- Distance
- About 59 km from Chania, 17 km from Kissamos
- Beach
- Long sand, open west coast
- Best time
- Afternoon to sunset
- Add-on
- Ancient Phalasarna harbour
Afternoon on the sand
The main beach, Pachia Ammos, is a long stretch of fine sand with sunbeds at the central sections and free space at the ends. It faces the open sea, so check the wind: waves can be big when the north-westerly blows.
Ancient Phalasarna
At the northern end of the bay are the remains of a Hellenistic harbour town. Earthquakes lifted western Crete by several metres, so the harbour now sits on dry land: you can see the quay, towers and a carved stone 'throne'.
Sunset and dinner
Pick a spot on the sand or on one of the taverna terraces above the beach. Afterwards, eat in Falasarna or drive back to Kissamos; the road to Chania takes about an hour.
If you have more time
Combine Falasarna with Balos on another day rather than the same one: each deserves its own afternoon.
Questions before you go
Why go to Falasarna in the afternoon?
The beach faces west, so afternoon light and sunset are its best time.
Is Falasarna good for swimming?
Yes on calm days; it can get waves when the wind is from the north-west.
What is ancient Phalasarna?
A Hellenistic harbour town whose port is now on dry land after the coast was uplifted.
