About 5km (3 miles) east of Makrigialos, just past the signposted turn-off for Cave of the Dragon restaurant on the road to Gouderas, a small track off the right of the road leads down to Amoudi beach, one of Makrigialos' best kept secrets. Amoudi is Greek for sandy, and this is a secluded sandy beach, about 100m (110 yards) long, set in a cove. Parking is just off the road (the number of cars there should give a hint as to just how private the beach will be for you), and it is a short trek down to the beach. There are no amenities on the beach, but the Cave of the Dragon restaurant is about 500m (550 yards) by road.

Approximately 7km (a little over 4 miles) from Makrigialos is Kalo Nero, a small village spread out from the coast up into the foothills of the mountain hinterland. Kalo Nero translates as Good Water, and just after passing the colourful Oasis taverna (one of two in the village, the other being Staousa taverna) there is a right turn to parking and some steps down to Staousa beach. This is a small cove with a 45m (50 yard) shingle beach and a small sea-water cave at the far end. Alternatively, carry on along the road out of the village, and just after a sharp right-hand bend you can pull over to the side of the road and walk down to a much-photographed shingle beach set in a small cove that is often used as a harbour for a couple of fishing boats.

Some 9km (a little over 5.5 miles) from Makrigialos, just past the foot of Pervolakia gorge, a left turn will take you up to the entrance of the Moni Kapsa monastery, perched on the side of the mountain. Established in the 15th century, the monastery was extended in the 19th century, and is today open to the public between 06:30-12:30 and 15:30-19:00. As a place of worship visitors are expected to dress conservatively. More information on Moni Kapsa here