Makrygialos is the most famous resort in eastern Crete, located just 15 minutes from Delfini Studio. It is a beautiful, atmospheric and still intimate seaside town on the Libyan Sea.
As recently as the 1950s, Makrygialos had no road connection with the rest of Crete. All food and goods were transported to and from the small harbour by boat. As tourism developed, the town gradually changed its appearance. Abandoned houses were replaced by small, family run hotels.
The history of Makrygialos’ port dates back to Minoan times. During excavations in the 1970s, archaeologists discovered traces of ancient settlement. The most interesting find is the remains of a Minoan villa built around 1480 BC. Later, the ruins of a Roman villa from the 1st century AD were uncovered.
Makrygialos developed around a small bay that formed a natural harbour. Today, the town consists of two neighbouring settlements — Makrygialos to the west and Analipsi to the east. They are connected by the Great Beach, a long sandy beach with full tourist infrastructure. There are also other beaches in the area: the pebbly Kalamokanias in the western part of town, Lagoufa Beach next to the largest hotel complexes, and Manousos Halavridi Beach.
