Discover Makrigialos & Southern Crete
A slower side of Crete, shaped by the sea, the landscape and the places in between.
Life around Artemis extends far beyond the hotel. Quiet beaches, traditional villages and walking trails are all within reach, inviting you to discover the landscape and character of Southern Crete.
From days by the sea to walks through the Cretan landscape, choose your own way to experience the region.
Pefki Village - A Glimpse of Traditional Crete
Set in the hills above Makrigialos, Pefki is a small traditional village where stone-paved lanes, old houses and everyday village life offer a quieter glimpse of Crete. Take time to wander through the village, stop for something local and enjoy the views towards the Libyan Sea.
Pefki is also closely connected to one of the area’s most rewarding walks: the Pefki Gorge, where a marked trail descends through a landscape of pine trees, aromatic herbs and limestone formations towards the coast.
Beaches Around Makrigialos
The sea is part of everyday life in Makrigialos. The main beach combines soft sand and shallow waters with cafés and places to eat close by, making it an easy choice for relaxed days by the water.
For a change of scenery, explore the smaller beaches and coves along the coast, where clearer stretches of water and a quieter atmosphere reveal another side of the area.
Koufonisi - A Day on the Libyan Sea
A boat trip from Makrigialos to Koufonisi reveals a very different side of Eastern Crete. This uninhabited island is known for its pale sandy beaches, clear waters and striking, almost desert-like landscape, alongside traces of its long history.
Spend the day on the water, swim in sheltered bays and take in the coastline from a completely different perspective. Excursions operate seasonally and are subject to weather conditions.
Explore Eastern Crete
Three distinctive towns are within reach of Artemis, each offering a different way to spend the day.
Ierapetra brings together a lively seafront, the old town and the Venetian Kales Fortress, with cafés and restaurants stretching along the coast.
Sitia has a more relaxed harbour-town character, with the Kazarma Fortress and Archaeological Museum, while the wider region opens the way towards Toplou Monastery and the landscapes of Eastern Crete.
Agios Nikolaos is built around its famous lake and waterfront, combining shops, restaurants and an easy cosmopolitan atmosphere. It can also be combined with excursions towards Elounda and Spinalonga.
Walking Through Eastern Crete
The landscape around Makrigialos invites you to explore on foot, from pine-covered gorges close to the coast to longer routes through the mountains of Eastern Crete.
Pefki Gorge offers one of the closest walking experiences, linking the hills above Makrigialos with the landscape towards the coast.
Orino Gorge is especially beautiful in spring, when seasonal water and small waterfalls bring the landscape to life.
Further east, Zakros Gorge, also known as the Gorge of the Dead, leads towards Kato Zakros and one of Crete’s important Minoan archaeological sites.
Routes vary considerably in length and difficulty, so conditions and suitability should always be checked before setting out.
Discover Crete Off the Road
For a more adventurous day out, guided off-road experiences offer another way to discover the landscape beyond the coast. Follow rural tracks through olive groves and mountain scenery, with stops along the way to take in the views and surroundings.
Ask our team about available experiences and recommended local operators during your stay.
Let Us Help You Explore
Some of the best experiences in Southern Crete begin just beyond our doorstep. Our team will be happy to share local recommendations, help you plan your days and, where available, assist with arranging excursions and activities during your stay.