Fragokastelo beach
Fragokastelo (ie the castle of the Franks) is one of the most famous beaches of West Crete, due to the historical Venetian castle on the beautiful beach and the legend of Drosoulites ghosts. It is located 13km east of Hora Sfakion, 80km southeast of Chania, in a small valley south of the White Mountains massif.
The main beach of Frangokastelo is truly magnificent, with sand and shallow turquoise waters, ideal for children and families. It is well organized and is quite busy in peak summer months. The only problem you may encounter here is the often irritating winds blasting from the north, transporting the sand from the beach like sandblasting. There are many rooms, restaurants, cafes, and shops in the area, ATM; the nearest hospital is located in Sfakia. West of the main beach you will find the long beach Vatalos and a very important wetland (in winter), which is sandy and has pebbles and rocks in places, making it ideal for snorkeling. If you walk 300m to the east, from the main beach, you will find yourself on the magnificent beach of Orthi Ammos, famous for its sand hills.
To get here by car from the north coast of Crete you will need to take the National Road connecting Chania and Heraklion. Take the exit to Vrysses and drive on 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 the province 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.
