Frangokastello

Located on the South coast of Crete 12 kilometers (East) from Hora Sfakion and 86 kilometers (South) of Hania- Frangokastello lies on gently shelving, fine sand beach backed by beautifull mountains. Relative remotness of the area ensure a stunning, natural, peacefull oasis as refuge from urban, loud and crowded places. It is "other world", definitelly.

Frangokastello economy is related to turism, olive oil production, farming, sheep and goat herdering and fishing. Name of the village is directly related to the existing mid age castle.

Built by the Venetians in 1371- 74 castle function was to serve as a garrison to control and impose order on the Sfakia region. That time it was necessary to supress rebellions, to deter pirates, and to protect Venetian further development. There were many revolutions against Venetians with the most famous of "the blond haired maid", and this took place on 18 of May- 1828. Named by Venetians as Saint Nikitas Castle after nearby church- Frangokastello never gave positive impression to the locals, however. Sfakians contemptuously dubbed it "Frangokastello", meaning the Castle of the Franks- Catholic foreigners. The name eventually stuck and was adopted by the same Franks (Venetians) as well passing the stages as Castelfranco or Franco Castello etc. Frangokastello (castle) has a simple rectangular shape, tower at each corner (four) and the Venetian coat of arms above the main gate. The constructions within the walls, and the battlements were built during the Ottoman Turkish occupation. In the fields just outside the Castle there was a battle between Sfakians and Turkish forces where Chatzimihalis Dalianis lost his life along with 385 comrades. Locals took revenge for their death by ambushing Mustafa Pasha's army at nearby Kotsifou gorge, when he was leaving the place. The area around the castle is full of tales with the most famous one and unexplained phenomenon of Drosulites. In May, usually at down, locals and other people have seen shadows of cavalry fighters who proceed into the horizon from the sea side.

Today the people of Frangokastello quietly enjoy the benefits of a rich history for a such a tinny place. Oasis Apartments and Tavern is one of the small units on the Frangokastello beach. Best located, clean, solid made, fully equipped and cool. We offer our apartments for surprisingly  logical prices, even in a main season.. Our philosophy, and a target- generally, is a descent life of turism and not super- fast profit or a huge business. The Restaurant- Tavern is well known in the area and further. We specialize home made traditional cuisine based on local and natural ingredients, sea food, vegetable, milk products or meat mainly produced by ourselves or delivered from known local sources. Just a front of the OASIS Apartments and Restaurant you have long sand beach to enjoy during the day or evening.