Ancient Falasarna

These images are powered by

Place description

The ancient town of Falasarna (or Phalassarna) is situated at the western base of the Gramvousa peninsula and was one of the major towns of Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman Era. The city was renowned for its port, the only natural harbor in western Crete, constructed in a small lagoon. Nowadays, the area is well-known for its stunning beaches.

In antiquity, it was called Korikos, while the name Falasarna was possibly derived from the local nymph Falasarni. The rival town in the region was Polirinia, which managed to turn Falasarna into its port after 100 years of conflicts (186BC).

In Falasarna, archaeologists have identified parts of buildings and the acropolis overlooking the harbor with traces of strong walls and a temple dedicated to Demetra and a chthonic goddess. Additionally, east of the port, a cemetery with 43 archaic graves has been discovered. The territory of Falasarna extended up to the tip of the Gramvousa peninsula, where there was a temple. A carved throne has also been found within walking distance from the town, which was likely dedicated to the god of the sea, Poseidon, or was simply a throne for speakers.

The most fascinating part of the town is undoubtedly its port, which has now risen up to 9m from the sea surface due to the lifting of Western Crete by the earthquake of 365BC. It is truly impressive to see port facilities on land. The harbor was protected by four towers (2 of them have been identified), and the port was accessed through a narrow artificial canal.

It is believed that Falassarna was a haven for pirates. This forced the Romans to destroy the city in 69 BC and seal the port forever. The town could not recover and regain its former glory since then, leading to its abandonment during the 4th century AD.

Place Category

    Location

    Get directions to Ancient Falasarna 

    User reviews

    Stays near Ancient Falasarna

    Find below the list of hotels near Ancient Falasarna:

    • 9 / 10
    • Phalassarna 73400

    Koutris Apartments features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Falasarna, 200 metres from North Beach.

    The apartment provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A fridge and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.

    Koutris Apartments offers a picnic area.

    Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the accommodation, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.

    Popular points of interest near Koutris Apartments include North Falasarna Beach, Falasarna Beach and Ancient Falassarna. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 65 km from the apartment.

      • 1.3 km
      • 9.5 / 10
      • Phalasarna

      Situated in Falasarna and only 600 metres from North Beach, Villa Kore Luxuryvillaschania features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.

      The villa with a terrace and sea views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 3 bathrooms with a hot tub. Towels and bed linen are available in the villa.

      The villa offers a seasonal outdoor pool. A car rental service is available at Villa Kore Luxuryvillaschania.

      Popular points of interest near the accommodation include North Falasarna Beach, Falasarna Beach and Ancient Falassarna. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 65 km from Villa Kore Luxuryvillaschania.

      from

      €419

      /night

        • 1.6 km
        • 9.3 / 10
        • Falasarna

        The stone-built Romantica Apartments lies within 500 metres from the long, sandy beach of Falassarna in Chania. It offers self-catering units with free Wi-Fi and views over the Cretan Sea, the mountain and the garden.

        The air-conditioned apartments open to a balcony and feature a kitchenette with seating and dining area. Each is equipped with a fridge and a small electric oven with cooking hobs. The private bathroom comes with a shower.

        A variery of taverns and beach bars can be found within 500 metres from Romantica, while a mini market is 300 metres away. Chania Town is 55 km away, while Chania International Airport is 70 km away. Kissamos is at a distance of 10 km. Free parking is possible on site.

        from

        €75

        /night

          • 1.6 km
          • 9.9 / 10
          • ΦΑΛΑΣΑΡΝΑ

          Located 800 metres from North Beach and 1.2 km from North Falasarna Beach, Cielo e Mare Villas in Falasarna provides air-conditioned accommodation with views of the pool and free WiFi.

          The villa provides guests with a patio, mountain views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also provided, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.

          Barbecue facilities are available and guests can also relax in the garden, beside the outdoor swimming pool, or on the sun terrace.

          Falasarna Beach is 1.4 km from Cielo e Mare Villas, while Ancient Falassarna is 1.8 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International, 61 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

          from

          €247

          /night

            • 1.8 km
            • 8.8 / 10
            • Falasarna

            Within 250 metres of the sandy Falassarna Beach, Sunset Villas offer self-catering accommodation with unspoilt view over the Cretan Sea and the mountains. The traditional stone-built houses have a living area with fireplace and provide free WiFi throughout.

            Opening to a balcony and a patio, Sunset villas are traditionally decorated with dark-wooden furnishings and earthy colours. Each unit is air conditioned and features a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, fridge and stove. Facilities also include a flat-screen, satellite TV and a washing machine.

            Guests will find several restaurants and beach bars as well as 2 mini markets in Falassarna, while Platanos Village, where super markets and an ATM are featured, is located 5 km from Sunset Villas. The town of Kissamos is at a distance of 17 km. Every Sunset villa has its own parking space by the entrance door.

              • 2.2 km
              • 9.5 / 10
              • Phalasarna

              Alki villas Luxuryvillaschania has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Falasarna, 500 metres from Falasarna Beach.

              The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer. A toaster, a fridge and stovetop are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.

              A continental breakfast is available each morning at Alki villas Luxuryvillaschania.

              The accommodation offers a barbecue.

              Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden at Alki villas Luxuryvillaschania.

              North Beach is 1.2 km from the villa, while North Falasarna Beach is 1.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 64 km from Alki villas Luxuryvillaschania.

                • 2.3 km

                Explore other places near Ancient Falasarna

                • 1.2 km
                • Bars
                • Phalasarna 734 00
                • 4.7
                  • 1.4 km
                  • Restaurants, Tavernas
                  • Falassarna
                  • 4.6
                    • 1.4 km
                    • Restaurants
                    • Phalasarna 734 00
                    • 4.5
                      • 2.1 km
                      • Restaurants, Tavernas
                      • Phalasarna 734 00
                      • 4.4
                        • 2.2 km
                        • Restaurants
                        • Φαλασαρνης
                        • 4.5
                          • 2.6 km
                          • Restaurants, Tavernas
                          • Falassarna Big Beach
                          • 4.1

                            © All rights reserved. Crete Locals