Lygaria: Bay, Beach and Monastery History

Lygaria is a small coastal settlement, 21 kilometres northwest of Heraklion and one kilometre east of Agia Pelagia. These two distances provide a nearer and a farther reference point for orientation: Agia Pelagia is closer, while Heraklion is farther away. Lygaria itself is 18 metres above sea level. If you are looking for a hotel in Lygaria, its coastal location may be one of your first considerations when choosing a destination. The bay features irregularly shaped rocks, light-coloured sand and turquoise water; small boats moor there.

Beach and Access to the Sea

When planning a day at the beach, the landscape and access are two separate considerations. Rocks along the shore make it harder to enter the sea; small sandy paths provide access points where the rocks have been cleared. Lygaria Beach has sun loungers, parasols and showers. These facilities address a different planning consideration from the access points: they are amenities on the beach, while the rocks and paths affect access to the water. Check whether the facilities are available before your visit.

In June 2014, the Municipality of Malevizi reported that a designated bathing cabin for people with disabilities was available at the beach. At the time, special floating wheelchairs enabled access to the water and water-based therapies.

Coast and Nature in the Surrounding Area

Parasfougario lies to the west, beyond the headland that shelters Lygaria Beach. This nearby beach can only be reached from the sea; from the coast at Lygaria, access is by swimming. When choosing between the beaches, the type of access is a clear distinction: Lygaria Beach has small sandy access points along the shore, whereas Parasfougario can only be reached by water. Local access conditions may vary; check them before visiting.

Another natural attraction, the Lygaria waterfalls, lies a short distance from the settlement’s coast. The highest waterfall is ten metres tall and forms a small lake at its foot. Its water flow depends on rainfall. The height and lake are permanent features, while the flow depends on rain. If you compare the coast and the waterfalls, different natural features come to the fore: the bay and its shore on one hand, and the waterfall’s height, lake and flow on the other.

A Historical Trace in the Church

Inside the church, a wooden pedestal on the south wall is the only element that bears witness to the existence of the former Panagia Deligara Monastery. A document from 1610 refers to the former monastery as Panagia De Ligara, meaning “of Ligara”. Both names refer to the same former monastery. The pedestal and the historical name give Lygaria a tangible connection to local history beyond its coastline.

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