In summary, the area is quiet, rugged and naturally beautiful.  It has an abundance of quiet coves with gently shelving waters that are great for swimming and snorkelling.  Bayview is in a tranquil location with little passing traffic and the towns of Makrygialos (1km), Ierapetra and Sitia are nearby for amenities.

Crete is famous for its fauna and flora with highlights being the local Crete goat and the rare Lammergeier Vulture.  In spring the island has an abundance of flowering herbs and plants.

There are many ruins in the area from the ancient Minoan times through to Roman and Venetian.  It is thought that nearby Zakros was probably the original site of the earliest settlers.

For the more adventurous, you can scuba dive, visit the ancient minoan ruins on Koufonisi island or clamber in the gorges.

There's too much to be detailed here - use the links to explore the possibilities. 

A wide variety of excursions and guided tours can be arranged by the local tourist info office (Stelios Tsampanakis, STELIN TOURS, +30 28430 51770) - see more ideas in Organised Activities.

 

Sun, sea, sand ... As the warmest and sunniest place in Europe, SE Crete is perfect for sun worshippers and beachgoers of all ages.  Bayview is 200m from a beautiful, south facing beach and there are plenty of quiet coves nearby if you want to explore. Diaskari beach is just outside Makrygialos and has a lovely taverna right on the beach.  The waters are shallow and clean and great for snorkelling. There are a string of beaches around Makrygialos.  Two are by the hotels (Sunwing and Mikri Poli) and have all the amenities for families including sun loungers and umbrellas (the straw umbrellas are for hire, the orange ones are for residents only).  Ideal for little snorkellers especially by the rocks.  The golden sand beaches along the town front are also lovely and have the benefit of tavernas nearby. Bayview has its own private pool.	Gorge walks The area has a number of dramatic gorges that cut through the limestone mountains down to the sea.  They make for cool walks amongst dramatic scenery (early start recommended). Pervoulakia gorge - 4Km from Bayview with Moni Kapsa monastry at the entrance.  Its 3km long and rises 500m. Zakros Gorge - also known as gorge of the dead for its rock tombs.  Pefki gorge - start from the lovely village of Pefki (7km) and walk down into Makrygialos. Butterfly gorge is at the West end of Makrygialos and starts at Orino Ha Gorge - on the way to Agios Nikolaos, the short walk from the chapel leads to the dramatic cleft.  You can scramble up to a small pool but that's all. more details
Ancient remains The area is renowned as the start of the Minoan age and has many intriguing sites to be explored: Xerokambos is a 45min drive away through spectacular mountains Kato Zakros is a ruined palace about an hour away and famous for the lovely beach. We can also recommend a shady picnic at Zakros Source Makrygialos has its own remains including roman fort and Minoan villa. Knossos is the home of the mythical Minotaur and close to Heraklion airport.  Its about 2 hours away or a good way to finish your holiday. Roman villa, Makrygialos
	Towns Makrygialos - is 1km away and has a delightful small harbour where boat trips to Koufonisi depart from.  Stroll along the beautiful beachfront in the evening and enjoy a meal or a drink in one of the many tavernas serving local dishes.  There are local supermarkets on the high street for the basics and a cash point outside the Sunwing hotel. Pefki - is a beautiful tradtional Cretan village up in the mountains above Makrygialos.  Its a 15 minute drive and has a wonderful shady terrace taverna called Piperia.  Well worth a drive for lunch (if you can find it!). Sitia - on the North side of the island and a 30 minute journey through the mountains.  There is a long beach and 1km east of town is a warm, shallow lagoon with shade under trees - ideal for little ones.  Look out for Nikos - the resident pelican and town mascot! Ierepetra - is the big town of SE Crete and has bigger supermarkets - worth stocking up as you pass through.  There is a Venetian fort guarding the sweeping bay.  Relax in the shade of a taverna while watching the waves lap upon the shore.