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 subject of a popular Cretan folk tale.
When Frangokastello fell to the Turks, the Cretan rebels, led by one Dalianis, tried to lay siege but were quickly routed. Now they say that, at dawn on the anniversary of the battle, the ghosts or 'dew shadows' of dead soldiers 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 rather 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. It is a small, square and squat fortress that can easily be explored in about 15 minutes.
The beach sits below the castle and is a splendid flat swathe that sweeps right 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 is a small harbour that gives way to a large but not intrusive holiday bungalow complex.
The majestic mountain backdrop does more than give fine views from the beach. It often keeps the strong northerly winds at bay and creates its own microclimate.
Many times, Crete tourists will drive down from the low season storms and squalls of the north coast to sunbathe on the sunny beach and swim in tranquil calm seas of Frangokastello.