Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou is a beach in the Region of Crete, Greece. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?
Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou is a beach in the Region of Crete, Greece. It holds a Blue Flag award, which means the water quality, environmental standards, and visitor safety meet strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
The beach is open from July 1 to October 31. Entry is free. A kiosk and shop are available on-site. Before swimming, check local water safety conditions.
The best months to visit are April, May, and June, when crowds are lighter. July and August are peak season and significantly busier. If you prefer fewer people, plan your trip for the shoulder months.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Region of Crete, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Feb | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Mar | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| May | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Jun | 24°C | 21°C | Low |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | Med |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 25°C | 22°C | High |
| Oct | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Nov | 18°C | 15°C | Low |
| Dec | 15°C | 12°C | Low |
The best time to visit Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 26.7°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 23.7°C in July.
How crowded does Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-07 – 31-10). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou
Is Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou safe to swim?Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?Peak water temperature at Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou reaches around 23.7°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 12.8°C.
What is the beach like at Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou is a sandy beach on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. The beach is open from July 1 to October 31. Entry is free. A kiosk and shop are available on-site. Before swimming, check local water safety conditions.
Does Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou
How do I get to Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou by car?Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou is approximately 11.47 km from Lasithi Regional Unit. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 79.8 km away.
Can I get to Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Lasithi Regional Unit. The nearest recorded bus stop is 52 m from the beach.
Nearby
Near Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Bus near Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou
- N. Papadaki Bus stop 52 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 356 m
- Limanaki, Makry-Gialos Bus stop 359 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 376 m
- Analipsi Bus stop 407 m
Cafés near Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou
- Coukos Restaurant 111 m
- Gelateria Maria Ice cream 243 m
- Gusto Restaurant 254 m
- Makis Grill Restaurant 313 m
- Deλόγω Café 318 m
Parking near Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou
- Parking Parking 94 m
- Parking Parking 179 m
- Alana Makry-Gialou Parking 190 m
- Parking Parking 301 m
- Parking Parking 409 m
Supermarket near Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou
- Super Market Supermarket 242 m
- Kasotakis Supermarket 442 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jul – 31 Oct |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 240 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 52 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.0393°N, 25.9776°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou FAQ
Is Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou suitable for children?
Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou has a child-friendly score of 3/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Greece.
Is Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou free to access?
Access to Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?
The best time to visit Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 23.7°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?
Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?
Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 11.47 km from Lasithi Regional Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 79.8 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Is there a bus near Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 52 m from Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou (N. Papadaki), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou, including Coukos (111 m), Gelateria Maria (243 m), Gusto (254 m), and Makis Grill (313 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 94 m from Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 242 m from Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou (Super Market). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
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Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.