Falassarna one of the most scenic beaches of Europe in West Crete.
Falassarna is a protected nature reserve with dunes on the west coast of Crete. It extends over a length of about 2 km with 5 different bays. The exotic-Beach Falassarna is a Paradise and one of the TOP beaches of Europe. Located 60 km westwards from Chania-Town and only 15 minutes’ drive from the coastal village Kolimbari. There are two watersports-stations offering Stand Up Boards (SUP), Surfing and Kite Surfing. The area consists of several sandy beaches and a few small apartment houses. There are two beach clubs with good music, where fast food is offered and 5 very good restaurants.
The beach clubs also offer sun loungers and parasols. There are no shops. On the big beach there are 2 watersports stations.To the next big town Kissamsos with hospital 14.4 km about 25 minutes’ drive. You will find several ATMs, shops, hairdressers and several banks and pharmacies. Highlight in Falassarna are the excavations of the ancient port city Polirinia from the 6th century BC. The excavations are at the end of the bay, where it is rocky. At the northern end of Falassrana there are the ruins of the ancient Grecoroman city of Falassarna. My favorite place there is the carved stone throne. What for a function it had is still unclear. The throne is located south of the excavations and anyone can sit down in, what I naturally enjoyed!
We recommend the one-day cruise to the island Gramvousa to “Balos” the blue lagoon. This eventful day cruise to Gramvousa is especially for families a great event. In the summer-season the boot “Gramvoussa-Express” goes every morning from the harbour of Kissamos to the Gramvoussa. You can purchase the Boat-Tickets from us Kreta.com. The harbour of Kissamos is located between the city Kastelli Kissamos and Kaliviani. This route goes closed to the coastline. First you will have the possibility to visit the famous venetian castle at the top of a rock at an altitude of 137 m.
There you will enjoy a fantastic panoramic sea view to the blue lagoon “Balos”. This place was also hide-out for pirates.You have nearly 1 1/2 hour time for visiting the castle, then after this visit the route goes directly to the perfect dream blue lagoon “Balos”. For this perfect dream beach, you will have enough time to ejoy the azure sea.
The Lagoon Elafonissi (Nature reserve)
You can reach the Lagoon Elafonissi by car or with or as offered by us Kreta.com as organised daytrip to the south. We have many pick up points from the North-West-Coast to the Nature Reserve Elafonissi. Contact: info@kreta.com.
Elafonissi is a lagoon in the South West of Crete and one of the most popular nature reserves of the Island. Sand dunes with fine sand enclose a large area. Small sandy islets are reachable on foot. The sea is so shallow here that one can walk from isle to isle. Coral reefs serve as wave breakers.
Fine traces of red coral leave a deposit on the waterfront and offer a fantastic light show in the water.
It is located 49 km southwards from the coastal village Kolimbari, about 1-hour drive and 1 hour 2o minutes’ drive from Chania Town. The way is the goal. On the offshore Island “Elafonissi” you will find a nature trail through the dunes.
Menies Beach (Or Diktynna)
The location of Menies beach is 26 km northwest of Kolimbari, on the north-eastern point of the Rodopou Peninsula and the exit of “Fountas” gorge. This lovely secluded beach with pebbles and deep clear blue waters is accessible over a gravel-road. It is one of the most beautiful secret beaches and an ideal destination for relaxation when you rent a boat. At several kilometres there are no amenities at all, so make sure to bring along you need for. Daily excursions cruises are offered from the coastal village Kolimbari. Please bear in mind that this off-road gravel way is not an official way and no insurance will cover a damage of your rented car. We recommend rending a boat or to book the excursion offered from the Village Kolimbari or from Chania.
Visit Paleochora
A day trip to the South-West of Crete: The small village of Paleochora is about 75 km away from Chania in Southwest Crete. The drive from Tavronitis on the north coast takes about 70 minutes. The surrounding area is fertile so there are still many locals working the land. Paleochora is embellished with small, family run hotels. The dream beaches on the western side and the quaint tavernas on the eastern side form a frame around the small village. A Venetian fort from where I took the photographs closes the peninsular. Paleochora is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Kalamydi.
Nature Reserve Kedrodasos Beach in southern Crete is 2,7 km southwards of the Lagoon Elafonissos and 47 km southwards of the northern coastal town of Kissamos ( 1 hours´drive). Elafonissos and Kedrodasos Beach both are part of the European Path E4. A steep stone path leads to this hidden dream beach and nature reserve with cedars and Juniper-Trees. Parking is 15 minutes´walk away from the beach of Kedrodassos. It is not an official parking lot, rather parking space, left and right of a small street (now also paved). There is not much parking. The way to the beach leads over hill and dale along a dried up trickle. The crystal clear water with a gently shelving sandy beach bordered by protruding beach is a paradise for swimming and snorkeling.
