Location
Frangokastello beach is located in south west Crete, 13km east of Chora Sfakion and 80km southeast of Chania town.
Its prevailing feature is the Venetian castle, built in 1374.
Characteristics
Access By: Car/Bus | Beach Type: Sand |
Depth: Shallow | Temperature: Warm |
Organised: Yes | Family-friendly: Yes |
Crowded: Yes | Windy: Yes |
Facilities
Umbrellas and sunbeds, pedalos, showers, lifeguard, cafes, restaurants, fish taverns, shops, mini market, accommodation.
The nearest medical center and ATM cashpoint machine are located 13km away, in Chora Sfakion.
Notes
A long sandy beach stretches right in front of the castle.
The water is crystal clear and warm.
It is extremely shallow and therefore one of the safest beaches for small children in south Crete.
With a great backdrop of the Venetian castle and the Lefka Ori mountain range, Frangokastello gets crowded in July and August.
Moreover, when north winds are blowing, the sea might be rough and the sand storms will make it difficult to stay.
Just west of the main beach is the local harbour and 2 kilometres western are the beaches of Vatalos with pebbles and rocky seabeds, suitable for snorkelling.
About 300 metres east of the castle is the magnificent beach of Orthi Ammos, named after the huge sand dunes.
How to get to Frangokastello
Frangokastello is 80km south east of Chania, 56km south east of Rethymnon and 133km from Heraklion.
If you drive from Chania, take the National Road connecting Chania and Heraklion.
Take the exit to Vrysses and follow the signs to Chora Sfakion (Sfakia).
The route is winding but compensating.
Shortly before Chora Sfakion follow the signs to Frangokastello on your left, towards the east.
The journey is a 1 hour and 20 min. drive from Chania.
You can also visit Frangokastello by bus from Chania though a change of buses at Chora Sfakion is necessary.
If you drive from the east, follow the road to Rodakino and Plakias.
Little before Plakias turn right to Rodakino, Frangokastello and Sfakia.
The journey takes approximately one hour.