Falassarna, The Beach in Falassarna

Falassarna is on the west coast of Crete. It is a small resort boasting one of the best-known beaches in Chania Prefecture and indeed the whole of Crete, which attracts large numbers of tourists every summer.

Nowadays Falassarna is a famous Cretan destination, thanks to its beaches and also its ecological interest. Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network, both due to its variety of flora and fauna and as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Looking towards Falassarna from the hill after the village of Platanos, you will see many greenhouses, as the area is ideal for growing fruit and vegetables.

In front of you are spread two beaches, divided by a few sand dunes: the south beach (known as Pachia Ammos) is longer and wider.

There are two more beaches further south: a sandy beach with rocks on the bottom, and a pebble beach next to the little harbour.

The Great Beach of Falassarna

Falassarna Beach has won prizes for being the most beautiful beach in Crete and is always one of the top ten beaches in Europe, with its wonderful, fine white sand and warm, crystal-clear water.

The beach of Pachia Ammos is so big that it rarely feels overcrowded even in high summer, when you are surrounded by hundreds of people.

The only drawback is that the beach is exposed to northerly and westerly winds, so there are often large waves. This, of course, makes it all the more attractive to windsurfers.

Falassarna beach is fully organised, with umbrellas and loungers covering most of the area. However, there are several free spots for those who would rather bring their own towel and beach umbrella.

There are two bars and cafés on the beach, providing snacks, water or coffee. Beach parties are often organised in the evening, so don’t be in a hurry to leave – the fun begins as the sun goes down, with what is admittedly one of the most impressive sunsets in Crete.

Watersports are available on the beach, while there is also an area for beach volley.

Map of Falassarna

Νο 1: Archaeological site
Νο 2: North beach
Νο 3: Pachia Ammos, the large beach
Νο 4: South beach
Νο 5: Beach near the harbour

How to get to Falassarna

From Chania to Falassarna. Falassarna is 59 km from Chania. You can get there by taking the National Road from Chania to Kissamos (Kastelli). After passing through Kissamos, continue to Platanos and follow the signs to Falassarna.

On reaching the hill above Falassarna, you will see the three-kilometre beach spread out at your feet. The beach is about 3 km from the hill, along a fairly narrow, winding road, so be careful, especially if you’re driving at night or in the busy high season.

From Chania to Falassarna by bus. Falassarna is extremely popular, so there are daily buses to the beach from Chania and Kastelli – it’s easy to get there even if you haven’t got your own transport.

From Rethymno and Heraklion to Falassarna. Falassarna is 120 kilometres from Rethymno and 195 kilometres from Heraklion.

Falassarna is ideal for…

Falassarna is ideal for those who want to spend their holidays in a quiet place with beautiful beaches and lots of sightseeing opportunities.
Falassarna is also ideal for romantic couples and solitary romantics, as it offers the best sunset in West Crete.
Falassarna nightlife is limited to the beach bars, which often organise beach parties.
If you’d like something more one evening, you can drive 40 kilometres to Platanias, where your choices of bars and nightclubs are inexhaustible.

Falassarna Beach Party every August

Since 1995, the youths of the neighbouring village of Platanos have organised a great beach party at Falassarna on the first or second Saturday of August each year. Entrance to the party is free and drinks are cheap. Lots of people camp on the beach overnight and dance the night away to the sound of professional DJs.