Overlooking a protected bay on the north coast of Crete is Lygaria, a peaceful village clustered with alfresco cafes and traditional tavernas. Its beach is a popular setting for water sports while its hilltop church boasts sweeping coastal views.
Spend your days relaxing on the sands of Lygaria Beach or refresh with a swim in the protected bay. Beach umbrellas and sunbeds are available for rent and there’s a dive school offering snorkelling and scuba diving trips. For a quieter day on the sand, follow the pathway connecting Lygaria Beach to tiny Parasfougario.
Perched atop a hill behind Lygaria is the Ekklisia Agia Marina, a small church offering magnificent views across the northern coast of Crete. Also of note is the Church of Panagia, which is built atop a former monastery dating from at least the 17th century.
Getting there
Lygaria is a 25-minute drive from Heraklion Airport N. Kazantzakis, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. The Heraklion Port is also 25 minutes away and receives regular ferries from the Athenian port of Piraeus. Buses travel from Heraklion to Lygaria and the village is small enough to explore on foot.