Kalamokanias Beach
This is on the west side of the Makrigialos area.
Its odd name comes from a migratory bird, known as the Stilt (kalamokanas in Greek): black and white plumage, a thin curved black beak and long long pink legs (the avocet is a member of this family). On their migration, they call in at the mouth of a stream in this area.
An isolated beach, it is without any organization; it has sand and plenty of tamarisks on every side. Close to the beach are some hotels, rent-rooms and tavernas.
Going east again, just before Makrigialos, we meet Katovigli.
Katovigli Beach
This, aka Limanaki (Little Harbour), is sited at the west end and is essentially the same beach as that of Makrigialos. With sand and shallow crystal-clear waters, it is well organized with umbrellas, showers and water-sports opportunities. A short walk off you will find more facilities to make your stay here more comfortable.
When at this beach, take the time to visit the remains of a Roman villa (country residence) excavated in 1976-80. Occupied in the 1-3 centuries AD, it had a bathing complex: a bath, an outdoor pool lined with marble, and a geometric mosaic in its entrance hall. The walls were also lined with marble dadoes.
Next door to Katovigli is the seaside resort of Makrigialos.
Makrigialos Beach
This is a popular tourist resort. Basically there are two settlements than have run together – Makrigialos and Analipsi, with a large and lovely sandy beach with shallow and crystal-clear waters.
The locals call it Hani or the Long Beach. Organized, in addition to the expected umbrellas, sunbeds and showers, hotels, rent-rooms, shops and tavernas (where the Cretan cuisine may be enjoyed!), you will find a doctor and a chemist.
From Makrigialos you can get to Moni Kapsa and the Gorge of the Red Butterflies which runs from Oreino village to the south coast. This gorge is reckoned as one of the most attractive on Crete – much greenery and the aforesaid butterflies; in your trek down it, as well as the plants and insects, there are some springs and waterfalls not far from Oreino village.
You can also get to Katovigli, to the west – and its Roman villa and bathing complex. At Plakakia is a Minoan villa dating to the second palatial period, and destroyed as so many others around 1450 BC. Like others of its sort, the villa shares architectural details with the Palaces. Both served the elites of the day.
Proceeding from Makrigialos, the next beach to the east is that of Lagoufas.
Lagoufas Beach
Adjacent to the strand of Makrigialos, this one is basically composed of two small ones with sand and quiet, shallow blue waters that are not disturbed by the local winds that can blow.
In the western bay, the beach is well enough organized – umbrellas, sunbeds and showers, and is suited to water-sports and other activities. Some large hotels and tavernas exist here. By contrast, the east beach is less developed, and so conducive to a more relaxed atmosphere.
Continuing the tour of the beaches at Makrigialos and Goudouras, the next going east are Diaskari and Lagkadas/Psalidia.
