What remains of the castle of Frangokastello today is not very different from the way it looked when it was first built in 1371, but most of it was essentially reconstructed in the 19th century by Mustapha Naili Pasha, the same man who had destroyed it earlier when defeating the fighters of Hadzi Michalis Dalianis. Frangokastello was built according to the principles of fortification in the days before gunpowder and the “bastion system” that followed. It was never brought up to date because the area was of secondary importance to the Venetians. The castle consists of four square towers linked by sheer curtain walls topped by serried battlements, forming a rectangular building. There is a small, arched entrance on the east side, while the main gateway, on the south, is decorated by carved coats of arms of noble families set into the walls. Above the entrance stands the winged lion of St Mark, the emblem of the Republic of Venice. The southwest tower is larger than the other three and therefore more important, because it is larger, has a wider field of view, was the last place of defence if the castle was overrun, and protected the south main gate. Along the inside of the walls were rectangular buildings, not perfectly preserved, which were used as barracks, stables, storerooms, kitchens, ovens, etc Right in front of the castle is a lovely beach with very shallow water, ideal for small children. West of the castle is another beach with pebbles and a rocky seabed suitable for snorkelling. Most of the rooms and apartments are on this side of the village. About 300 metres east of the castle is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, known as “Orthi Ammos”, named after the sand dunes you have to scramble down to reach the water. The sea is crystal-clear and the bottom slopes down very gently. A small secret of Frangokastello is that to enjoy it you must not come when a north wind is blowing, or the sea will be rough and the sand will blast you mercilessly. Unfortunately the high mountains and the plain with few trees funnel the northerlies, something that happens in most of southern Crete.