Few years ago Makry Gialos was a little port with a few storehouses.
There the local people (who in that time use to live in the surrounding villages in and around the mountains) used to store up and after, export their goods, like olive oil, wine, raki, sultanas, carobs beans, corn, and live animals.
Around this time there were only a few families living in the area and a few men spending the night while they were fishing.
There weren't many roads for transfers, because the land is very rocky.
Finaly until and after the last war and between the 50s – 70s that the government started building roads.
Also during these years most of the local population moved to the big cities in Crete, Athens, and other Greek cities
A big part of them also went to Germany and to Australia for work.
Today the resort of Makry Gialos has a population of around 1000 people
who come mainly from the villages of Agios Stefanos ( Saint Stefano ) and
Pefki ( Pine trees ). Makry Gialos consists of two settlements: Makry Ggialos and Analipsi.
The village has grown very fast between 1980-1995.
The two beautiful villages of Agios Stefanos and Pefki are 7 km away from the sea and are 420 meters above sea level. Both villages are now connected by a new asphalt road.
Those villages are still traditional and some very old people are currently living there.
Makry Gialos now has become a popular resort due to the friendly local hospitality.
It is still unspoiled and an ideal spot for those searching for quiet holidays, with visitors returning year after year.
By the sea shore there is the long sandy beach with crystal clear shallow waters, which is perfect for children and non- swimmers.
The beach is lined with a good variety of tavernas to suit all tastes.
The fishing port is the most picturesque part of the village.
Makry Gialos has a very good supply of shops, tavernas, cafes, and watersport facilities, disco bars, banks, pharmacies, doctor, dentist, car rental, florists and car-service station.
A street market is held every Friday ( 09-14.00 o'clock ) on the road to Agios Stefanos, opposite the harbour entrance.
In our traditional tavernas meat, fish and other local dishes are served.
The numerous fish tavernas also serve fresh fish caught locally.
In all restaurants & cafes, the quality of the food is excellent and prices are reasonable.
Makry Gialos is a good starting point to visit the monastery Kapsa, the gorges of Pefki, Dasaki and Pervolakia.
Excavations brought a Minoan villa to light and also in the same region a villa from the Roman period was found.
You can also explore the villages of Agios Stefanos, Pefki, Pervolakia, Skinokapsala and Orino with pine forests.
The Chandras, Armeni, and Ziros plateau with the windmills.
On the Afendis Stavromenos mountain top of 1500 m you can enjoy a fantastic and unforgettable view to the eastern Crete area, Ierapetra, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and all surrounding islands.
The excellent climate of the area ( about 340 sunny days per year ), the beautiful landscape and the warm hospitality attracts visitors of all ages.
MAKRY GIALOS IS PEACE AND GOOD LIFE ! WELCOME!