There are many fine villages close by, all with their own particular merits. It is well worth hiring a car to explore them and sample some of the local foods, wines, olive oil, atmosphere, hospitality, and culture. Roads are well maintained and easy to navigate, and offer spectacular scenery to rival the views to be had from the villages themselves.

 

 

Pefki

The beautiful traditional mountain village of Pefki, meaning Pine Trees, is only 7 kilometres from Makry-Gialos and has panoramic views down the valley towards the Southern Mediterranean Sea. Given the size of the village, and the number of inhabitants, Pefki has a tremendous amount to offer the sightseer, and all are well signed. The small church of Stavromenos perches high on a hilltop looking down on Pefki. There is a folklore museum and old schoolroom, just above and behind the village to the north. Traces of neolithic habitation have been found at the Vreikos Caves, to the north east of the village. Then there is the 'launderette,' exactly as it used to be hundreds of years ago, where your position at the trough was denoted by your pecking order in the village hierarchy - the nearest to the water inlet got the cleanest water! The 90 year old pink peppercorn tree, imported many years ago from Egypt, can be found at the fantastic Piperia restaurant to which it belongs. Pefki is also the start of the stunning Pefki Gorge walk, through the hamlet of Aspros Potamos and on to Makry-Gialos, about a 2 to 3 hours walk.

Agios Stephanos

Approximately 6 kilometres out of Makry-Gialos, Agios Stephanos stands on a small plateau 420 metres above sea level. The beautiful church of Agios Stephanos, which has been recently renovated, is well worth a visit. There are a few small tavernas, and the narrow winding streets make it an interesting place to stroll around and while away an afternoon. The views from the village are particularly beautiful, with Thripti, eastern Crete’s highest mountain (1450m) to the west and the southern Mediterranean Sea to the south. Above Agios Stephanos, overlooking the village, are the ruins of a Venetian castle believed to have been built in the 13th-14th century AD. There are many paths and untreated roads to wander and explore. These range from a stroll around the nearby orchards and allotments of the local inhabitants, to long hikes for the more adventurous, through the imposing valley to the west of Agios Stephanos which eventually brings you down to Kalomokania beach.

Aspros Potamos

Aspros Potamos, meaning white river due to the lime which is washed down into the river bed with the winter rains, is a small hamlet approximately 1 kilometre from the main Makry-Gialos road, at the base of the lovely Pefki Gorge. The cottages found here were originally owned and used as overnight accommodation by the inhabitants (and their animals) of the mountain village of Pefki when they came down to the coast to pick their olives. Almost all the cottages have been carefully and beautifully renovated, yet they still retain all the wonderful old characteristics found in Cretan rural cottages.

Kato (lower) Pervolakia

An old still-thriving, village built in a natural bowl above the Sitia main road. Kato Pervolakia is split into two distinct areas - one part of the village straddles a river and is inhabited, whilst the older, now deserted part sits on an outcrop of rock overlooking the steep ravine as the river falls down to the sea. Kato Pervolakia is accessible on mostly unpaved roads, and 4-wheel drives are advisable, but not necessary, so care is recommended. Kato Pervolakia is also the start of the magnificent Pervolakia Gorge, only a few minutes from the Bay View development. This is a walk that takes you down through stunning scenery with imposing cliffs. It is also a source of many of the aromatic herbs to be found in this area, especially towards the lower end of the gorge. Care is recommended on this walk as a lot of the pathways are loose rock and scree, and liable to erosion from time to time.

Moni Kapsa

Approximately 2 kilometres out of the Bay View development, between Kalo Nero and Goudouras, perches the impressive monastery of Moni Kapsa, also known as the monastery of John the Baptist. With stunning views overlooking the Libyan sea and Koufonisi Island, the monastery, believed to have been founded in the 15th century, still attracts many devotees, particularly for the feast of John the Baptist on 29th August. Moni Kapsa was rumoured in one recent book to be the first stop for Lord Lucan in his flight from justice. Then a remote monastery accessible only by the hardiest of travellers in the early 1970s, it was said to be the resting place for three weeks for Lord Lucan. The lower end of the Pervolakia gorge reaches the coast at Moni Kapsa, and is easily accessible from the road. The top of the gorge is approximately 5 kilometres and 450m above sea level starting at the village of Kato Pervolakia.

Pilalimata

Pilalimata is situated just outside Makry-Gialos on the Sitia road. It is a small village surrounded by olive groves with a view down to Lagada beach. It also marks the start of road leading to Kalo Nero and Moni Kapsa. In the middle of Pilalimata is the beautifully maintained church of Agios Dimitris. Pilalimata, along with Diaskari, Analipsi, and Lagada belonged to the community of Pefki. At Diaskari beach, just minutes from the Bay View development, there is the remains of a large late Minoan community (1400-1050 B.C), although systematic excavations have not yet been carried out.

Lithines

Lithines, a beautifully maintained village set off the road to Sitia, is well known for its churches. Of particular interest is the church of the Virgin of Lithines, which is partially built into the rocks, where some remarkably beautiful icons can be seen. The church, believed to have been built in the 15th century, has the original glazed plates used by the builders for their own meals embedded into the external south wall. The village name is believed to be derived from the Byzantine nobleman Lucas Litinos who came to Crete in 1182. Lithines has a number of traditional tavernas and kafenions where one can always get a warm welcome. It is also home to one of liveliest events in the whole of the area. In early September most of the inhabitants of the region get together in the small streets for an evening of both organised (and energetic) and informal Cretan dancing, together with food and drinks for a more than memorable evening. This event is held in Lithines Park at the top of the village, and all visitors are more than welcome.

Stavrohori

Stavrohori, which means village of the cross, has a beautiful village square and many fine examples of typical Cretan architecture. The narrow streets and fountains provide a fine backdrop, with views that extend all the way to the sea. The secluded streets and the colourful architecture provide a contrast for a village that is both traditional and modern. The village square also regularly plays host to many music and religious events that are well worth the effort of making the drive up to this mountainside village.

 

Orino

A thrilling drive up into the mountains (the name itself means mountainous), with breathtaking scenery, about 14 kilometres from Makry-Gialos. Orino has an attractive village square surrounded by beautifully tended gardens. The village can be reached from Agios Stephanos through the forest of Pefkoseli if you have a 4-wheel drive, otherwise you should take the tarmac road signposted from the main road towards Ierapetra. Orino is also the start of the path to Mount Thripti where, on the 14th September every year at the church of Afendis Stavromeno on top of this 1450ft mountain, is a panagia (a festival of the saint of that particular church). The route is unpaved, consisting of loose gravel with some very steep drops from the side of the road, and it is recommended that it is only attempted in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. There are a number of small friendly taverns providing refreshment in the village of Orino, and due to its height above sea level (over 2000ft), it is noticeably cooler, especially during the hotter months of July and August. The village is mentioned in the Venetian census of 1583, and the Church of Agios Dimitrios in Orino dates to the 12th century AD.

Schinokapsala

A particularly verdant area surrounded by pine trees and fed by spring water, approximately 10 kilometres from Makry-Gialos, under Mount Thripti, the highest mountain in the region. The village has some tavernas, and is a good stopping off point for the scenic drive over the mountains via Agios Ioannis towards Ierapetra.

Achlia

A beautiful horseshoe shaped bay offering safe swimming in azure waters. This is accessed via a steep road leading down from the Ierapetra to Makry-Gialos main road and has all the beachside facilities you could require, including a tavern.