Welcome to Falassarna Beach! If you’re planning a getaway to Crete or just dreaming up your next sunny adventure, you’ll want to take note of this gem.
When people talk about Western Crete, most mention Elafonisi and Balos Lagoon as the must-see beaches. And I don’t disagree, but for me, Falassarna stands out as the highlight of my trip.
Falassarna (sometimes written Falasarna) isn’t just any beach; it’s a slice of paradise that’s perfect for everyone — from families and solo travelers to water sports enthusiasts and party lovers.
In this guide, I’ll give you the lowdown on getting there, the best spots for a dip, and where to grab a bite when hunger strikes. So, slap on some sunscreen, grab your shades, and let’s dive into what makes Falassarna my favorite beach in Crete.
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Article overview
Where is Falassarna Beach located?
Falassarna Beach is located on the western coast of the island of Crete, the largest of the Greek islands.
The closest town to Falassarna is Kissamos (also known as Kastelli), which is located approximately 15 kilometers to the east. Chania, the capital of the region and where you’ll most likely fly into, is about 50 to 60 kilometers away.
Falassarna Beach, one of the best beaches in Chania, is known for its clear turquoise waters, wide sandy shores, and beautiful sunsets, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The beach is part of a larger area that includes ancient ruins from the Hellenistic period, including the remains of the ancient city of Falassarna (Phalasarna).
Is Falassarna worth a visit?
Yes, it is! While Elafonisi Beach is the most beautiful stretch of sand in Crete, Falassarna Beach is my favorite. It regularly makes lists of the best beaches in Europe. Here are a few quick reasons why I loved it:
- The beach is large enough to never feel overcrowded, even in August. You can choose between sunbeds with parasols, cabanas or just a spot on the sand.
- You can choose whether you want full service with food delivery and music, or just hang out by yourself.
- There are smaller coves to the north and south of the main Falassarna Beach, where it can often feel more secluded.
- The waves are super fun to play in. My mom was a little scared, but I had so much fun. I was in the water for almost an hour at the time, which is very unlike me.
- Vendors selling fresh fruit and huge donuts(!!!) are regularly making the rounds, but they are not pushy.
- Tons of watersports to choose from, you can even surf here.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Falassarna is from late spring to early autumn, from May through October. During this period, the weather is mostly warm and sunny.
May and June are great months to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures. The sea might still be a bit cool in May, but by June it warms up nicely for swimming.
July and August are the peak tourist months, and you can expect the highest temperatures and the largest crowds. However, Falassarna Beach is large enough to accommodate many visitors without feeling congested. The sea is warm, and all amenities and attractions are fully operational.
September and October often offer the best balance with warm sea temperatures, fewer tourists, and pleasant weather, although there’s a slightly higher chance of rain as October approaches. This is my personal favorite time to visit.
If you’re interested in water sports like windsurfing or kitesurfing, the summer months tend to provide the best conditions with more consistent winds.
Note >> Keep in mind that outside the main tourist season (November through April), some facilities such as tavernas and beach rentals may be closed or have limited hours.
How to get there
You can get to Falassarna Beach by car, bus and guided tour.
Can you drive to Falassarna Beach?
Yes, the best way to get to Falassarna is by car. Though steep, the drive is easy and there are several large parking areas available. For someone who usually does not like to drive in unfamiliar places, I actually enjoyed driving in Crete.
By car, depending on the route and traffic conditions, it typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to drive from Chania to Falassarna Beach. And from Balos/Kissamos where I stayed, it only took around 20 minutes.
I put “Liokalyvo Beach House Taverna Falasarna”, located right next to the large parking lot, into Google Maps and it was easy to find. The drive is scenic with views of the Cretan landscape and coastline. I loved having the flexibility to go and stop wherever we wanted.
🚘 Click here to check price and availability >> Rental cars in Crete
By bus
There is a bus departing from Chania and arriving at Falassarna (Phalasarna). It runs several times daily (at least during the summer months), and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Join an organized tour
I love doing guided tours when I’m visiting a place for the first time. You learn so much from the guides.
🐚 If you don’t feel like driving or taking the bus, this 6-hour tour departing from Chania is the perfect option. Basically, it’s a private driver picking you up from your accommodation and taking you to the beach.
George is super friendly and can tell you everything you want to know about Crete. Once you arrive at Falassarna, you can make use of inflatable SUP boards and snorkeling gear free of charge.
👙 This highly-rated full-day tour includes both Falassarna and Elafonisi. Enjoy the convenience of pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi.
Along with 5.5 hours of beach time, you will also make a stop in a local village called Ano Vouves, home to the world’s oldest olive tree. Learn about Cretan culture and customs from your guide while sampling local cuisine from a prepared snack box.
What to expect at Falassarna Beach
Driving down to Falasarna you get 180-degree breathtaking views of mountains and sea divided by several beaches. Main Falassarna Beach, also known as Pachia Ammos, is longer and wider than the one to the south and north.
I love how the expansive shoreline gives every visitor their own little piece of paradise to enjoy, with ample room for everyone, even on the busiest of days.
In terms of amenities, Falassarna is well-equipped to provide a comfortable experience. You’ll find the essentials here, sunbeds with umbrellas and cabanas available for hire, as well as food service.
The beach to the north, sometimes referred to as Baby Beach Falasarna, also has some sections of sunbeds and a taverna on the sand. This is a great option if you prefer to get away from the main crowds.
Things to do
Water sports: At Falassarna you can try various water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, or paddleboarding. You can book lessons and rent gear on the beach, as well as jet skis which are always super fun.
For the windsurfers, there is a traditional fish tavern and coffee shop in front of the windsurfing area next to the little harbor. Here you can have a shower after your session and enjoy some traditional cuisine. Compared to the main beach to the north this is quieter with a more traditional feeling.
Snorkeling and diving: The clear waters around Falassarna are ideal for snorkeling and diving. South of the main beach you’ll find Livadi, a more narrow sandy beach and stoney seabed, the perfect choice if you want to explore the underwater world snorkeling.
Sunset watching: Falassarna is famous for its sunsets, considered the best in Crete because of its unobstructed view. Find a nice spot on the beach or at a local café and enjoy the stunning views as the sun dips below the horizon. You can even book a sunset tour to Falassarna from Chania.
Beach parties: Liokalyvo is the perfect spot for some day drinking, they often have a DJ. Beach parties are also sometimes organized in the evening so don’t be in a hurry to leave because the fun continues as the sun goes down. On the first or second Saturday of August, is the most famous Falasarna beach party.
Liokalyvo Beach House Taverna
When hunger strikes or you need to quench your thirst, several tavernas are scattered along Falassarna Beach. Only two restaurants are on the sand of the main part, Playa Paraiso and Liokalyvo. They both have sections of sunbeds and cabanas along the water’s edge where you can order food and drinks.
I preferred the right side of the area serviced by Liokalyvo because the area directly below the restaurant was a little loud with music. If you’re looking for a low-key day party, however, that would probably be the spot for you.
We had servers hanging out right next to our sunbeds which was super convenient. We ordered pizza, mocktails and water that arrived in a champagne bucket with ice. One day we also sat down for a late lunch in their restaurant.
Liokalyvo felt like something out of Ibiza or Mykonos. I loved the vibe, and the food was fresh and modern.
What to bring with you
- Water bottle: Remember to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months. Bring a reusable water bottle, or even better, a filtered bottle, to avoid buying plastic.
- Sunscreen: The sun is super strong in Crete, so bring a high-SPF sunscreen (preferably reef-safe) to protect your skin. I used SPF30 and was burned within an hour.
- Hat and sunglasses: The bright sun can be harsh on your eyes, so bring a pair of sunglasses to protect them And if you like me get very easily sunburned, make sure to bring a wide-brim hat as the sun here is strong.
- Swimsuit and a towel: Crete is known for its beautiful beaches and lagoons, so bring a swimsuit to enjoy the water. An oversized towel is essential if you don’t want to rent a sun lounger.
- Camera: Elafonisi is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, so I used my GoPro Hero 11 for hours every day. It was so fun to shoot underwater photos in the crystal clear water.
- Books: Since to listen to podcasts or books instead of reading physical ones. Be sure to check out these romance novels set in Europe, if you need some book recommendations.
Crete is an incredible place to join a wellness or yoga retreat. Not only is it a beautiful and sunny island, but also spiritual. So if you need to recharge, I highly recommend checking out Tripaneer, the site where I book all my retreats.
Things to do close to Falassarna
Falassarna Beach is not just about the sand and sea; the surrounding area offers a variety of activities and sights to explore. Here’s a list of things you can do close to Falassarna Beach:
- Visit the ancient city of Falassarna: Explore the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city, which was once an important harbor.
- Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island: Take a boat trip or drive to the stunning Balos Lagoon, and visit the nearby Gramvousa Island with its Venetian fortress. You can explore both on a private boat tour from Falassarna Beach.
- Elafonissi Beach: A bit of a drive from Falassarna, but well worth it to see the famous pink-sand beach and shallow turquoise waters. In fact, the coastal road to Elafonisi is an experience in itself, and I dare to say that Elafonisi is the most beautiful beach in Crete.
- Hiking in the Topolia Gorge: Experience the natural beauty of Crete by hiking through the Topolia Gorge located southeast of Kissamos.
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Kissamos: Learn more about the region’s history by visiting the museum in the nearby town of Kissamos.
- Wine tasting: Crete is known for its winemaking traditions. Visit local wineries to taste Cretan wines and learn about the wine production process.
- Olive oil tour: Join an olive oil tour to see how olive oil is produced and sample some of the finest oils in the region. Or combine wine and olive oil on this popular guided tour.
- Explore local villages: Visit the nearby traditional Cretan villages, such as Vouves and Kalivian, to experience the local culture, architecture, and Greek hospitality.
Where to stay
We opted to stay at Balos Beach Hotel close to Balos Lagoon, because before I got to Crete the first time I hadn’t heard about Falassarna. My thought was that we could easily beat the crowds out to the lagoon by staying so close.
And I was right, however, you will probably be satisfied with one trip out to Balos and then look for a more comfortable beach like Falassarna for the remaining days.
I really enjoyed our three-night stay at Balos Beach, just look at the view from our balcony. The hotel boasts a large pool area, buffet-style dining and a rocky beach below.
Another great option, set 100 meters from Falasarna Beach, is Adam Apartments. The property is beautifully manicured with a cozy taverna overlooking the ocean.
Though simple, the rooms have everything you need for a few nights’ stay, and the best part is the veranda, perfect for relaxing with a cold drink at sunset.
🌟 Click here to check price and availability >> Adam at Falassarna Beach
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