Things to do in Lygaria

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Tristan Jacobs
Photo by Tristan Jacobs
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Top places to visit

1. Heraklion Port

Sit on a harbor wall at Heraklion Port and watch fishing boats bobbing on the sparkling Cretan waters. Visit the ancient fort that protected the harbor and see the old walls that have stood here for over 400 years. Sample local cuisine at one of the many restaurants near the water’s edge. Watch the coming and going of the small ferries that run between the Greek islands or book a passage on one and enjoy a daytrip away from the mainland.
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Heraklion Port which includes a marina

2. Palace of Knossos

Walk through the chambers of Minoan kings and queens at Knossos and marvel at the grandeur of the ancient buildings. Explore the labyrinthine layout and learn the story of what happened to the mythical architect, Daedalus. Take a tour to find out what treasures have been discovered here since excavations began.
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Take a tour around one of Europe’s most spectacular archaeological sites, where Greek myths have been made and great treasures discovered.

3. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

View over 5,500 years of pottery, artwork, tools and weapons when you visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Plan to spend time in the Minoan exhibit, which is widely acknowledged as being the best of its kind in the world. Discover Neolithic tools and statues, objects traded with the Egyptians and notable Roman artworks and frescoes too.
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Heraklion Archaeological Museum which includes street scenes

4. Historical Museum of Crete

Pay a visit to the Historical Museum of Crete and chart the city’s fascinating past from early Christian times through to the modern day. View spectacular Byzantine artwork, visit the writing room of one of Greece’s most famous literary heroes and learn about the Cretan struggle for independence. See how the folk arts of the Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods have all influenced each other. Don’t miss the museum’s prize attractions: two paintings by the great Spanish Renaissance artist Doménikos Theotokópoulos, better known as El Greco.
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Historical Museum of Crete showing street scenes

5. Koules Fortress

Stand inside Koules Fortress and look out across the Heraklion harbor just as sentries who guarded the city from attack over 500 years ago would have done. Visit the soldiers’ barracks and prison and see where the cannons were positioned to fire upon approaching enemy vessels. Don’t miss the impressive marble reliefs depicting St. Mark’s lion, the symbol of Venice, on three of the walls of the fortress.
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Koules Fortress showing a castle and heritage architecture

6. Heraklion Loggia

Visit the Heraklion Loggia and admire the blend of Ionic and Doric architectures that harken back to the time when the city was ruled by the Venetians. Imagine noblemen holding meetings in the columned halls or enjoying a performance in the open arcade area. Look for details such as the reliefs of lions and coats of arms and admire the excellent restoration on this ancient building.
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Heraklion Loggia featuring interior views and heritage architecture

What to do in Lygaria

Popular places to visit

Agia Pelagia Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Agia Pelagia Beach during your trip to Agia Pelagia? Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Agia Pelagia Beach

Fódele Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Fódele Beach during your trip to Malevizi? Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Fódele Beach

Museum of El Greco

The birthplace of one of Greece’s most famous artists displays reproductions of his works. Learn about his life and artistic career.

Museum of El Greco

Tylissos

Learn about the local history of Tylissos with a stop at Tylissos. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Tylissos

Lygariá Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Lygariá Beach during your trip to Lygaria?

Lygariá Beach

Pantanassa

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Pantanassa during your trip to Linoperamata?

Pantanassa

Peninsula Private Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Peninsula Private Beach during your trip to Agia Pelagia? Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Peninsula Private Beach

Stay Wet

You can take time to visit Stay Wet during your travels to Mononaftis. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Stay Wet

Palaiokastro Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Palaiokastro Beach during your trip to Malevizi? Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.

Palaiokastro Beach
Ammoudara featuring general coastal views

Malevizi

Frequently asked questions

Is Lygaria worth visiting?
With a mix of family-friendly attractions and coastal beaches, there are plenty of things to do in Lygaria. When you're here, visit Mononaftis Beach, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Lygaria?
Start your day with a visit to Mononaftis Beach. Then, check out other parts of Lygaria for a bite to eat and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lygaria?
The top tourist attraction near Lygaria is Mononaftis Beach, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Lygaria?
Three days in Lygaria is a good amount of time to discover the nearby highlights. A traveller favourite is Mononaftis Beach and Psaromoura Beach, so why not put them on the to-do list while you're visiting?
Is Lygaria a walkable neighbourhood?
If walking is your favourite way to explore, Lygaria is perfect. You can get to key sights like Mononaftis Beach and Psaromoura Beach on foot. At 2 kilometres from the centre, the neighbourhood of Agia Pelagia is also close enough for a good stroll. So too is Achlada, roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Lygaria with kids?
Deciding what to do in Lygaria with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Lygaria for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Lygaria. Whether you're into culture, nature or just love finding new places to explore, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Lygaria?
Near Lygaria, Mononaftis Beach is a terrific spot for anyone wanting to experience the area without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around local parks and other neighbourhoods nearby, and ask a local tour guide for insider tips. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Lygaria.