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Info about Frangokástello

Frangokástello is a small coastal village surrounded by high mountains. It is home to one of Crete's best beaches, featuring fine sand and incredibly clear water, perfect for swimming, diving, and enjoying a relaxing day by the sea. In summer, tourists flock to the area, but when we visited in late February 2016, we had it all to ourselves.

The village is not a proper town but rather a collection of houses scattered across a narrow plain, with the mountains as a backdrop. The horizon is dominated by the distinctive silhouette of the old Frangokástello Fortress, built by the Venetians between 1371 and 1374. It is likely the best-preserved of the Venetian forts on Crete and is absolutely worth a visit. The drive over the mountains to reach Frangokástello, especially if you’re coming from northern Crete where most tourists stay, is stunning.

There are several taverns, cafes, and shops to meet most needs, along with a few fish restaurants that are popular among locals.

Frangokástello is located on Crete's southern coast, approximately 70 km from Chania, 60 km from Rethymnon, and about 140 km from Heraklion. The village is only 13 km east of Chora Sfakion.

In addition to the Frangokástello Fortress, the area is known for several scenic gorges that attract enthusiastic hikers. Not far away, in Chora Sfakion, you can take a boat along the southern coast heading west to visit Loutro or Agia Roumeli, which is located at the end of the Samaria Gorge.

 

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