Falassarna Beach

Falassarna is a vast, wide-open beach on Crete's wild western coast, famous for having the most spectacular sunsets on the island. The beach stretches for nearly a kilometre, with fine golden sand and clear blue water. Unlike the more sheltered Balos and Elafonissi, Falassarna faces the open sea, which brings excellent waves for body surfing.

An ancient Greco-Roman port city once stood here, and archaeological ruins can be explored on the headland. The beach is wide enough to never feel crowded, even in peak season. Multiple beach bars serve refreshments, and the atmosphere is laid-back and quintessentially Greek.