Fragokastelo Beach

Fragokastelo (ie the castle of the Franks) is one of the most famous beaches of Crete, famous for the local Venetian castle on the beautiful beach and the legendary ghosts of Drosoulites. It is located 13km east of Hora Sfakion, 80km southeast of Chania, in a small valley south of the White Mountains.

The main beach of Frangokastelo is truly magnificent, with sand and shallow turquoise waters, ideal for children. It is poorly organized and is quite busy. The only problem you may encounter is the often irritating winds coming from South, transporting the sand with power. There are many rooms, restaurants, cafes and shops in the area, ATM but the nearest hospital is located in Sfakia. West of the main beach you will find the long beach Vatalos and its wetland, which is sandy and has pebbles and rocks in parts, making it ideal for snorkelling. Walking 300m east from the main beach for 10 minutes, you will find the magnificent beach of Orthi Ammos, famous for the large sand dunes.

To get here by car from North Crete you will need to take the National Road connecting Chania and Heraklion. Take the exit to Vrysses and drive in the road to Chora Sfakion (Sfakia). You will cross the plateau of Askyfou and then drive in the impressive gorge of Imbros, which leads to the south coast of Sfakia. Then, follow the signs to Fragokastelo. The journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you drive from Rethymnon, follow the road to Plakias and before Plakias continue east to Rodakino and then to Fragokastelo. The journey takes approximately one hour and is easier, but less impressive than the journey through the Imbros Gorge. Alternatively, you can visit Fragokastelo by bus from Chania.