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The ancient city ruins of Polirinia can be found on a steep hill overlooking the North Cretan Sea. It is believed that the city was founded by the Achaeans around 1100 BC and thrived during the Roman period, becoming the most important town in West Crete. Polirinia’s ports were Phalassarna and Kissamos, and the city had close trade relations with Sparta, Milos, Rhodes, Thiva, the coasts of Ionia (Asia Minor), and Egypt. Besides trade, the town was also known for its livestock, as its name is derived from the words “polla rinia,” meaning many lambs.
Polirinia reacted positively to the Roman invasion, and as a result, it was not destroyed like other cities in Crete. Instead, it formed an alliance and managed to defeat the most powerful city in western Crete, Kydonia, and gained control of the sanctuary of Diktynna at the Spatha peninsula.
The city’s coins depict a bull’s head (voukranio) and Jupiter. On top of the hill, there once stood another temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis or Diktinna, which was demolished in 1894 to build the temple of the Holy Fathers (using materials from the original sanctuary). Today, visitors can see parts of the strong city walls from the Byzantine period, a Hellenistic tower, an aqueduct, and a temple.
The phrase “Cretan Sacrifices” is still used by Greeks today when referring to unfulfilled desires or purposes. This phrase originated from the story of Agamemnon and Polirinia: When Agamemnon, the victor of the Trojan War, returned home, he anchored on Nopigia beach to offer a sacrifice to the gods of Polirinia. However, the prisoners on board started fires, and he had to leave in a hurry without completing the sacrifice.
Get directions to Ancient Polirinia
Find below the list of hotels near Ancient Polirinia:
Featuring pool views, Casa Christina-Luxury Villa provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 9.4 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
The villa offers an outdoor fireplace.
Ancient Falassarna is 17 km from Casa Christina-Luxury Villa, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 55 km from the accommodation.
Situated in Kissamos, 11 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port and 16 km from Ancient Falassarna, Villa Nama offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.
With free WiFi, this 2-bedroom villa features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with an oven and fridge. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
Agios Dimitrios Church is 33 km from the villa, while Platanias Square is 34 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 56 km from Villa Nama.
Situated within 9 km of Kissamos and 12 km of Kissamos / Kasteli Port, Traditional House Koukounara offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a garden and barbecue facilities. This accommodation features a patio.
The country house has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchenette with a microwave and a fridge, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower.
A sun terrace is available on site and hiking can be enjoyed within close proximity of the country house.
Kissamos Stadium is 10 km from Traditional House Koukounara. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 58 km from the accommodation.
from
€68
/night
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a private pool, Pool Villa Michail, in Kissamos! is located in Koukounará. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa with a terrace and garden views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 13 km from the villa, while Ancient Falassarna is 23 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 57 km from Pool Villa Michail, in Kissamos!.
Boasting pool views, Villa Olive Tree with Private Pool features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 10 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port. This villa features a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa with a terrace and mountain views has 4 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 4 bathrooms with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
The villa offers a hot tub. A bicycle rental service is available at Villa Olive Tree with Private Pool, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Ancient Falassarna is 22 km from the accommodation, while Agios Dimitrios Church is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 54 km from Villa Olive Tree with Private Pool, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Featuring garden views, Elma’s Villa provides accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 2.9 km from Telonio Beach. It has mountain views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 6 km from the apartment, while Ancient Falassarna is 18 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 51 km from Elma’s Villa.
from
€135
/night
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