The next stop is Makrygialos, surrounded by the waters of Kala Nera bay. As you enter the village from the west, you will notice the sheltered covers, with their deep blue water and beaches with fine or large pebbles. The most impressive bay is the last one before entering the village. In this small cove with fine pebbles and sand, the water deepens gradually, and a rock closing off the bay makes it cool and shady. It is an organised beach with umbrellas and deckchairs. As you enter Makrygialos along the asphalt road dividing the village in two, with souvenir shops on either side, you will probably feel a little disappointed. Park your car and take a walk towards the promenade. Your initial disappointment will vanish at the sight of the picturesque port and large beach. On the promenade next to the port, you will find attractive cafes and restaurants, decorated with stone and wood, where you can enjoy a coffee or a drink or order fresh fish in the picturesque tavernas near the marram trees. The long bay of Makrygialos (literally "long bay"!) will satisfy you with both the sandy beach and the relatively shallow water. Of course, there are also chairs and umbrellas, and pedalos and canoes for sea sport enthusiasts. Splash cafe-bar, by the sea, is one suggestion for coffee or a drink. If, on the other hand, you would like a mini "cruise", take the small boat that leaves daily from the port at 10 am. and goes to the small island of Lefki opposite, and returns at 5 p.m. the same day. AIthough Le&i (or Koufonissi) is uninhabited today, it used to be a bone of contempt sport ween lerapytna and Itanos in antiquity, with respect to who would exploit this important centre for fishing, sponges and murex molluscs. In fact, important archaeological findings were brought to light on the island's NW coast, bearing testimony to the existence of culturally developed life from the Minoan to the Roman period. For this reason, the island is known as "Little Delos".
At night, the area around the port and the beach is crowded and vibrant, so if you decide to spend the night here, you will have a wide variety of bars to choose from for your entertainment. You will also be able to select your accommodation from a plethora of rooms and apartments for every taste and budget. Most are picturesque and affordable, with views of the port.
For a truly unique experience, start climbing north from Makrygialos, until you meet the small village of Analipsi. One interesting route is to turn right (north of Analipsi) towards Peflcous, a small picturesque mountain village. In the ravine that you will come to when you reach the area of Aspros Potamos, you will find the traditional settlement with the same name, which has unique independent residences, built in the rocks and in perfect harmony with the environment. The settlement's traditional houses are available for rent (tel.: +30 28430/5 I 120, 28430/51694), offering wonderful accommodation for nature- persons . They have no electncity or air-conditioning, but if you enjoy peace and quiet and the sound of birdsong, if you are not after the luxury and comforts of a modern hotel, if you've missed the sight of the stars, then these houses are definitely ideal for you. There is a gas cooker in each house, paraffin lamps, a fridge, a light in the bathroom, and hot water. Their photovoltaic system has won the European award for Greece. They are about 1,500 metres away from Makrygialos beach. As you leave Makrygialos and head west, you will encounter Koutsouras, a verdant coastal village looking out onto the Libyan Sea, with deep blue waters ideal for swimming.