Falasarna is located 59 km west of Chania and 12 km west of Kissamos. It is one of the most famous destinations in Crete due to its beautiful beaches. It is also of great ecological and archaeological interest.
It has been awarded as the most beautiful beach in Crete and among the best 10 in Europe. It has crystal clear, transparent and turquoise waters and wonderful white and pink sand. The beach stretches for 3 km and for convenience, the locals have divided it into 4 smaller ones. The most famous is Pachia Ammos, an exotic, wide beach, 1 km long. Its length makes it always seem empty despite the large number of visitors it receives every day. The next beach, Kalami, 800m long is similar to the first one. On the next beach, nature has created, a natural harbor with shallow waters, suitable for families with small children. On the south side of Falasarna, the landscape is wild, with deep crystal waters and pebbles. The sunset in Falasarna is considered the best in Crete due to the unobstructed view of the horizon and the sun, literally, diving into the sea.
Due to the position of the beach, in the west of the island, Falasarna is exposed to the north-west winds and very often, there are winds of 4 to 7 Beaufort. Then the beach becomes a suitable place for surfing lessons. With waves that usually reach only one meter, it is ideal for those taking their first steps in the sport. Everyone can learn and have fun safely, as there are stations for windsurfing, surfing and SUP.
The beach has been included in the NATURA program due to the variety of flora and fauna of the area. The vegetation is scrubby with perennial shrubs and clumps of dwarf sedges and carobs and rare endemic plants growing on the sand dunes. It is a refuge and breeding area for vertebrate and invertebrate marine species. The local council tries to protect the beach from illegal acts, concerning the use of the beach, the building of large hotels etc. so that the beach remains clean and accessible to everyone.
Around the beach, there are many beach bars, offering drinks and food for every taste, seafood, Mediterranean cuisine or fast food. Also, there are many small hotels and apartments with excellent view and services.
Ancient Falasarna, on the northern side of the beach, was one of the most important ports of Crete with its main period of prosperity in the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Excavations have revealed walls, buildings, a port, temples and trade routes. The city minted its own currency. It was destroyed by the Romans because, during their rule, it had turned into a den of pirates. The ancient port and its facilities, today, are located 6.5m. above sea level, the uplift of the land was caused by the 385 AD earthquake.
For many reasons, Falasarna is an ideal holiday destination with its beautiful beaches, sunsets, surrounding nature and history.
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