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Gra Ligia is a coastal village located a short 5km journey to the west of Ierapetra and a 39km trip south from Agios Nikolaos. Nestled at the mouth of a rich valley, the village is surrounded by greenhouses filled with early-ripening vegetables. The locals of Gra Ligia were pioneers in the use of greenhouse agriculture, a practice that has since spread throughout the Ierapetra region. The profusion of greenhouses has even earned the village the nickname of “Silicon Valley of Greece”. The Bramiana dam, situated 2km north of the village, plays a crucial role in the area’s agriculture, supplying water to all Ierapetra crops and forming one of Crete’s key wetlands.
Aside from farming, tourism also forms an essential part of the local economy. Gra Ligia, with its recent mild growth, is among the newest holiday destinations on Crete. This growth has been facilitated by the appealing long beach, fringed with coarse sand that extends from Ierapetra to the Stomio region. The beach is known for its tranquil waters and is well-equipped with amenities like umbrellas and showers, albeit not on a large scale. Tamarisk trees pepper the landscape, providing shade and greenery. The beach is a popular spot for locals who enjoy swimming and fishing from their boats docked in the local harbour.
The beach is also a venue for local events such as beach soccer tournaments. If you’re fortunate, you might even have a chance to partake in the unique “xentomatiasmata” or tomato war, a tradition revived and celebrated in early summer. Gra Ligia is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing holiday. In the evenings, visitors can unwind with a drink at local bars or take a short trip to Ierapetra. To reach Gra Ligia from Ierapetra, simply travel westward on the city road. Alternatively, there are bus services that pass through the village.
There are various activities you can do at Gra Ligia beach such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and water sports like windsurfing and paddleboarding.
Yes, Gra Ligia beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm, and there are lifeguards on duty during the day.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Gra Ligia beach where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while enjoying the view of the sea.
Yes, you can rent beach equipment such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels at Gra Ligia beach.
Yes, there is a parking area near Gra Ligia beach where you can park your car for a fee.
Yes, there are water sports facilities at Gra Ligia beach where you can rent equipment and take lessons in windsurfing, paddleboarding, and other water sports.
Yes, Gra Ligia beach is accessible for people with disabilities as there are ramps and special facilities for wheelchair users.
The water colour of the Gra Ligia beach is blue.
The Gra Ligia beach has sand.
The water at the Gra Ligia beach is shallow.
The sea surface at the Gra Ligia beach is usually calm.
The Gra Ligia beach usually has normal crowds.
The Gra Ligia beach has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, sports, and showers.
The Gra Ligia beach can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.
Yes, there is tree shade available at the Gra Ligia beach.
Find below list of things to do near Gra Ligia beach:
On our ATV-Quad tour from Ierapetra we go off-roading in the rugged landscapes of Crete’s southern coast. We start with a theoretical introduction and a small driving practise, before we start the adventure. Lonely tracks away from main traffic, in the midst of the most beautiful nature will take you to a beautiful landscape on the Cretan mountains. Splash through streams, wind along ancient gorges, and look for island wildlife from behind the wheel of a personal quad vehicle. Get a taste of Cretan history and culture during several stops along the way, including a traditional Greek brunch at Kalamafka Village. The off-road quad safari from Ierapetra explores hard-to-reach areas of Crete’s southern coast. A Great way to experience Cretan culture and nature off the beaten path.
Discover the scenery of Crete’s White Mountains on a road trip from Platanias to Zourva. Explore local villages, stop to take photos of gorges, and savor a typical snack in Zourva.
Begin the tour with pickup in Platanias, then set off through the colorful scenery of the Orange Valley. Continue climbing slowly up the west side of the White Mountains, admiring the views as you go.
After passing Meskla village we will have a short stop to visit a small Sarakina gorge where we will see the impressive rock walls of the gorge just a short walk away from the road. Curvy road will take us all the way up at Zourva where we will have a break with a simple snack with incredible view.
Breathtaking sceneries will continue to the next village Therisso which played an important role in Crete’s modern history. On the way back to Platanias we will drive along the Therisso gorge where you can admire the high vertical cliffs and the huge Plane trees.
Route: Platanias – Patelari – Meskla – Zourva – Therisso – Varipetro – Agia – Drakiana – Platanias
Through this route we explore the south-eastern Crete. We head to Agios Nikolaos and stop in the traditional village of Kritsa, one of the most famous villages of Crete with its narrow picturesque alleys and its traditional shops.
Afterwards we ascend through a beautiful route with magnificent views and end up at the Katharo Plateau at an altitude of 1250 meters where we stop for coffee in a traditional cafe. We cross the forest of SELAKANO and end up in the SARAKINA Gorge which will surprise you with its beauty. Continuing and after our amazing meal, we reach the southernmost end of eastern Crete, the village of Myrtos with its amazing beach where you can have a swim in the crystal clear waters of the LIBIAN SEA.
Returning through a very beautiful route we arrive at your hotel.
This route will leave you with the very best memories.
Explore the natural beauty of South Crete on our “Sarakina Gorge” safari tour! Discover the charm of Kritsa village, capture breathtaking Mirabello Gulf views, and navigate the off-road terrain of Kroustas Pine Forest. Savor a cup of coffee in Males village. Afterward… The highlight of your tour awaits at Sarakina Gorge, a sublime natural spectacle that is certain to fill you with wonder and amazement. Hike through this stunning canyon, surrounded by towering rock formations and lush vegetation. The brave may even take a dip in the natural pools that dot the landscape. After hiking … Taste Crete with a delicious lunch combined with local wine in the family’s restaurant. As the journey continues, venture to the coastal haven of Myrtos, where crystal-clear waters beckon you to refresh in the embrace of the South Cretan sea. Dive into a Cretan paradise!
This Land Rover excursion is the perfect way to explore the central part of Crete, visiting 2 different plateaus and learning about mythology as well as local life.
We head out in the Land Rover to the plateau of Katharo, passing through the largest forest on Crete. The roads here are basically non-existent and the mountains reach heights of 1,500 meters. You’ll have a refreshment stop at a kafenion (coffee shop) somewhere in the wilderness.
The tour continues on along dirt tracks, through valleys, and across rivers, and the journey starts to get exciting! At the next stop you’ll have the opportunity to take photos from a spectacular viewpoint above the Lassithi Plateau. You’ll then head to the plateau to enjoy your BBQ lunch, along with unlimited wine.
After lunch you’ll travel back in time as you visit the Eco Village, where you can see local crafts being made by traditional methods. The next stop will be Zeus’s cave where, according to mythology, the father of the gods was born. If you’d like to enter the cave there is a EUR 4 entrance fee that’s payable at the site.
Your driver/guide will take you on to Seli, where you can take photos of the unique scenery. You’ll continue on to the village of Krassi, noted for its 2,000-year-old plane tree and natural spring water source. As you make your way back you’ll pass through Selinari, an area where you’ll be on the lookout for vultures, now an endangered species.
Find below the list of hotels near Gra Ligia beach:
Offering free WiFi and free private parking, Porto Lygia Apartment is situated in Ierápetra, just 70 metres from Gra Lygias Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.9 km from Stomiou Beach.
The apartment has a terrace, 1 bedroom, a living room and a well-equipped kitchen. A flat-screen TV is offered.
Lake Voulismeni is 35 km from the apartment, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 35 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 62 km from Porto Lygia Apartment.
Set in Ierápetra, 100 metres from Gra Lygias Beach and 1.9 km from Stomiou Beach, Nicolas Home offers free WiFi and air conditioning. The property features quiet street views and is 35 km from Lake Voulismeni and 35 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa).
The apartment is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with inner courtyard views.
Agios Nikolaos Port is 36 km from the apartment. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 62 km from Nicolas Home.
from
€125
/night
Set in Gra Liyiá and only 1.5 km from Gra Lygias Beach, Ioanna’s Villa 10 minutes walking from sea offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a picnic area. Ioanna’s Villa 10 minutes walking from sea features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
West Beach of Ierapetra is 2.5 km from the accommodation, while Lake Voulismeni is 35 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 61 km from Ioanna’s Villa 10 minutes walking from sea.
Set in Ierápetra and only 1.6 km from Agios Andreas Beach, Apple home Detached house in sunny Ierapetra offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. Boasting a balcony, the holiday home is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as snorkelling, cycling and hiking.
The holiday home has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The holiday home offers a range of wellness facilities including a sauna and a steam room. A bicycle rental service is available at Apple home Detached house in sunny Ierapetra.
West Beach of Ierapetra is 1.8 km from the accommodation, while Livadi Beach is 2.9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 58 km from Apple home Detached house in sunny Ierapetra.
from
€153
/night
Featuring garden views, Perfect View Luxury Apartment offers accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.5 km from Agios Andreas Beach. It features a garden, barbecue facilities, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Staff at the apartment are always available to provide information at the reception.
A car rental service is available at Perfect View Luxury Apartment, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
West Beach of Ierapetra is 1.6 km from the accommodation, while Livadi Beach is 2.7 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 58 km from Perfect View Luxury Apartment.
Villa Marmelada is surrounded by olive trees in a garden with fruits, herbs and colorful bougainvillea. It is a 90-minute drive from Heraklion Airport and 18 km from Agios Nikolaos. Free WiFI is offered and free private parking is available on site.
You can start your day with a Nespresso coffee on the sunny terrace or in the shade of an olive tree in the garden after sleeping comfortably on the Dunlopillo mattresses. In the garden you can harvest fruits and spices of the season to prepare your meals in the modern well-equipped kitchen. You can also order on-site dining or do a BBQ in the garden.
A few minutes’ drive away you can play tennis, ride a horse, experience scuba diving or snorkelling as well do wonderful hiking tours in the vicinity. Bicycles are available to use for free. It takes a few minutes’ drive to get to the beaches of the south and to the vivid city of Ierapetra.
Find below list of beaches near Gra Ligia beach:
Ammoudares, a seaside location 8km west of Ierapetra and 45km south of Agios Nikolaos, shares its beachfront with nearby Nea Anatoli and Stomio. The Ammoudares coastline features a series of long beaches with coarse grey sand. They are mostly uncrowded and secluded, largely due to the surrounding greenhouses which may deter visitors due to potential pesticide use in the waters.
A kilometer east of the initial Ammoudares beach, you’ll encounter Kalamaki beach. Hidden from the main road and largely undiscovered by tourists, its sandy shores are a quiet haven. It’s also referred to as Kapelas, named after a renowned pizzeria once run by an American in the area. Kapelas translates to ‘tavern owner’ in Greek. The beach is nestled amidst towering cliffs adding to its tranquility.
Access to both Ammoudares and Kalamaki is possible via the main road from Ierapetra heading west. If you’re fortunate to visit the Ierapetra vicinity, there are numerous appealing beaches that warrant exploration. However, if solitude is what you’re seeking, both Ammoudares and Kalamaki offer a peaceful retreat.
Ierapetra, the southernmost city of Greece, is nestled 35km southeast of Agios Nikolaos on Crete island. This city, located in one of the warmest regions of Crete, is a popular holiday destination, often frequented until late autumn. Ierapetra and its surrounding areas boast a vast beachfront, renowned for its stunning beaches adorned with unique fine black pebbles that do not stick to your feet, coupled with a typically calm sea.
In proximity to the town, there are three primary beaches for swimming. Starting from the west, the first is Limanakia, situated west of the city next to the old mosque. The beach features coarse sand, patches of a rocky seabed, and shallow waters, offering a peaceful atmosphere. Given its closeness to the city, all necessities are readily available. Limanakia also hosts a channel in the middle of the beach that leads to a small man-made salt lake.
A short stroll eastward will bring you to the Fort of Kales, which guards the harbour of Ierapetra. Adjacent to it is Apovathra Beach, a sandy beach with shallow waters. This beach is well-equipped with numerous facilities for water sports and scuba diving, making it the most organized beach in the town.
The city of Ierapetra, in close proximity to the Agia Fotini church, boasts the longest beach which spans 4km eastwards and is known as the East Beach of Agios Andreas. The name is derived from the Saint Andrew church, constructed at the exit point of the Kotovianou river. Initially, you will encounter the municipal beach, well-structured and surrounded by numerous large hotels. However, as you venture further east, the beach becomes more private. Despite this, it’s not suitable for nudists due to the main road that connects the city with Makrigialos and Sitia along the coast. The beach near the city center is sandy, but as you advance east, the sand gives way to small, grey pebbles and rocks, particularly up to the Livadia area.
The easternmost point of the extensive Ierapetra beach is known as Livadia, and beyond that, is named Peristeras. This secluded region is enveloped by towering cliffs. The beach itself is sandy, interspersed with several smooth rocks. The farthest part of Agios Andreas can be accessed by walking down the road. In addition to this, there is another sandy beach hidden behind the rocky end of the expansive beach in Peristeras, which can be reached via the road. This area is significantly shielded from onlookers, however, it’s quite rocky.
Myrtos, a quaint seaside village, lies 13km west of Ierapetra where the River Kryos meanders through the stunning Sarakina Gorge and into a valley abundant with greenhouses and citrus groves. Despite recent mild development, Myrtos has retained its traditional charm. Its appealing beaches, characterized by coarse grey sand that doesn’t stick to the skin, have amassed a global following. The village offers small hotels, bars, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, a gas station, and a clinic, in addition to a nearby pharmacy and accessible bus route to Ierapetra.
The extensive beach, considered among the finest in southern Crete, is ideal for serene family vacations as it’s sheltered from strong winds. According to locals, Myrtos is where the wind never rages. The beach is well-equipped with lifeguards, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, cafes, restaurants, water sports, and beach volleyball. As you head west, the beach widens and offers even more tranquility.
Take a leisurely stroll around Myrtos’ local harbor or wander through its traditional narrow streets filled with lush gardens and homes that echo Aegean landscapes. The surrounding nature and gorges are also worth exploring. Notably, you can visit two Minoan settlements, Fournou Korifi (near Nea Myrtos) and Pirgos (on the east shores of the River Kryos), which were uncovered during excavations. The Archaeological and Folk Art Museum of Myrtos, situated next to the old church of St. Anthony, is a point of interest. Lastly, a monument in the village commemorates the 18 victims who were executed by the Nazis in 1943 as retribution for the deaths of two Germans in the neighboring village of Symi.
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