Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, with a population of about 624,000 people. Crete is renowned for its beautiful sandy shores, magnificent mountains, quiet fishing villages and friendly people. The town of Makrigialos (official spelling: Makry-Gialos) is an outstanding example of the beauty that ensures a thriving tourist industry for the area and a welcome unmatched in Europe. The former "Dimos" (Municipality) of Makrys-Gialos stretched from the south coast resort of Agia Fotia in the west to the monastery of Moni Kapsa in the east, and from the southern Mediterean Sea to the 1200 metre high (4,000 ft) mountains of Orno Oros in the north. It lies in the south east corner of Crete, and is the southernmost tourist area in Europe.

The people of Makrigialos pride themselves not only on their Greek nationality, but more especially on their Cretan heritage, a history that dates back 5,000 years. Their welcome is never less than enthusiastic for the people who come to soak up the culture and the climate. Makrigialos is literally translated as "longshore" and the long beach and several other sandy coves that are never overcrowded provide excellent conditions for children and swimmers of all abilities due to the soft, gently shelving main beach and clean water. The town has many tavernas, bars, restaurants and shops, but remains unspoiled. It is an ideal places for those looking for a quiet relaxing stay, but with the facilities offered by larger resorts.

There are few places in Europe where you can find the combination of high mountains close to the sea and within a few kilometres of sandy beaches, and Makrigialos is a fine example of this harmonious contrast. Its fertile soil, microclimate, abundant olive groves, vineyards, and agriculture - the principle crop being cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as bananas, and melons - ensure that Makrigialos has a wonderful food culture, excellent local produce and some very special wines. In recognition of the natural beauty of this area and the importance of protecting the environment, the local growers now produce organic olive oil, tomatoes, greens, wine, and others. The area has been awarded several World gold medals for its oil. The charming small harbour and boulevard of Makrigialos boasts several excellent bars and fish restaurants, some of which have their own fishing boats, so you can be assured that the fish will be fresh.

One of the many pleasures of staying here is to watch the fishermen take their nets out in the evening, and stroll down to the harbour the following morning to view their catch. Just off the coast of Makrigialos, due East, is the picturesque deserted island of Koufonisi, which offers fine sandy beaches, clear blue seas, and for those with an interest in archaeology, a Roman amphitheatre and mosaics. The island is a protected archaeological site, and can be reached during summer only by chartered boat from the harbour of Makrigialos.

Surrounding Makrigialos are several mountain villages steeped in history, with narrow winding streets, old and beautifully renovated stone houses encircled by geraniums, bougainvillea and vines, lemon and orange tress too numerous to count, and of course the occasional goat or donkey being led through the streets. Daily life goes on in the villages as it has done for many decades, but the locals are never too busy to stop and welcome their visitors with a warm smile, or a friendly 'Yia Sas' ("hello").

Makry-Gialos offers something for everyone - the historian, the sun worshipper, the ornithologist, the botanist, the keen walker, the geologist, and those in search of complete rest and relaxation.