Ligaria
Small and beautiful beach with pebbles. Pretty secluded and ideal for isolation.
- Shade: None
- Sunbeds
- Taverna
- Showers
- Parking
- Rooms
- Family friendly
- Snorkelling
- Exposed to north wind
Ligaria, which you will also see spelled Lygaria, is a small pebble beach on the north coast beyond Ano Meria: 3 km of dirt track and a quarter of an hour on a path to a strip of pebbles between rocks, with no shade, no facilities and almost never anyone on it. It is one of the most isolated spots on the island and needs the right vehicle and the right day.
How to get there
By ATV from Chora ride to Ano Meria, 5 km of asphalt, and take the dirt track north towards Ligaria; ask in the village for the turn-off if you do not see a sign. The track is about 3 km, gravelly and rutted, to a flat area where you leave the vehicle. From there the path drops to the beach in about 15 minutes, steep and stony; difficulty three out of three. About 11 km and half an hour from Chora in total, plus the walk.
On foot from Ano Meria allow at least forty-five minutes with no shade. A scooter is not possible: the track is not for a 125 and riding off the asphalt is not covered.
| Option | Time from Chora | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATV + path | 30 min + 15 min | Hard | 3 km of dirt, steep path |
| On foot from Ano Meria | 45 min or more | Hard | no shade, ask locally |
| Scooter | not possible | – | dirt track, outside the insurance |
What to expect
Pebbles, rocks on both sides and clear water for a mask. There is no shade at all, and no sunbeds, taverna, showers or rooms; only the flat parking area above the path. The beach faces north and is exposed: with the meltemi it has waves and is not worth the effort, while on calm days it is flat as oil.
Ligaria is nudist-friendly and you often have it to yourself, even in August. It is not for small children or for anyone who struggles on steep paths.
Tips
Go only on calm days without north wind: check the forecast in the morning and, if it is blowing, choose Ambeli, which is sheltered, or the south coast. Bring plenty of water, an umbrella, closed shoes for the path and water shoes for the pebbles. The phone signal is weak, so tell someone where you are going. Fill up at the island's only petrol station, on the Chora–Ano Meria road.
Three kilometres of dirt and a steep path: ATV only, always on the marked track, because riding off-road voids the insurance. Do not attempt it on a scooter and do not stay past sunset without a torch.
Road Runner delivers the ATV free to your hotel or the port, with helmets and 24-hour phone assistance if you need anything on the track.
Nearby
Agios Georgios is the big northern bay with the tamarisks, Livadaki the bay below the lighthouse and Ambeli the sheltered cove for meltemi days. Read the Ano Meria guide and the hidden beaches guide, and see our ATV rental page with the prices.
Ride there with Road Runner
The vehicles that reach this beach. Free delivery at the port or your hotel.
On the map
Frequently asked questions
Nearby beaches
Agios Georgios
Pebbled · Secluded · Non-Organized
Nice beach with sand and pebbles, some shade from tamarisks.
- Shade: Tamarisk trees
- Parking
- Family friendly
- Snorkelling
Livadaki
Secluded · Non-Organized
Small beach with white pebbles. It can be reached by boat. There are some trees offering shade.
- Parking
- Snorkelling
Ambeli
Pebbled · Secluded · Non-Organized
Rather small quiet beach, mostly with pebbles and some rocky spots.
- Parking
- Snorkelling
- Sheltered from the meltemi
The right vehicle unlocks the best beaches.
ATV for the dirt tracks, scooter for the paved roads. Free delivery to the port or your hotel.