Ancient Falasarna
Ancient Falasarna is a Greek and Roman harbour town at the western base of the Gramvousa peninsula, in the far west of Crete. Falasarna, also written Phalassarna, was one of the major towns of Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman era. Its port was the only natural harbour in western Crete, built into a small lagoon.
The harbour is the reason to come. An earthquake lifted it clear of the water, so the quays, towers and canal now sit inland, on dry ground, above the beaches the area is known for today.
The harbour that rose out of the sea
The harbour of Falasarna now stands up to 9 m above sea level, because the earthquake of 365 BC lifted the whole of western Crete. Seeing port facilities sitting on land, well back from the water, is what makes the site unusual. Four towers protected the harbour and 2 of them have been identified, while ships entered through a narrow artificial canal.
The name Falasarna and the rivalry with Polirinia
Falasarna was called Korikos in antiquity, and the later name probably comes from Falasarni, a local nymph. The rival town in this corner of Crete was Polirinia, and the two fought for about 100 years. Polirinia won in 186 BC and turned Falasarna into its own port, and the ruins of Ancient Polirinia still stand inland from this coast.
What survives at the archaeological site
Archaeologists have identified parts of buildings and the acropolis that overlooks the harbour, along with traces of strong walls. A temple stood on the acropolis, dedicated to Demetra and to a chthonic goddess. East of the port lies a cemetery of 43 archaic graves.
The territory of Falasarna reached all the way to the tip of the Gramvousa peninsula, where another temple stood. A carved throne sits within walking distance of the town. Its purpose is not settled: it was either dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea, or simply used as a throne for speakers.
Why the Romans destroyed Falasarna
The Romans destroyed Falasarna in 69 BC because the town is believed to have sheltered pirates. They sealed the port permanently at the same time, which removed the reason the town existed. Falasarna never recovered its former standing and was abandoned during the 4th century AD.
Things to do near ancient Falasarna
Five beaches, villages and walks sit near the site, listed below with the nearest first.
- Swim at Falassarna. The beach lies 2.3 km from the ruins and is the one most visitors to the site combine with it.
- Walk to the quieter bays. Meri Pigadi is 4.1 km away and Damialis 6.1 km, both on the same west-facing coast.
- Drive up to Platanos. The village sits 5.4 km inland, above the plain behind the beach.
- Take the boat to Balos. Balos lagoon is 8.2 km north along the peninsula, with Gramvousa island beyond it at the tip.
- Spend a half day in Kissamos. The town lies 7.9 km east and is the nearest place with a full range of shops and tavernas.
Getting to ancient Falasarna
Ancient Falasarna is reached by the road that drops from Platanos to the Falasarna plain and its beaches. The ruins lie 2.3 km from Falassarna beach and 7.9 km from Kissamos town, which is the nearest town of any size. Hill villages such as Topolia lie further inland.
Walkers usually pair the site with one of the western gorges. The Sirikari Gorge and the Kambos Gorge both lie inland from this coast, and the beach of Sfinari lies further along the same west-facing coast.
Frequently asked questions
Where is ancient Falasarna?
Ancient Falasarna lies at the western base of the Gramvousa peninsula, in western Crete. The site is 2.3 km from Falassarna beach and 7.9 km from Kissamos town.
Why is the harbour of Falasarna on dry land?
The earthquake of 365 BC lifted western Crete and raised the harbour up to 9 m above the sea. The port had been built in a small lagoon, and it was the only natural harbour in western Crete.
What can you see at the site of Falasarna?
You can see the raised harbour with its canal and towers, the acropolis above it, traces of the walls, and a cemetery of 43 archaic graves east of the port. A temple to Demetra and a chthonic goddess stood on the acropolis, and a carved throne lies within walking distance of the town.
What was Falasarna called in antiquity?
Falasarna was called Korikos in antiquity. The later name is thought to come from Falasarni, a local nymph.
When was Falasarna abandoned?
Falasarna was abandoned during the 4th century AD. The Romans had destroyed the town in 69 BC and sealed its port for good, on the grounds that it sheltered pirates, and the town never regained its earlier standing.
Location
Ancient Falasarna is located at Ancient Falasarna, in the Chania region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
