What To Do

From the port of Makry Gialos there is a boat that takes visitors to the beautiful Koufonissi every morning and returns in the afternoon. From Makry Gialos you can also visit the Kapsas Monastery located in the eastern part of the village for over 6 centuries and was restored about 140 years ago by Saint Joseph Gerontogiannis. In addition, excavations have brought to light a Minoan villa in Plakakia as well as a Roman villa in Katovigli that certainly deserve a visit.
Another point of interest in the same area is Koutsouras that one can see the Apigania Grove, with an infrastructure for hosting concerts and a variety of cultural events. From Koutsouras’ grove begins a canyon, which after a half -hour journey, ends in a chapel. The beach has dark pebbles and is awarded with blue flags from the European Union.
A worth visiting point in the area is also the “Dragon Cave”. Very close to Makri Gialos and Ierapetra, in a magnificent location is located the beautiful and picturesque beach with shallow and crystal clear waters and fine gold sand. The official name of the beach is Ammoudi but it is one of the few times that a tavern gives the name to a location instead of becoming the opposite. And yet the beach became known as the Dragon Cave, from the homonymous tavern on its north side.
The Gorge of Mylonas (or Agios Ioannis Gorge) is located in Thripti, about 18km east of Ierapetra. The downhill of the canyon is interrupted by 4 waterfalls with the most special attraction of the canyon being undoubtedly the last and largest 40m waterfall. Especially in winter and after heavy rainfall the waterfall becomes double and the spectacle is truly unique.
Finally, another significant visiting point is the Monastery of Toplou, one of the most important monasteries of Crete, about 10 kilometers away from Sitia. In the monastery you will see many old religious icons, even 5 or 6 centuries aged, as well as many Christian religious items.
Don’t forget to try the organic products of the monastery such us wine, virgin olive oil and traditional raki.