Ligaria lies on the north coast of Crete twenty five kilometres from Heraklion and is close neighbours of Agia Pelagia. Ligaria was developed first as a summer retreat for residents of the capital, Heraklion. It is built around a bay and is well sheltered from the elements. The topography of the area limits the spread of the resort which retains its traditional charm. It is a quiet place ideal for those looking for peace and relaxation.
A Ligaria holiday provides sunshine in a sheltered bay, crystal clear water, tavernas serving traditional food and some of the friendliest locals on the island. This charming village is an excellent base for exploring many interesting sights in the area.
A Ligaria holiday attracts those looking for a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of large resorts. Families and couples of all ages can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of its shores, its sand and shingle beach with safe bathing. Those with mobility problems may find the gradients in the resort a little difficult.
The most popular time to visit Ligaria is in the summer. The season extends from Easter to October when the temperature range is from twenty to thirty degrees.
Lying in a bay adjacent to Aghia Pelagia on the north coast of Crete, Ligaria is a small resort with an authentic Cretan flavour. It is a picturesque village of white dwellings nestling into the hillside, a charming church with wonderful views over the bay and narrow streets filled with bougainvillea and vibrantly coloured pot plants. Its beach of sand and shingle shelves gently into the clear waters of the bay. Bathing is safe for children and weak swimmers and the clarity of the water makes it ideal for snorkelling.
Shops provide holiday essentials including gifts and souvenirs. Tavernas and restaurants serve traditional food as well as international cuisine. Fish is a dominant feature of menus. Simply cooked and fresh from the daily catch, it is hard to resist.
The surrounding area has many visitor attractions including the ruins at the Monastery of the Sebbathians, the Gerontospilios cave near Melidoni.
A Ligaria holiday offers daylong sunshine, in a pretty resort with a relaxed atmosphere where the locals are friendly and welcoming.
Nightlife in Ligaria is very low-key and is not the place to go if you are a late night party animal. There are a number of bars, pubs restaurants and tavernas where you can spend a pleasant evening overlooking the bay.
Ligaria is not renowned for its shops but there are mini-markets providing for all your holiday essentials. For a wider range of shops, take a trip to the adjacent bay where you will find Aghia Pelagia and its range of shops selling fine silver and gold jewellery, leather goods as well as many providing gifts and souvenirs.
Ligaria has a small number of tavernas, restaurants and bars serving traditional food. Fish restaurants on the sea front produce simple menus with the freshest of ingredients. . If you feel peckish between lunch and dinner try a plate of meze, a Greek equivalent of the Spanish tapas, with such things as deep fried fish, pickles, olives and halloumi.
Eating out in Greece is a pleasure that should be enjoyed in a leisurely fashion. Don’t mistake the lack of haste for tardy service as you are simply being given the time to fully enjoy each course. Children are warmly welcomed in restaurants and their tastes and portion size are usually accommodated.
