Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FrangokastelloΦραγγοκαστέλλο
POP 150
Dominated by a magnificent 14th-century
fortress
, Frangokastello is a low-key resort
with a fabulous wide and sandy beach that slopes gradually into shallow warm water,
making it ideal for kids. There's no actual village, just a few tavernas, small markets and
low-rise holiday apartments scattered along the main street to the fortress, which was
built by the Venetians to guard against pirates and feisty Sfakian rebels. On 17 May
1828, during the War of Independence, many Cretan fighters were killed here by the
Turks. According to legend their ghosts - the
drosoulites
- can be seen marching past the
fortress in the early dawn on the battle's anniversary.
well-executed Cretan specials and also rents spacious self-catering apartments (€50 to
€60).
Frangokastello is some 70km southwest of Hania and 30km west of Plakias. There's
one daily bus to Hania (€8.40, 2½ hours).
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Hora SfakionΧώρα Σφακίων
POP 300
The more bullet holes you see in the passing road signs, the closer you are to Hora
Sfakion (
ho
-ra sfa-
kee
-on, commonly called Sfakia), whose residents are long renowned
in Cretan history for their rebellious streak. But don't worry, the pintsize fishing village
is an amiable, if eccentric, place that caters well enough to today's foreign visitors -
many of whom are Samaria Gorge hikers stumbling off the Agia Roumeli boat on their
way back to Hania. Most pause only long enough to catch the next bus out, but the vil-
lage also offers access to some attractive beaches and other hikes.
Activities
In the village, unfold your towel on
Vrissi Beach
, a pretty cove on the western village
end. Further west is lovely
Sweetwater Beach
, which is accessible by a small daily ferry
(May to October, per person €4), by taxi boat (one-way/return €20/30) or on foot via a
stony and partly vertiginous one-hour coastal path starting at the first hairpin turn of the
Anopoli road. A small cafe rents umbrellas and sun chairs.
