Falasarna
The big beach at Crete's western tip, open to the Ionian Sea and its westerly swells.
Falasarna, at the north-western tip of Crete, is one of the island's most beautiful beaches, with pale sand and very clear water. Open to the west, it gets the winter swells coming in from the Ionian Sea.
The best waves come when the wind swings east after a storm.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE |
| Tide | No noticeable tide |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | October to April |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A funboard on small days; a shortboard or fish with more swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Falasarna
The water is around 15 °C in winter and 24 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonFor water from 17 °C.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
Very few people in winter.
Surfing style
Open beach break.
Hazards
Currents in big swell and an isolated spot in winter.
Map
Other spots nearby
Tinos (Cícladas)
The Cyclades' surf bay, on the north of Tinos, with waves when the meltemi blows.
Armenistis (Ikaria)
A sandy beach at the mouth of a stream, on Ikaria's north coast.
Metochi (Acaya, Peloponeso)
A long beach among pine woods in the north-west Peloponnese, near Patras.
Agios Nikitas (Lefkada)
A white-sand beach below cliffs on Lefkada's west coast.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.