Gra Ligia is a picturesque seaside village located just 5km west of Ierapetra and 39km south of Agios Nikolaos. It is situated at the outlet of a fertile valley, known for its vast greenhouses of early vegetables. The locals of the area were the first to start growing crops in these greenhouses, a tradition which has since extended throughout Ierapetra. This abundance of greenhouses has earned the village the nickname of “Silicon Valley of Greece”. Just 2km north of Gra Ligia is the Bramiana Dam, which is a crucial source of water for all the crops of Ierapetra and is also considered one of the most important wetlands in Crete.
In addition to its agricultural focus, the village is also a popular tourist destination. Gra Ligia has seen mild development as a resort in Crete and boasts a long, beautiful beach with coarse sand stretching from Ierapetra to the area of Stomio. The tranquil waters of the beach are well-maintained, with umbrellas, showers and plenty of tamarisk trees dotting the shore. Most of the beachgoers are locals, and you can often spot them fishing or swimming in the local harbor. The beach also hosts occasional tournaments of beach soccer, and during the summertime, visitors can experience the revived custom of “xentomatiasmata” or tomatowar. Gra Ligia is an ideal place for those seeking leisure and relaxation, and in the evenings, you can enjoy a drink in one of the many local bars or take a trip to Ierapetra. To get to Gra Ligia from Ierapetra, you can either drive on the road heading west from the city, or take the bus that passes through the village.
