Travel Guide Falassarna

At Platanos, 53 km from Hania, turn towards the sea (it's signposted) and take the winding road down. The view over Falassarna Bay and, further north, the Gramvoussa peninsula, is remarkable. There is no village of Falassarna as such: just a few groups of houses, tavernas and greenhouses, which admittedly ruin the view from above. The sandy beach is superb, for those seeking the sun's ardor, as it stretches as far as the eye can see, long and wide, with not a single tree on the horizon. A veritable desert! The beach is lined with deckchairs and umbrellas (for a fee). Tavernas and cafés are gradually being set up on this beach, which was still untouched just a few years ago. It's to be hoped that construction doesn't get out of hand, as the site is much more impressive out of season, when the beach is free of its tourist infrastructure. It then regains all its natural beauty. But those who visit in season will still be touched by the grace of this unique site. In summer, the waves are powerful and the beach is supervised. Surfing lessons for beginners are also available. The most interesting part is to the north, at the little chapel set into the rock, where a generous fountain flows. This is where you'll find the ancient site of Falassarna, magnificent in the late afternoon light. In season, several KTEL buses run between Hania-Falassarna and Kissamos-Falassarna.