Grapevines self catering villa in Crete Greece

Local Events and places of interest

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In and around Makrigialos and Analipsi

Within the villages of Makrigialos and Analipsi there are a number of historical sites. The remains of a Roman Villa sit above the harbour and the Minoan Villa – the remains of a costal settlement of the Agios Stephanos community is. within easy walking distance from the centre of the village.

Along the coastline there are numerous beaches. The main beach - Makrigialos Beach- (blue flag) offers half a mile of golden sands stretching from the harbour with safe, shallow bathing. Further along there is Lagoufa Beach nestling below Grapevines villas and accessible through the Sunwing Hotel complex. At the far end of Analipsi there is Diaskari Beach. If you are feeling more adventurous then the beaches of Kalamouhania at one end of Makrigialos and Lagada round the coastline from Analipsi are still within reach.
A number of characterful cafes, waterfront bars and tavernas along the beach/ promenade will lead you to the older style harbour area of Makrigialos.

Take a short walk up the protected valley gorge of Aspro Potamos inland from Makrigialos.

A street market is held every Friday (09-14.00 o’clock) on the road to Agios Stefanos, opposite the harbour entrance.

Within 10 miles of Makrigialos

Along the coastline from Galini to Kalo Nero, you will find rocky inlets, small coves and long sweeping stretches of sand and pebble beaches.

In the region there are three beautiful gorges for walking. The Butterfly gorge, a 4.5km walk from Koutsouras which takes in wonderful landscapes and small waterfalls along the route; Pefki gorge between the village of Pefki and Makrigialos but don’t forget to visit the Folklore Museum of Pefki while you are there, and Pervolakia gorge a 3.5 km walk which starts from the monastery Kapsa, and is one of the most impressive gorges of this area, hosting a number of unusual plants and wildlife. The walk ends at the village of Pervolakia. Look out for families of goats roaming around the gorge.

If you prefer to have a guide then there are organised walks around the area from Pefki or Agios Stefanos.

The highest peak is Afendis Stavromenos 1500 metres ( 4.500 feet )11 miles from Makrigialos and can only be reached by walking or in a 4 X 4.
You can enjoy unforgettable and stunning views of Eastern Crete, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra and the surrounding islands of Chrissi and Koufonisi, depending on the visibility.
On this windswept peak is the small chapel of Jesus Cross alongside a larger room built for the celebration of the church’s feast day on 14th September.
In winter the peak is covered with snow.

Other places worth exploring are the peaceful, timeless, traditional mountain villages, which are tucked away from the coast.
Shinokapsala, Orino, Stavrochori, Chrisopigi, Lapithos, Agios Stephanos, Pefki, Lithines, Upper and Lower Pervolakia. They each have their own unique charm with their stone built houses and narrow paved streets, village squares with a big plane tree in the middle, as well as decorated churches.

As you travel around the island look for the many small churches scattered around the hillside, on top of peaks, built in caves, by the side of springs and in the most charming settings. These churches represent the strong Orthodox religion.

About 6 km along the coast from Makrigialos, is the Monastery Kapsa, built on a sheer rock face, close to the spectacular Perivolakia Gorge which is believed to have been founded in the 15th century. The monastery celebrates its feast day on the 29th August.

As you return to Makrigialos through the Village of Kala Nero look for the Dragons Cave.

There are a number of caves you can visit with amazing stalactites and stalagmites but the nearest to Makrigialos is Vreiko Cave 5kms north of Pefki. The cave is easily accessible by a narrow road followed by a walk of about 500 metres on a clear-sighted path.

Take a boat trip to Koufonisi or Lefki Island off the south-eastern Goudouras promontory – a site of archaeological interest.

Further afield

Sitia on the North Coast is the main town of East Crete, a very pretty town with a very pleasant sea front lined with cafés and tavernas, a harbour, and if you fancy the walk up the hill there is the Roman Fort on the hill. If you are visiting in August then don’t miss the raisin festival.

Ierepetra – 30 minutes away from Makrigialos, the only large town on the south coast it has the longest beach on Crete, a museum and the remains of a Venetian fort on the quay. The Turkish occupation of 1647 can still be seen near the harbour. The remains of a Turkish fountain can be found in front of a derelict mosque.

The Island of Spinalonga is a small isle of the coast, near Elounda Bay. It contains a Venetian fort but is probably more famous as a leper colony. From 1903 until the early 1950’s it was home to the lepers of Crete.

Knossos, 5km south of Heraklion, is probably the most famous of the Minoan palaces with its wonderful courtyards, temples and its theatre.

Moni Toplou monastery - 14th century monastery with its high walls and beautiful gardens, it houses the icon of Theotokos the Immaculate said to be one of the most holy in all of Greece.

EVENTS

The Casa dei Mezzo Music Festival takes place in June - Classical, Contemporary, Children - All ages, styles and musical preferences will be catered for.

Agios Stefanos – regular astronomy events and art workshops.

Local walking tours such as herb collecting and nature observation are organised from the village.

Olive oil tasting takes place regularly in the village.

Special offers: MAY/JUNE Contact owners for details.