Visit Frangokastello, the best preserved Venetian castle in south Crete
The best preserved Venetian castle on the south coast of Crete — and perhaps the most impressive in the whole island — is Fragokastello, perched on a height overlooking the Libyan Sea and in the shadow of the White Mountain looming behind. Frangokastello is a corruption of the Italian Franco Castello, or castle of the Franks.
Stay nearby in Frangokastello Fortress
It’s a well-preserved rectangular structure based on four corner towers and connecting curtain walls with battlements on top that presents a formidable sight when viewed from below. The main gate in the south wall, facing the sea, features the marble coat of arms of Saint Mark of Venice and other noble escutcheons.
To get to Fragokastello, drive east from Chania for 33 kilometres, turning right at Vrisis for the winding road to Sfakia, and then left at the coast — a total of 85 kilometres. Or you could take a KTEL rural bus from Chania to Sfakia, and then a local bus to Fragokastello.
