Lygaria is a small coastal settlement with a bay where irregularly shaped rocks, light-colored sand and turquoise water meet. Small boats moor in the bay. The beach is interesting when choosing a place to visit not only for its colors: conditions along the shore vary between rocky stretches and small sandy access points.

Beach and Access to the Water

Stones along the shore make it more difficult to enter the sea. Small sandy paths provide access points where stones have been removed; conditions may vary locally. Lygaria Beach also has sun loungers, umbrellas and showers. As these facilities may change, check what is currently available before your visit. This makes it possible to take both the scenery and practical beach conditions into account when planning, without treating all parts of the shore as the same.

In June 2014, the Municipality of Malevizi reported a designated bathing cabin for people with disabilities at Lygaria Beach. Special floating wheelchairs provided access to the water and therapies in the water. If this facility is important to your plans, check its current availability before your visit.

Other Coastal and Natural Sites

West of the headland that protects Lygaria Beach lies the nearby beach of Parasfougario. It is accessible only from the sea; swimming from the Lygaria coast is cited as a way to get there. Access conditions may vary, so check them before visiting. This sets Parasfougario apart from the sandy access points at Lygaria Beach: stones have been removed there, while Parasfougario can only be reached by swimming from the coast.

The Lygaria waterfalls are also a short distance from the settlement’s coast. The highest waterfall is ten metres high and forms a small lake at its base. Its flow depends on rainfall. The height and lake describe the natural feature; its dependence on rain is important if you want to get an idea of what the waterfalls are like.

Location and Historical Traces

Lygaria lies 21 kilometres northwest of Heraklion and one kilometre east of Agia Pelagia. The settlement is situated at an elevation of 18 metres. These details locate the coastal settlement and help place it in relation to the two named locations.

The area’s history also has a specific connection to the church: inside, on its south wall, there is a wooden pedestal that is the only evidence of the existence of the former Panagia Deligara monastery. A document from 1610 refers to the former monastery as Panagia De Ligara, translated as “of Ligara.” The two clues complement each other: the pedestal is a physical remnant, while the document records a historical form of the name. Alongside the beach and natural features, there is therefore a local connection to the monastery’s history and a recorded explanation of the name.

Discover more destinations: Karteros, Malades, Pentamodi, Kalo Chorio, Chersonisos, Skafidaras, Ano Viannos, Episkopi

For the main travel overview: Heraklion.