And here we are at one of the most mysterious beaches surrounded by an ancient legend that still weighs heavily and can be breathed when you decide to spend a day on Frangokastello beach.

Let’s start by saying that you can find it in the southwestern part of the Crete Island about sixteen kilometers east of Hora Sfakion or also called Sfakia a beautiful village with the imposing Lefka Ori behind the mountain range of the White Mountains overlooking the Libyan sea. where they are located in two small ports from where boats leave to visit three other small pearls of the island, the Agia Roumeli village, Loutro village and the wild Gavdos Island.

It is a long and wide coastline of fine golden sand, bathed by extremely clear and crystalline waters, almost never cold, with a turquoise blue sea with a slowly descending seabed, the perfect destination for families with children or for those who like to swim. The Frangokastello beach is partly equipped with a few sunbeds and umbrellas at a cost of about € 6 per day, while a part is completely free so you can spread out your towel where you will feel better inspired.

As for the restaurant, behind the beach there are some typical taverns where you can enjoy a typically homemade cuisine based on fresh fish and local recipes at really good prices.

Frangokastello beach is ideal for a day of total relaxation, given its size and geographical position, it is never crowded, noisy or windy, on the contrary it is a true oasis of peace where you can recharge your batteries and stay in contact with nature that is still intact and uncontaminated. Gentle sand dunes with lush and wild vegetation for a nice walk as an alternative to basking in the sun, just so much simplicity that’s what you should expect from Frangokastello beach.

In a higher position always behind the coast, the magnificent castle of the second half of the 1300s in the height of the Venetian occupation is imposing and with an almost sinister air. The almost melancholy and mysterious air of this beach is given by the fortress which today is still well preserved with imposing walls and the large tower in a southwestern position on which it is possible to climb and admire the view from above.

But let’s get to the reason why this place is so full of charm. We must go back until May 17, 1828, the day in which a bloody battle took place with the Cretan rebels headed by the mythical Hadzi Michalis Dalianis from Northern Epirus called Sfakioti who fought to the death for a whole week against the captained Turks. from Mustafà Pasha the governor of Crete in a much higher number compared to the brave Cretans (8000 Turks against 600 Cretans). Conquered the castle, the governor Mustafà blew up the fortress so that it could no longer be used by the rioters, but during the great Cretan revolt (1866-1869), he was forced to rebuild it in order to have control of the island.

Following this sad event, popular legend tells that at dawn between 17 and 18 May, the spirits of the Sfakis who died during the bloody battle called Drosoulites in Greek. (those who live on the morning dew), we usually show up in front of the castle. Scientifically, this phenomenon can be traced back to the effect called Fata Morgana which occurs when the temperature of the earth is lower than that of the air, thus causing a change in density generating a particular optical event similar to the mirage. Here is the mystery revealed but deep down I think we like the first hypothesis more…

First of all it would be better to have your own vehicle because it is really far from everything. A long road made of many curves but which will make you discover how beautiful is the island of Crete in its mountainous part. There are also public services but they are very limited so it is a good idea to organize yourself meticulously in order not to remain on foot.

A destination to be marked among the things to see in Crete, between nature, mystery and landscapes to leave you breathless.