Frangokastello Crete

holiday report and map

Frangokastello beach Crete

Built in 1371 to subdue the local population and warn off passing pirates the Venetian castle at FRANGOKASTELLO and is now the centre of a popular Cretan folk tale.
Frangokastello quickly fell to the Turks and Cretan rebels, led by Dalianis, tried to lay siege but were quickly routed. Nowadays, at dawn on the anniversary of the battle the ghosts or 'dew shadows' of dead soldiers are said to wander the Frangokastello beach.
Dalianis is remembered in local folk songs as a hero who died for the cause, an archetypal Cretan hero or 'palikari'.
Impressive from a distance, Frangokastello Castle has less to offer at close quarters. Frango-themed facilities have begun to sprout up and the ruin looks increasingly preposterous amid the newly built 'Frango' tavernas and 'Kastello' mini-markets.
A few years ago Frangokastello Castle was little more than a rubbish tip but strenuous efforts have been made to clean it up. The beach sits below the castle and is a splendid flat swathe that sweeps around the bay to a spit of underwater rock.
The rocks help to form a protective barrier for the shallow waters of the bay. A simple beach taverna offers the basic facilities including a few sun loungers.
At the western end of Frangokastello beach, a small harbour gives way to a large but not intrusive holiday bungalow complex.
The majestic mountain backdrop does more than give fine views. It often keeps rain at strong northerly winds at bay. Many times, Crete tourists will drive down from low season storms and squalls on the north coast to sunbathe and swim in tranquil calm seas of Frangokastello.