Seeing Crete’s gem Falasarna on a budget
Falasarna is considered one of Crete’s more beautiful beaches. It’s located on the Western end of the island. There isn’t really a town near the beach, just some tourist accommodations and facilities. All the locals live in the nearby mountain town, which actually looks quite attractive as well. As you drive down from the mountain, you pass some fancy villages and get greeted by the white roofs of many greenhouses.
Falasarna actually consists of a few beaches, but the main beach is the best accessible one if you come by bus. The bus drops you off at the main road and you take another road down past all the parking spaces to reach the sand. There are a few snack bars that serve simple food right at the beach and they also rent umbrellas and parasols.
Before I found myself a spot on the long beach, I decided to check out how far I could walk along the beach and over the rocks to reach the smaller beaches. I could get to a smaller bay which also had sunbeds on them. But between the two beaches was an area with lots of rocks and just a little bit of sand. Hardly anyone bothered to even explore it and a few people had grabbed the chance to make it their private bathing spot.
When I realised I couldn’t go any further I made my way back to the main beach and found a free spot. The water was slightly wavy today and I bobbed up and down with the big, but mellow waves that rolled towards the shore. The water was incredibly clear and the beach was kept clean as well. I really got that tropical island feeling. There is a little breeze that even makes the high temperatures bearable.
After many hours in the sun I started walking back up the hill and stopped at the empty terrace of a taverna. After some lamb and fried courgette I was ready for the bus ride back to Chania.
The public bus from Chania.
Due to Corona there weren’t many buses going around the island so I had a bit more beach time than I’d wanted. So depending on the season there may be more buses available.
Buses leave Chania from the main bus station and it takes about 1,5 hours to reach Falasarna. In my case I had to change buses in Kissamos, but the driver was very clear about this (just keep your ears open).
You get dropped off at a little supermarket and have a 5 minute walk down the hill to reach the beach. Pick up is in the same spot. A return ticket costs 15,20 EUR.