Makrigialos
The quiet traditional resort of Makrigialos is in the far east corner of the island and has now been forsaken by some tour companies, perhaps because of the two hour transfer time from Herakleion airport. The name Makri Gialos means "long sandy beach" It can be approached from the north, via Siteia or the west via Ierapetra, and is still a haven for those seeking a quieter holiday.
With a backdrop of high mountains and excellent walking trails in the gorges of the area, Makrigialos is an excellent choice for walkers, nature lovers and artists. Traditional villages and ways of life can still be seen, despite the ubiquitous tourist and souvenir shops that always spring up in any resort. There are still only very few in the area.
The harbour area is picturesque and surrounded by cottages, some of which are available for rental and the nearby island of Koufonisi can be visited by arrangement with local boatmen. The island was one of the sources of the pink conch shells used to dye the purple robes of the Roman Emperors.
Makrigialos has a population of around 1000 people and consists of two settlements Makrigialos and Analipsi. The surrounding mountain villages are seeped in history, with narrow winding street, traditional architecture and a colourful array of geraniums, bougainvillea and vines.
With monasteries, long sandy beaches and mountain villages within easy access, the area is a place for exploration, reflection and tranquility.
Kato Zakros
A coastal area with a settlement 8 km away from Pano Zakros at a magnificent bay with sandy beach. Here, in 1961 the renowned archaeologist Nikolaos Platon traced and excavated the fourth Minoan Palace on Crete. The first to trace evidence of ancient ruins was Spratt. After him the archaeologists Halbherr and Mariani, Evans and Hogarth searched the area. Golden jewels found by a peasant and handed in by Em. Figetakis and N. Karantonis gave evidence of the existence of ancient sites. The first excavations of N. Platon were financed by the American art-lovers Leon and Harriet Pomerance. The overall size of the central building was bigger than 10 acres and there were about 250 chambers for different use.
The palace was not looted when found so although smaller than the ones in Knossos, Festos and Mallia, the finds there were more in number (over a 1000) and more significant, thus giving us valuable information about the life and civilization of the Minoans. Many of them are "royal", real pieces of art. The palace was mostly developed due to its geographic position. It was the big port of call for the Minoan ships coming from and heading to Egypt and the East.
This was evidenced by the many finds and raw materials coming from these areas. The handicraft and arts were particularly developed in the Palace of Zakros and were very profitable. The palace finds are exhibited in the Museums of Heraklion, Sitia and Agios Nikolaos. The palace was destroyed by the volcanic eruption in about 1500 B.C.
Kato Zakro area is one of outstanding natural beauty, and is the perfect place to relax and unwind from the bustle of modern life, in harmony with unspoilt nature. A place where true Cretan hospitality (filoxenia) can still be found in abundance, and steeped in much history and tradition.
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