Livari beaches

Livari is located 90km southeast of Agios Nikolaos and 7km east of Goudouras, in one of the most remote areas of Crete where you can be truly alone. 2km east is the large power plant of Atherinolakkos, which is the only drawback in the landscape.

In Livari there are actually two pebbly beaches and several small coves, ideal for privacy and nudity that are completely unknown to almost everybody. You don’t have to bother about the lack of shade, as you could camp on the beach, under the few tamarisk trees of the East Livari. Swimming here is a magical experience, while enjoying the views of the surrounding wilderness with the bare mountains, the towering canyons and the exotic island of Koufonissi. The region is arid and the temperatures are high, even in winter. Apart from the main beach of Livari, that you'll meet first, you can drive to the west, cross the primitive settlement of 3-4 cottages and reach the long east beach of Vlyhada. Vlyhada means a place with water and the name is taken after a spring with fresh water that has water all year round. There is a dirt road running along the beach, which is surrounded by tall reddish walls. You can check both beaches of Livari in the following panoramas.

You can get here from Goudouras by taking the road that leads to the power station of Atherinolakkos. After 4km you will meet a junction where the right road takes you into the factory and the local fishing lodge. Do not follow this track, but continue driving straight to Agia Triada for another 1km until you meet a junction (on the right hand) that leads to the beach of Livari. The road is initially paved but later turns to a passable dirt track.

If you walk 1 hour east of Vlyhada beach at Livari (by Goudouras), you will soon reach the two deserted beaches of Tihida area. The area is full of caves and takes its name after the wall-like rocks (tihos in Greek) at the small beach, offering shade during summer. A few meters on the east from the small beach, you will meet the long beach of Tihida, formed at the exit of Tihida Gorge, not very easily accessible. Lastly, some more meters on the east, you will find the imposing oblong rock of Karavopetra in the sea.

Panorama of Livari

Panorama of Vlyhada

Tiny beach in LivariLivariVlyhadaTiny beachTihida

Livari beach

Vlyhada beach

Tihida beach

If you cannot see the photos, click here to see: Livari, Vlyhada, Tihida