This beach is huge: sandy with dunes, and shallow turquoise waters; all beneath the towering walls of the Venetian fort. The fort and this beach are in a small plain southeast of the White Mountains to the south of Chania.
The fort was built between 1371-1374 to protect and control the area from rebellious Sfakiots and from pirates. The stones were plundered, already cut and shaped, from the nearby ancient city of Nikita. Today it is restored and in good condition. The legend of the Drosoulites is attached to the fort: some sort of natural optical illusion lies behind the story of how those slain in battle with the Turks appear just before dawn around the anniversary of their death each year.
Organized, with umbrellas, sunbeds and showers, it gets crowded. The gently shelving waters make it most suitable for families with young children.
West of Frangokastello, on the road to Chora Sfakion, is Vatalos beach.
