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Parasfougario Beach, situated in the Achlada district of Malevizi province, is approximately 22 km northwest of Heraklion on the island of Crete. Positioned on a steep incline between the well-known beaches of Lygaria and Agia Pelagia, the only access to it is by a 20-25 minute swim from either of these beaches.
A set of stairs from a nearby house lead directly down to this petite beach. Its backdrop of a slope blanketed in crithmum adds to its charm. The ocean floor features pebbles and coarse sand, and a small cave to the east further enhances the picturesque setting.
Unlike its neighbouring beaches, Parasfougario is exposed to the northern winds. As a result, it is advisable to avoid it during windy periods, as it tends to accumulate a significant amount of rubbish during these times.
Parasfougario beach is a popular beach located in Greece.
At Parasfougario beach, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Yes, Parasfougario beach is suitable for families with children as the water is shallow and calm.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Parasfougario beach where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Yes, Parasfougario beach can get crowded during peak season, especially on weekends.
Unfortunately, Parasfougario beach is not very accessible for people with disabilities as there are stairs to access the Parasfougario beach.
The best time to visit Parasfougario beach is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny.
The water colour of the Parasfougario beach is green.
The Parasfougario beach has sand with rocks in some places.
The water depth of the Parasfougario beach is normal.
The sea surface at the Parasfougario beach is usually wavy.
The Parasfougario beach is usually quiet.
There are no facilities available at the Parasfougario beach.
The Parasfougario beach can be accessed by boat.
The Parasfougario beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Find below list of things to do near Parasfougario beach:
If you are over 8 years old, this day-program offers you the opportunity to discover the feelings of freedom and tranquility that scuba diving gives you. Throughout this program, you will be accompanied by an english speaking instructor.
Without you having particular knowledge and in small groups, STAY WET DIVING CENTER makes you discover what you have dreamed of for a long time already! Lack of experience is not an obstacle, since when you arrive with us, you will follow a briefing (about 30 minutes) given by a diving instructor. He will teach you the basics of diving and introduce you to the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean.
Add this unforgettable experience to your vacation!
Following this theory, you will be divided into groups of 4 people maximum and supervised by 1 instructor from the center. At no time will you be alone in the water! We are waiting for you with firm fins to guide you for 45 minutes through this fantastic world, at a maximum depth of 6 meters (regulatory depth for a first dive, 12 meters for the second). Whether it’s the feeling of weightlessness, discovering the fascinating world of the sea or simply breathing easily underwater – you will quickly develop a taste for diving!
If you chose to come with us, the transfer back to your hotel will leave at 4PM. It will give you time to enjoy our beautiful beach and eat at the delicious restaurants we have at the bay.
Do not miss this day!
Discover the underwater world with the experts of Scuba Diving at the famous bay of Agia Pelagia, where the sea is always calm and clear.
Discover the underwater world and feel as a diver. This program is specifically designed for those who never dived before and know nothing about scuba diving.
You’ll be taught the basics of scuba so that you’ll have a real dive, always following the safety standards of Padi, the leading scuba diving organization in the world. Feel like diver, breathe and move freely underwater and listen to the sounds of silence, always accompanied and supervised by qualified PADI instructors.
You’ll spend one hour in the diving center for basic information and introduction to scuba diving, watch a 20 minutes informational video in your language. Your experienced instructors will teach you all the secrets and the techniques of scuba diving. that makes it easy and simple, and will be continuously with you during your whole activity.
You’ll spend one more hour in the sea where you’ll be practicing the simple techniques you previously learned, while your instructors will guide you to the top experience of your life. You’ll be breathing and moving freely and play underwater games while exploring the house reef and thousands of fish swim around you.
Your instructors will teach you how to be autonomous and enjoy the most, not just hold you and pull you around.
During your first dive, you’re allowed to reach the depth of six meters, but you’ll be taken only where you feel comfortable and safe.
Return to the dive center to watch the footage and HD videos captured during your whole activity.
If you are over 8 years old, this day-program offers you the opportunity to discover the feelings of freedom and tranquility that scuba diving gives you. Throughout this program, you will be accompanied by an english speaking instructor.
Without you having particular knowledge and in small groups, STAY WET DIVING CENTER makes you discover what you have dreamed of for a long time already! Lack of experience is not an obstacle, since when you arrive with us, you will follow a briefing (about 30 minutes) given by a diving instructor. He will teach you the basics of diving and introduce you to the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean.
Add this unforgettable experience to your vacation!
Following this theory, you will be divided into groups of 4 people maximum and supervised by 1 instructor from the center. At no time will you be alone in the water! We are waiting for you with firm fins to guide you for 45 minutes through this fantastic world, at a maximum depth of 6 meters (regulatory depth for a first dive, 12 meters for the second). Whether it’s the feeling of weightlessness, discovering the fascinating world of the sea or simply breathing easily underwater – you will quickly develop a taste for diving!
After learning the basics during this first dive, we invite you to repeat the experience during a 2nd dive during the day. During this, you will discover a completely different universe since you will leave the bay to do a slightly deeper dive (12 meters) where you will be able to observe new types of fish as well as a unique relief.
The second dive will be done around 2PM. The transfer back to your hotel will leave at 4PM. It will give you time to enjoy our beautiful beach and eat at the delicious restaurants we have at the bay.
Do not miss this day!
The Discover Scuba – Intro program takes approximately 1 and a half hours, including a 30 minute theory session conducted by one of our professionals. This is followed by a dive in our pool or in confined water (shallow water in front of our dive center) where divers practice a few basic diving skills. Then the program involves a Confined Water dive to a maximum depth of 5 meters for approximately 30 minutes.
The Discover Scuba Diving and Discover Scuba – Intro program lets you experience the thrill of diving under the supervision of a PADI/SSI Instructor in ideal conditions.
Mermaid diving is a popular and exciting new trend in the world of diving. Instead of traditional scuba gear, divers wear a mermaid tail, allowing them to swim like a mermaid or merman.
Mermaid diving is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, as long as they are comfortable in the water and have basic swimming skills.The experience of mermaid diving is not just about swimming with a tail. It’s also about exploring the underwater world in a new and magical way. In mermaiding participants use their whole bodies, similar to the dolphin movement. The movement starts in the chest and from there continues like a wave throughout the entire body.
The mermaid tail, adds an element of fantasy and fun to the dive, and many divers enjoy performing tricks and swimming in formation with other mermaids.
Generally, there is no age limit in mermaiding but participants must be experienced swimmers.
Take the plunge with a beginner’s diving course in Agia Pelagia and earn an SSI certification at the end. Enjoy a driving trip with two open water dives, descend up to 6 meters, and benefit from the support and guidance of an SSI instructor.
After being picked up from your hotel, arrive at the base and meet your SSI instructor. Take a 30-minute theory class to learn the ins and outs of water and diving safety. Once you feel comfortable, pick up your diving equipment and make your way to the water for the first of two dives.
Take your time to get comfortable in the water and enjoy the support of your instructor. Explore the world beneath the waves of Agia Pelagia as you scout out colorful fish, unique rock formations, and otherworldly plant life.
Both dives will last approximately 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to adjust and gain confidence.
Finally, enjoy a relaxing transfer back to your hotel.
Find below the list of hotels near Parasfougario beach:
Featuring garden views, Beachfront Orange apt-Ligaria Beach provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around a few steps from Ligaria Beach. It features a private beach area, a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home comes 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 sea views.
Agia Pelagia Beach is 1.5 km from the holiday home, while Mades Beach is 1.6 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 23 km from Beachfront Orange apt-Ligaria Beach.
from
€282
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Beachfront Blue apt-Ligaria beach is situated in Lygaria. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free WiFi.
The holiday home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The holiday home offers a barbecue. A outdoor play equipment is also available at Beachfront Blue apt-Ligaria beach, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Ligaria Beach, Agia Pelagia Beach and Mades Beach. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 23 km from Beachfront Blue apt-Ligaria beach, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€271
/night
Located in Lygaria, within 200 metres of Ligaria Beach and 700 metres of Agia Pelagia Beach, Lygaria Seaview Home offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a shared lounge and a garden. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.
The holiday home is equipped with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with garden views.
The holiday home offers a barbecue. A car rental service is available at Lygaria Seaview Home.
Mades Beach is less than 1 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Heraklion International, 24 km from Lygaria Seaview Home, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€225
/night
Located in Lygaria and only a few steps from Ligaria Beach, Awesome home in Gazi, Heraklio with 3 Bedrooms, WiFi and Outdoor swimming pool provides accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.5 km from Agia Pelagia Beach.
This holiday home comes with 3 bedrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave.
Mades Beach is 1.7 km from the holiday home, while Theseus Beach is 2.8 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 23 km from Awesome home in Gazi, Heraklio with 3 Bedrooms, WiFi and Outdoor swimming pool.
Offering sea views, a garden and free WiFi, Apartment Villa Omega offers accommodation ideally set in Agia Pelagia, within a short distance of Ligaria Beach, Agia Pelagia Beach and Mades Beach.
Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a fireplace, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with bath. An oven, a toaster and fridge are also offered, as well as a kettle.
The apartment offers a terrace.
Fishing can be enjoyed nearby.
Venetian Walls is 19 km from Apartment Villa Omega, while Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 23 km from the accommodation.
from
€235
/night
Boasting garden views, Golden Shell features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around a few steps from Ligaria Beach. It features water sports facilities, a garden, mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa with a terrace and sea views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.
The villa offers a children’s playground. After a day of fishing or hiking, guests can relax in the shared lounge area.
Mades Beach is 1.5 km from Golden Shell, while Agia Pelagia Beach is 1.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 23 km from the accommodation.
from
€246
/night
Find below list of beaches near Parasfougario beach:
The Ligaria beach, nestled 21km northwest of Heraklion and just 1km east of Agia Pelagia, is shielded by the Bay of Ligaria from the common northwest winds of the region. Not far from here is the Panagia church, a relic from its days as the Panagia Ligariani monastery. The area is named after this monastery, which in turn, derives its name from the abundant osier plant, also known as ‘ligaria’ in Greek, famous for its pliable stems and lovely flowers.
The beach is an enchanting spot with its rough sand and serene, turquoise water. The presence of small boats adds to the charm of the scene. While the eastern part is more exposed to waves and tends to gather more debris, the western side boasts cleaner water and a flat sea. Smooth rocks are found close to the shore except for the western part of Ligaria which has small sandy areas. The beach is well-equipped with facilities like umbrellas, sunbeds, water sports, a diving school, beach bars, restaurants, and accommodations. However, parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends due to the influx of locals.
A trail leading northeast from the west end of the beach takes you to the top of the cape safeguarding Ligaria. Adjacent to this cape lies a secluded little beach named Parasfougario. It has sand and pebbles but is exposed to the wind. A stone pathway starting from a cliffside house leads to this beach, but it is off-limits as it falls under private property.
Madé, also known as Madés, is a quaint coastal hamlet situated close to Ligaria, 20km to the northwest of Heraklion and 4km towards the east of Agia Pelagia beach. It can be found near the northernmost fringe of the Gulf of Heraklion, at a site known as Cape Bourouni of Rogdia. To reach this spot from Heraklion, you would have to travel along the highway to Chania and then take the Ligaria / Mades exit. A sign for Madé will appear just 1.5km into this route.
The village overlooks a tiny bay with a pebble beach, enveloped by several rocks and the small settlement of Madé. The local hotel manages this area well, offering both umbrellas and sunbeds to its guests. Nearby, you can find a handful of rooms, a mini-market, a beach bar, and a few taverns. The tranquillity of the beach attracts mostly locals who have constructed their summer homes here. Its rocky seabed teeming with fish makes it a perfect spot for fishing and snorkelling. However, the beach’s northern orientation leaves it susceptible to winds.
The signature feature of Mades is a pair of small islets that lie opposite the western end of the beach, which are perfect for snorkelling. The name ‘Mades’ derives from the Greek verb ‘Mado’, meaning ‘break easily’. It refers to the area’s stones, which are prone to cracking and are highly unstable.
Situated 21km west of Heraklion, on the southern side of the compact Cape Souda, you’ll find Agia Pelagia beach, also known as Santa Pelagia. This beach is nestled amidst several picturesque coves with stunning beaches. Originally, Agia Pelagia was a quaint settlement utilized by Achlada villagers for agricultural purposes, but it has since evolved into a bustling tourist destination replete with hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and more. Routine bus services to Heraklion ensure its accessibility.
The primary beach of Agia Pelagia is a slender, sandy stretch with greenish water. The Turks dubbed it Tsanak Limani, meaning ‘plate harbor’ due to its circular shape. The bay forms a natural, tranquil harbor, and the beach provides an array of amenities such as watersports, diving, food, and accommodation. However, in some areas, the beach is narrow with sunbeds occupying most of the space.
The beach is well-shielded from northern winds by the Cape of Souda, where ruins of the ancient port town Apollonia can be found. A luxury hotel now stands on Souda, but the ruins are accessible for tourists. A small shrine stands near the hotel, marking where the icon of Santa Pelagia was discovered centuries ago. Not far from the beach is the former Agia Pelagia monastery, renowned throughout the island during the Venetian era. Worshippers would flock to the beach during the monastery’s feast, seeking healing in the sand.
A short walk past the shrine on Cape of Souda will lead you to Fylakes, considered the most beautiful beach of Agia Pelagia. Fylakes consists of two small coves with fine sand and greenish water, concealed by Cape Souda’s towering rocks. Accessing Fylakes requires navigating the rocky coast and wading through chest-high water, so secure your belongings accordingly.
To the east of Agia Pelagia, beneath Hotel Diana, is the lesser-known pebbled beach, Vlyhada. This small, man-made beach is exposed to the winds and can only be reached by swimming from Agia Pelagia, as the hotel does not permit land access.
Agia Pelagia served as a crucial port during the Venetian period, providing aid to the besieged Cretans during the Candia siege. The Turks later constructed a fort here, though no remnants remain today. The port was also where the legendary ship of Arkadi docked during the Cretan Revolution to provide ammunition to the rebels.
Kladissos, situated 21km northwest of Heraklion and to the northwest of the Agia Pelagia resort, is home to a historically significant hotel that sprawls across the entire Cape Souda area. The beach here boasts fine gravel and tranquil green waters, with the hotel providing an array of amenities such as umbrellas, deck chairs, bars, showers, and changing rooms.
Despite appearing to be private due to the hotel’s influence, it’s essential to remember that all beaches in Greece are accessible to the public. You can gain access to the beach by requesting permission from the hotel, at no cost. Kladissos beach is typically serene and secluded, as locals tend to favor the nearby Agia Pelagia or Psaromoura beaches.
In close proximity to the shore, post-Minoan tombs have been discovered, adding a historical significance to the area. Additionally, archaeologists have uncovered a large public building from the third to fourth century AD, known as the Prytaneum, which was used for political meetings of the ancient town Apolonia. Some of the ceramic artifacts found in the area are now displayed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
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