Things to do

Crete really is a place that allows you to do as little as much as you want.

We strongly recommend that you hire a car. The island is quite simply beautiful, and it would be a shame to visit Crete and not see some of it. Driving is easy and car hire is very reasonable. For the price of pre-booked airport transfers for a family of four, you can probably hire a car for a week. If you wish to hire a car, we can recommend the company that we use. We do not take any commission from them, we just want our clients to be recommended to the companies that give the best service.

Water Sports

All manner of water sports are available within easy reach, including scuba diving (contact us for details), water skiing, banana boat rides, snorkelling, 'extreme ring' rides etc...

Spa

Pamper yourselves at the Mikri Poli Spa.

Tennis

Courts are available to book locally.

Gorge Walking

The gorges of Pefki, Dasaki and Pervolakia

Boat Trips

Day boat trip to nearby Lefki island

Music Festival

Makrigialos plays host to a very popular international music festival in June.

Koufonisi Island

From the port, there is also a boat which leaves each morning for the beautiful island of Koufonisi, returning late afternoon.

Spinalonga

Anyone who has read Victoria Hislop's novel 'The Island' will not want to miss out on a trip to Spinalonga, and nor should anyone else .

Shopping

Take a drive to Agios Nikolaos, with it's many shops and restaurants. The 'lake', which is a lagoon right in the middle of the town, is beautiful and surrounded by cafes bars & restaurants. Spend a day in Heraklion with very cosmopolitan shopping available.

Sasteria Observatory

World class observatory located in Agios Stefanos

Venetian Ruins

The ruined village and restored manor house at Etia

Palm Forest

Europe's largest palm forest, at Vai beach, on the north east coast

Minoan Ruins

The largest Minoan palace in east Crete at Kato Zakros.

Moni Kapsa

Visit the Moni Kapsa monastery, perched on the mountain-side at the foot of the Pervolakia gorge. Wine tasting often held here.

Lassithi Plateau

One of the first areas to be settled on Crete, and the birth place of Zeus

Food & Drink

There are too many restaurants, cafes & bars to name in Makrigialos, the port, and Analipsi. All
serve beautifully fresh, local food in very relaxed, traditional surroundings.

However special mention has to be made of some the restaurants in Makrigialos because they are
amongst the best restaurants in the entire area:

• Stratos - Right on the beach. Local specialities & fresh fish 'specials'.
  
• Porphyra - Wonderful Greek Meze & Cretan Food
  
• Dragons Cave with its panoramic views of the sea, Makrigialos and the mountains. Fantastic local food.
  
• Diaskari Taverna, an outdoor restaurant right on the lapping waters of the Mediterranean at Diaskari Beach, offering outstanding fresh fish, seafood, and Cretan dishes (have a look at the "Slide Show" for pictures taken here).