Ligres Beach

Located on the southern coast of Crete, Greece, in the south of the Rethymno region, Ligres Beach - also known as Paralia Ligres - is a one-mile-long coarse sand pebbly beach with many rocky portions.  The beach is adjacent to the well-known Agia Fotini Beach and has an amazing backdrop of steep cliffs and unique rock formations that have formed over thousands of years due to the region's volcanic activity and the erosive action of the sea.  At the eastern end of the beach, freshwater springs flow into the sea, providing a unique mix of fresh and saltwater.  Ligres Beach is promoted as an ecotourism destination; efforts are being made by local communities and environmental groups to maintain its pristine condition and protect it from overdevelopment.

Ligres Beach does not have lifeguards but offers several other amenities, including restrooms, shaded areas, and a few small, traditional tavernas.

Ligres Beach is a family-friendly beach that offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, hiking, watching wildlife, picnicking, windsurfing, camping, and photography.  If you plan to go in the water near the beach, there is a safe swimming area, and the waves are usually calm.   Also, there are a few small sea caves in the area that can be explored by swimmers.  Snorkelers and divers may see an array of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, fish, crabs, and sea urchins, making it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts.  The frequent windy weather on the beach makes it a popular spot for windsurfing.  If you enjoy camping, Ligres Beach is a popular spot for wild camping, but it is important to respect local regulations and the natural environment.  This beach is often considered an unofficial nude beach, especially towards the far ends.  Hikers can enjoy the nearby hiking trails, which offer unique insights into the local biodiversity.  This beach is famous for its stunning natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and dramatic cliffs surrounding it, making it a popular spot for photography.  The beach is ideal for visitors looking for a quiet beach experience.  Dogs are not allowed on the beach, which is open from sunrise until sunset.

Ligres Beach, Crete, does not offer an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Ligres Beach is easy - the beach has a small parking lot near Vasilios 740 53, Anonymous, Ag. Panteleimon 190 05, Greece, where visitors must pay five euros to park their vehicles.  After parking, visitors have to walk on a dirt road in the northeast for 10 minutes to access the beach.

Ligres Beach is an ideal spot to relax and unwind while watching the sun setting over the Libyan Sea.  Interestingly, Ligres Beach is often considered an "off the beaten path" destination, perfect for those looking to explore the island of Crete beyond its more famous beaches.

There are many attractions near Ligres Beach.  Preveli Monastery is one of the most significant and historic monasteries on the island of Crete, which is mainly divided into two main complexes: the lower monastery, situated closer to the sea, is now in ruins, and the upper monastery, popularly known as Piso Monastery of St. John the Theologian, perched on a hill offering breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea.  In addition, it also has a small museum on-site displaying religious artifacts, manuscripts, icons, and traditional robes that provide insights into the monastery's historical significance.  Kourtaliotiko Gorge features steep limestone cliffs that rise up to 600 meters on either side, forming a narrow passage that adds to its allure and offers excellent hiking opportunities.  The Kourtaliotis River flows through this gorge, creating a 40-meter-high, beautiful waterfall that cascades down from the cliffside, where visitors can take a refreshing dip.   Spili Village is a charming traditional village located at the foot of the Kedros Mountain, known for its traditional Cretan architecture, churches, monasteries, a museum, shops selling local handicrafts, traditional taverns, and cafes that offer a glimpse into authentic Cretan life and its vibrant culture. The village is also famous for its Venetian-style fountain, known as "Kefalovrissi."  This unique fountain has 25 lion-head spouts lined up in a row, from which cold, fresh water flows continuously, making it a favorite spot for photography.

Melidoni Cave is a natural sea cave popular for its dramatic stalactites and striking geological formations, sculpted over centuries by the erosive forces of the sea.  This cave also played a significant role in the history of Crete during the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule, when 370 Cretan men, women, and children sought refuge in the cave but were suffocated by Ottoman troops.  Today, the cave serves as a memorial site dedicated to those who died during the tragic events of 1824.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Frangokastello Castle is a 14th-century fortress built by the Venetians to protect the island from potential invasions and to establish a strategic military presence in the region.  It is positioned on a hill and features thick stone walls and cannons, which were used for defense.  Visitors can enjoy guided tours that provide insights into the history and significance of the fort, enhancing the visitor experience.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants on Ligres Beach.  Ligres Beach Taverna is positioned right on the beach and serves incredible Greek food, including salads, pizzas, seafood, and meat dishes.  Taverna Apothiki is another beachfront restaurant that offers an outdoor seating area and serves amazing salads, pizzas, seafood, beef, pork, and meat dishes.  Taverna Apanemia is another beachfront restaurant that serves traditional Greek dishes, seafood, and meat dishes.  In addition, it also serves vegetarian and vegan dishes.  Agia Fotia Taverna serves incredible Greek food, including salads, pizzas, seafood, and meat dishes.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby restaurant, Filenia offers outdoor seating areas and serves amazing Greek dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Ligres Beach, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Hydramis Palace Beach Resort is one hour and two minutes away and offers many amenities, including two outdoor pools, a fitness center, kids play areas, a disco, an outdoor cinema, and a restaurant.  A more affordable hotel is the 4-Star Plakias Suites, which offers many amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a spa, a garden, a library, and two restaurants.   A more affordable hotel is the 4-Star Palazzo Greco Villas, which offers a few amenities, including an outdoor pool and free WiFi.   A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star Alianthos Beach Hotel, which has several amenities, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby hotel, Villa Maria - Ligres Beach has a few amenities, including a restaurant.