Falasarna Crete

holiday report and Falasarna map

Falasarna beach Crete

Acres of polythene greenhouses make for an unattractive first impression of FALASARNA on the west coast of Crete.
The road along the cliff gives views of the coastal plain covered in scruffy greenhouses for growing tomatoes and cucumbers.
Once on Falasarna beach however the agri-industrial scene is replaced by one of the most attractive beaches in Western Crete.
Beautiful bays of white sand notch the coast at Falasarna, interspersed with rock pools and sheltered shallows. The west-facing sands are well sheltered and there are pleasant walks along the coast among the rocks.
Tavernas, bars and cafes have sprung up but these are confined to the Falasarna cliff tops, so the beaches remain unspoiled.
The Falasarna cliffs are low it's not too much of a trek for a meal break and one taverna owner has even constructed a bizarre walkway of wood and rope.
Sun loungers and parasols sit on the Falasarna sands located close to the cafes. Detritus in some coves are a reminder that Falasarna is popular with ad-hoc campers.
The sands at Falasarna are mostly clean and pleasant however. Shoreside walks reveal large rocks pools and shallows, making this a safe place for children.
There are some archaeological sites here but they are widely dispersed and difficult to find. A 2km dirt road runs up the rocky outcrop to the remains of an ancient acropolis.
There are some scant remains of the ancient city seaport of Polyrinia with walls and foundations of houses built in Ottoman to Venetian times. Falasarna was once a serious rival to Polyrinia but suffered a massive earthquake in the 6th century.
The road out of Falasarna leads to the mountain village of Platanos which has a couple of pleasant cafes. The less pleasant tomato farms can generate lorry traffic on the very narrow roads.