History of Frangista Beach
John and Ruth Nitsos settled in this area in the 1940’s. They built a cottage on the beach, with an apartment below for friends. Many travelers stopped by from time to time to inquire about places to stay. As the area was rather desolate at that time, the Nitsos decided to build a few rooms to rent. They named the motel Frangista, after the small town in Greece where the family had lived.
The Wilson family arrived in 1976 and fell in love with the area. They gradually purchased the motel and surrounding properties from Penelope Nitsos Hassell of Mobile, Alabama, and other individuals. The Wilson family ran the Frangista Beach Inn for some 15 years, along with Frangista Seafood & Spirits restaurant and Frangista Beach Realty. Many families returned year after year to the small beachfront inn. As time passed, the Wilsons’ connection with the 9-acre site only deepened, while the area’s population continued to grow. After Hurricane Opal caused extensive damage to the inn, the Wilson family began developing the current Frangista Beach community with some 56 homes, blending Mediterranean warmth with Old Florida charm, providing an instant sense of graciousness and history.
The nostalgic 1950's Sun N Sand motel was purchased, adding an additional 400 feet of beachfront property. The Delos homes, named by the Wilsons for one of the Greek islands, were built along the shoreline to complete the development. “We wanted to save the best part of the old Frangista, and recreate it for the next generation,” says William. “Our vision was to create and build a community as an everlasting legacy to the Nitsos’ hospitality.” Even the name “Frangista” has been protected by a trademark owned by the Wilson family. Nestled in the Frangista Beach community, you can still find the little white chapel John Nitsos lovingly built in honor of his father. While guests and homeowners enjoy the modern style of the homes, some timeless assets here can’t be built or bought – the gentle waves, the warm breezes, and the spirit of hospitality originated by the Nitsos family.
Frangista Beach Properties, located right in the heart of Frangista Beach, continues this legacy and commitment of providing the best possible service and hospitality to both homeowners and their guests.
Destin & Miramar Beach
Sparkling emerald green and turquoise water, sugar white sand, and breathtaking sunsets await you in the Destin area and The Beaches of South Walton, including the ever-popular Miramar Beach, Florida.
Perfectly positioned on the Emerald Coast, Miramar Beach has become a world-class vacation destination. To the west lies Destin, with its vibrant nightlife, dining, water parks and sleek sport fishing boats. Known as "The World's Luckiest Fishing Village", this town hosts the Destin Seafood Festival and Destin Fishing Rodeo each year, drawing thousands of tourists to the area.
Just a few miles east of Destin lies Miramar Beach, home to the historic community of Frangista Beach vacation rentals, luxury condos, the hidden gem that is Gulf Pines, local beachfront eateries featuring the freshest seafood, and open stretches along Scenic Gulf Drive, offering a spectacular water view.
Miramar Beach has become a shopper's paradise with Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Destin Commons, The Market Shops at Sandestin, and Grand Boulevard. Nearby is Sandestin Resort with championship golf courses, tennis, boating, and family-friendly activities at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Within a 5-mile radius you will find a myriad of activities including water sports, movie theaters and dinner cruises.
Take a leisurely drive down Highway 30A to experience the unique architecture and quaint shops in the beachside communities of Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seaside, Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach, and enjoy the natural coastal beauty of The Beaches of South Walton.