Makrigialos is a small, unspoiled beach resort on the south-east coast of Crete, some 45 miles (70km) from the tourist hotspots of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, and a world removed from the frenetic pace of Malia.

It has a permanent population of around 1000 inhabitants who originate mostly from the surrounding villages, but it wasn't all that long ago that the town was just a scattering of store houses and fishermen's cottages. Even today the local economy is based as much, if not more, on agriculture as it is on tourism, and when the summer season ends, local business owners look to the olive harvest, which generates some of the finest olive oil in the world.

The village is one of the quieter, less developed destinations in Crete, with one of the best beaches in this part of the island. There are two, unobtrusive hotel complexes situated in coves at the top end of town, and the majority of accommodation comprises mostly beach-front, family-run, self-catering studios and apartments, and a number of villas, houses, and cottages availble for holiday rentals.

There is a good choice of bars, restaurants, tavernas, with many establishments fronting onto the beach. There is also a small fishing harbour - a pleasant place to stroll around, with its own patch of sandy beach and collection of waterfront bars, tavernas and restaurants standing side by side.

The area has been inhabited for centuries and is home to Minoan, Venetian, and Roman ruins, the former dating as far back as 1400 B.C. More 'recent' evidence of habitation can be found at the Kapsa Monastery, perched on the hill side four miles east of town, and believed to have been founded in the 15th century. Contemporary culture is represented by timeless traditional Cretan villages, such as Pefki and Agios Stefanos, which dot the gorge-cut mountain sides.

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Kalamokania Beach

Makrigialos (Analipsi) Beach

Lagoufa Beach

Diaskari Beach

Lagada Beach

There are five separate beaches in the immediate Makrigialos area, from west to east...

Kalamokania beach

Kalamokania beach is a shingle/sandy beach, separated from the main beach by a headland, serviced by two restaurants providing sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.

Makrigialos (Analipsi) beach

Blue-flag accredited sandy beach with shallow waters stretching nearly a kilometre (half a mile) from the harbour, with numerous harbour-side and beach-front cafes, bars, and restaurants offering sunbeds and umbrellas. Jetskis, towed inflatable rides, and pedal boats available in summer.

Lagoufa beach

Pictured above out of season in December, the blue-flag Lagoufa beach is a small, deep sandy cove a little further round the bay, serving the hotel complexes (but open to all) with refreshments, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, and another water-sports centre off the beach.

Diaskari beach

Further round the coast, over another, larger headland is Diaskari beach, pictured above in peak season 2010, with the Diaskari tavern at the western end serving refreshments and offering sunbeds and umbrellas.

Lagada beach

Lagada beach, pictured above in August 2010, is a quiet beach without amenities, a short walk over a small headland from Diaskari.

During the summer season there are a range of watersports available, ranging from pedal boats to jet-skis, both from the main beach and from the beach below the hotel complex, and being sat on an inflatable cushion whilst it is dragged at speed behind a speed boat appears to be quite popular.

For the less suicidal, fishing boat charters are available from the main harbour, and cruises to Chrissi island can be taken from Ierapetra, 30 minutes away by car. Every June the town hosts the prestigious Casa dei Mezzo music festival. The nearby village of Agios Stefanos is home to the Sasteria public observatory, rated on Tripadvisor as one of the top attractions in Crete.

With coastline to the south and mountains to the north, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, and coastal walks over sand, shingle and rock are possible east and west from Makrigialos itself.

About 17km (11 miles) from Makrigialos, and at 1400m (4500ft) the highest peak in the area, Afendis Stavromenos affords stunning views of eastern Crete and can only be reached on foot or by 4x4. For the only slightly less adventurous, gorge walks can be found near Orino (Butterfly Gorge), and at Pefki and Pervolakia, all around 7km (4 miles) from Makrigialos.

There is also plenty to reward the inquisitive traveler further afield in east Crete; Minoan and Venetian ruins, traditional Cretan villages, and secluded beaches and coves. The more crowded tourist destinations of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, and the former leper colony and Ottoman fort at Spinalonga Island are also within easy reach.