After leaving Chora Sfakia, just after breakfast, we hit the road to Frangokastello Fortress along the stunning southern coast of Crete. We had a hotel reserved in Agia Galini, so we could take our time, and stop whenever some place caught our eye. One of my favorite ways to travel! Having driven this road a few times before, we were familiar with many of the sites. As a matter of fact, Frangokastello Fortress was a repeat stop for us. During our visit in 2023, we found the interior closed for renovation, so we were absolutely thrilled to return this year hoping the interior was opened.
Location
Frangokastello Fortress is located along Frangokastello Beach on the southern coast of Crete. It is 15 km (9.3 miles) from where we stayed at Chora Sfakia, 78 km (48.4 miles) from Chania, and also 55 km (34.1 miles) from Rethymno.
History
The Venetians built this Fortress during the years of 1371-1374. The Venetian name for this fortress was St. Nikitas. However, the people of Crete were not fond of this fortress and named it Frangokastello meaning Castle of the Franks (foreigners) or Fortress of the Franks. Built to protect against pirates as well as local rebellions, this fortress’ most renown battle occurred in 1828. There was an organized Greek rebellion, and unfortunately it was thwarted and therefore many Greek Soldiers lost their lives here. Local legend tells a tale about these slain soldier’s ghosts who continue to haunt this area. It is believed, in May of each year, Cretan soldiers massacred here by the Turks, rise up from the beach and walk towards the fort. Consequently, this makes the area even more interesting! You can read about this legend here.
Exterior of the Fortress
We arrived at the fortress in the morning with were very few other visitors here, as a result, we could take our time roaming around. Much to our delight, the interior renovation was finished and we could wander around inside at our own pace. This rectangular fortress is in great repair and in addition, showcases square towers on each corner. The exterior of Frangokastello Fortress was made from locally sourced stone from this area of Crete. which has been reinforced over the years. The main entrance is on the southwest side next to the tower. I was excited to see up above the entrance and carved in the stone, is a lion with wings, the symbol of St. Mark. In addition, there is also a Venetian coat of Arms. All in all, I do love finding these type of adornments on fortresses or older buildings.
Interior of the Fortress
Inside the walls are areas built for those that resided here, storage rooms, kitchens, stables and also a prison cell. All in all, this is a lovely fortress to visit, as it is easy to access and also easy to walk around in.
Swimming
Although not yet midday, it was already hot and the sea looked so inviting! We are always prepared for a dip in the sea when in Crete, so off we headed to the beach. Although Frangocastello Fortress is what brought us here, we found the beach is also a great attraction along the southern coast of Crete. I can never get enough of swimming in the sea. It is calming and rejuvenating both at the same time! We both hated to get out!
Conclusion
Frangokastello Castle as well as the Beach below are beautiful stops along the southern coast of Crete. In essence, there’s something truly special about this place. Reflecting on this fortress ,which has stood here for so many centuries and the people who have swam in this same place over the ages, gives me a feeling of continuity through time.
I do recommend a map. I used the National Geographic Map of Crete and was glad we had it as we lost GPS several times. The map is also very accurate and durable. Although the map is quite large it folds up like a typical map. Half of Crete is on one side of the map while the other half of Crete is on the other side. I have been using this same map each time we travel to Crete and it is still in great condition.
While planning our trips to Crete, I found the travel guide Top 10 Crete to be very useful. For one thing, it lists the top 10 places to go, restaurants, and sites. Additionally, it also lists the top 10 by region and area. Given these points, I felt it was a great planning tool, plus it came with a pocket size map which we did use. All in all, I have found many great places to visit in Crete through this book, including the Plakias tunnels.
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In addition to this post, you can also check out my other posts from our 2025 trip to Greece, our other Crete adventures, and also previous years Itineraries by following these links!
Aptera Archaeological Site, Sept 2025
Chyrsoskalitissa Monastery, Crete-Sept 2025
Falasarna Archaeological Site in Crete-Sept 2025
Beaches on Milos Island -Sept 2025
The Villages of Milos, Greece -Sept 2025
Sulfur Mines at Milos Island – Sept 2025
Kleftiko Boat Tour on Milos Island – Sept 2025
Discover the Quiet Beauty of Folegandros, Sept 2025
Hike to Livadaki Beach at Folegandros, Sept 2025
Hike to Agios Nikolaos Beach at Folegandros Sept 2025
Delos Island; A comprehensive Self Guided Tour September 2025
Mykonos One Day Itinerary Sept 2025
Great Places to Eat in Plaka, Athens and Nearby. Updated Sept 2025
Self Guided Tour to Acropolis Sept 2025
Tower of the Wind, Athens Sept 2025
The Roman Forum in Athens, Sept 2025
National Archaeology Museum Athens, Sept 2025
Crete Past Adventures
2023 Crete
Sunken City of Olous-September 2023
Elounda Peninsula Hotel-Revised 2023
Hike to Agiofarago Beach-Sept 2023
Preveli Beach, the Easy Way-Sept 2023
Swim at Kourtaliotiko Falls-Sept 2023
Boating on the South Central Sea in Crete-Sept 2023
A Challenging hike Loutro to Marmara Beach, Crete-Sept 2023
Anopolis, Arradena Bridge and Lykos Beach in Southen Crete-Sept 2023
Aptera Crete, Closed on Tuesdays Sept 2023
Return to Chania, Crete September 2023
Crete 2021
Ancient City of Lato, Sept 2021
Aforesmenos Lighthouse, Crete, Sept 2021
Avli Lounge Hotel, Rethymno, Sept 2021
Matala Beach Caves, Crete, Sept 2021
Hike to Martsalos Beach, Sept 2021
The Chapel at Georgioupoli, Sept 2021
Koutalas Beach and Sea Cave, Sept 2021
A Walk Through Chania, Sept 2021
Crete 2019
Elounda Peninsula Hotel, Sept 2019
Knossos Palace, Crete Sept 2019
Seitan Limania Beach, Sept 2019
Katholiko Monastery, Sept 2019
Greece Itineraries
8 Days in Greece, Athens, Milos,Santorini. Oct 2018
10 Days in Greece Athens ,Crete, Santorini Sept 2019
14 Days in Greece Crete, Naxos, Santorini, Athens Sept 2021
2 Weeks in Greece, Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini Sept 2022
10 Day Peloponnese Itinerary August/September 2024
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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Thank you for the info on Frangokastella and the beach. It has been many years since my last visit there, though I spent a long time along the Sfakian Coast last year.
Were there any lodgings or small tavernas in the area? I had heard there may be a few near to The beach.
I believe there were tavernas for sure. After swimming we went to Spili to eat so we didn’t pay attention if there were tavernas on the beach.
We have been there a long time ago when living in Grece. In those times this place was quite isolated. But we haven’t been there as friends of us (locals) told us there are too many tourists there nowadays.
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Luckily we were there early in the day to avoid the crowds! I bet it was really a wonderful time to see this area a few years back!
Lori
Dedar Lori
It was. Als wir mit unserem Boot in Kreta anlegten, waren da nur 5 bis 8 andere Yachten. Jedoch lebten wir auf Ithaki.
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Sounds lovely! Have not been to Ithaca yet but maybe someday!
It’s always nice to be able to return to a place. Glad to hear the interior was open this time. Going for a swim afterwards sounds like a great way to beat the heat.
It is fun returning to favorites and adding new places when we travel! I am always up for a swim!