Frangokastelo is on the South side of Crete, 13 kilometers East of Sfakia and West of Plakia. It is a magnificent fortress of 1371 that was built by the Venetians as a defense against pirates and rebel Sfakiots, who resented the Venetian occupation as much as they did the Turkish. It was here in 1770 that Ioannis Daskalogiannis surrendered to the Turks. On 1828 many Cretan rebels, led by Hadzi Mihalis Dalanis, were killed here by the Turks. Legend has it that at dawn each anniversary the ghosts “Drosoulites” of Hadzi Mihalis Dalanis and his followers can be seen riding along the beach. The castle overlooks a gently sloping sandy beach where you can find unspoilt taverns and cafeterias.
Frangokastelo is easier to reach when you can plan the drive around your own schedule. Choose a Chania Airport car rental from Caravel and explore the southern coast of western Crete independently.
