Falasarna beach is located on the Gramvousa Peninsula, 15 km west of Kissamos. This is one of Greece’s most renowned beaches, listed in the top ten of dreamy European shores and has been awarded in the past as Crete’s finest beach. With a vast, ca. 3 km, coastline that essentially consists of five consecutive beaches divided by rocks or sand dunes, with two of them attracting the largest crowds. The most popular is Pachia Ammos, spanning 1 km in length and of ample width; that is why it never looks crowded no matter how many its visitors. Its waters reflect a transparent turquoise tint, thanks to its thin, light-coloured sand and is fully organised hosting restaurants, cafés and bars, water sports services, umbrellas, a beach volley court and ample room for those bringing their own umbrellas. North of Pachia Ammos lies the second largest beach, 800 m long, which splits into smaller strands by rocks and a sand dune. Although without further infrastructure it is very tranquil and its visitors can get drinking water from a spring at a nearby chapel, dedicated to Agia Paraskevi. At its northernmost edge, close to the archaeological site of Falasarna, a small inlet is ‘hidden away’, protected by the strong west winds that sweep the area, facing south, with a pebbly beach and rocky seabed, making it an ideal alternative to those seeking privacy. South of Pachia Ammos, at Livadi, a sandy beach of stoney seabed stretches out; an excellent choice to explore the underwater world snorkelling. Even further south, next to a small harbour, lies a petite pebbly beach of absolute serenity. More than often, northwest winds blow in the area, raising big waves, something that makes the place a windsurfer favourite. Falasarna beach is equally famous for its majestic sunset, which is considered the best in all Crete because of its unhindered horizon view, as visitors literally watch the sun dive in the sea. It is listed in the ‘Natura 2000’ European protection network as a natural setting of unique beauty and rare flora and fauna. Lately and in particular since 1995, every first Saturday in August sees a beach party being thrown with crowds pouring in to camp on the beach and party all night under the sounds of various DJ’s.
