi, on the way to Kapsa Monastery, are another two popular beaches near Makry Gialos, those of Diaskari and Lagada.

Diaskari Beach is quite popular, especially with young people and those who want to avoid the organised beaches. The beach is sandy with small pebbles, but you need to be careful when entering the sea, as there are very slippery slabs of stone in some places.

Lagada Beach, 6 km from Makry Gialos, is a large beach which, like Diaskari, is not organised and is best for people who don’t want umbrellas, loungers and beach bars. It is sandy and sheltered, and you can often see nudists there.

Goudouras

Three kilometres after Kapsa Monastery is the beach at Goudouras, an isolated beach with small pebbles but no umbrellas, loungers or seaside tavernas. What you will certainly find is clear water, as with all the beaches of Makry Gialos.

The tavernas and anything else you may need are to be found in Goudouras village, a relatively short walk away.

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