The village of Koutsouras is very close to the seaside settlement of Makrigialos. West of the village is a most attractive strand: with dark-coloured pebbles and blue crystal-clear waters, and a number of tamarisk trees. Well-enough organized – umbrellas, sunbeds and showers. The village itself has tavernas, hotels and rent-rooms, and in addition there are other facilities to ease your stay, like a chemist, a doctor and a police station.
If you wish for more privacy, small beaches are to be found all around the village area: visit them for a swim in their clear waters and a chance to relax.
If staying here, you should visit the pine forests on the south flanks of Mount Thrypti: though badly damaged by fire in 1993, they are recovering. Likewise the Gorge of the Red Butterflies, that links the village Oreino with the south coast: said to be one of the loveliest on the island, it has a rich vegetation and the butterflies are about in the Spring. In a trek down the gorge – apart from the said butterflies and the greenery, you will find close to Oreino some small springs and attractive waterfalls.
The next beach one encounters on the way from Ierapetra to Makrigialos is that of Kalamokanias.
