The village of Lygaria is situated close to the capital of Crete and the airport on the route Heraklion - Gazi - Lygaria. The journey from Heraklion to Lygaria takes about 30 minutes. The beach of Lygaria (or Ligaria) is about 20 to 30 minute walk away from the better known tourist resort of Agia Pelagia, which is located 25 kilometer west of Heraklion. The beach is fine, but in the sea over a part of the beach there is a smooth (not sharp) rock in the sea, making it somewhat difficult (or unpleasant) to get into the water at some places. The beach is a sandy beach and it is good. The beginning of the sea is just sand with some pebbles so you can simply drop into the water before the rock section and swim over ir or go into the water at the sides of the beach. The Bay of Lygaria is however one of the most beautiful that have ever seen.

On the beach of Lygaria there are a few tavernas, a place where you can drink coffee or a cocktail and a supermarket. Behind the beach and on the rocks on the sides of the bay are a few houses. That's about the whole village. In recent years, however, a comples of luxury apartments (for sale) has been built here. I thought that it would have become a lot busier on the beach after that, but when I visited in October 2009 it was actually still very quiet. For fun or for a greater choice of restaurants you can to Agia Pelagia. The road that leads to this other town is lit so it is also possible in the evenings, and in Agia Pelagia you can go out untill late into the evening for dining and entertainment. It is a walk of about 20 minutes, up and down a hill. On your way you have nice views. Lygaria Beach is actually a bit of a place for people who seek peace and yet some facilities as well. A little bit of life but not too busy. An advantage for most people it is not far from the airport (you will not hear the airplanes though). If you like diving you have also come to the right place, because at the end of the beach there is a diving school.

Spiros Soula is an apartment complex in the village Ligaria (sometimes called Lygaria). This village is about 30 minutes / 20 km drive from the airport of Heraklion (but not in the flight path, so no problems with noise). It's a nice place to start your holiday or end it, so don't have to overstay in busy Heraklion, but instead spend the first or last days in a relaxed place. But it is also nice for a longer holiday, or for a stop if you travel from the west side of the island to the east (or vice versa). The village of Ligaria is accessible from a junction of the New National Road that runs between Heraklion and Rethymnon.

Check availabilities and prices & book Spiros Soula Apartments on Crete - click here.

Erivolos studios are located just 150 metres from Lygaria beach, offering the guest a unique mountain and sea view, in a quiet and relaxing setting near the sea. Just on the outskirts of Heraklion, Erivolos provides 9 independent spacious studios, fully furnished in an elegant style. They all have direct amazing view to the Aegean sea, outdoor swimming pool and private parking space. During their stay at Erivolos, guests can enjoy a splendid view of the Cretan landscape while having breakfast at their terrace or by the swimming pool. Guests can enjoy Cretan cuisine at the numerous taverns around the bay or join in with the water sports available.

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Apartments and studios in Villa Bellevue. Villa Bellevue is is a family run beautiful 3 star Hotel Apartment and studio complex. Situated 17-18 kilometers west of Heraklion in an enviable and unique location overlooking the small picturesque bay of Ligaria and the tourist resort and fishing village of Aghia Pelagia. It is built in a quiet and hospitable environment of natural beauty, with spectacular views of the sea and the mountains, and only 1200 meters from the centre of Aghia Pelagia and 800 meters from Ligaria Beach. The hotel is built in 7000 square metres of lush greenery of palm, olive, lemon and hibiscus trees. The elevated garden area provides plenty of space for guests to move around in. On arrival in their room guests will find free of charge a bottle of home made wine, fresh seasonal fruit and a bottle of mineral water.

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En Plo is the cocktailbar / coffeeshop in the village of Lygaria and is situated at the beach. The coffee is good: Lavazza. Cappuccino comes with a glass of water water. Not good: sometimes you have to wait very long before your order is taken and than they bring it with cold whipped milk. The prices are also on the spicy side.

Our verdict: a 7 out of 10