Ancient Falasarna

City walls of
ancient Falasarna

Ancient Falasarna was built on the northwest coast of Crete, on the Gramvoussa peninsula. In ancient times the city was also known as Korikos. Its acropolis was located on the rocky peninsula with an amazing view over the western sea of Crete . The peninsula surrounds the area called Koutri, which consists of five smaller areas.

These five areas are: the acropolis area, which protects the bay from the sea side, the small valley, on the southeast of the acropolis with south access to the sea, and the two slopes, south and east from the valley. These are the city borders, where the necropolis was found. The sea borders are the two bays: the southern bay offers access to the port while the northern bay is rocky with difficult access.

Panoramic view of
Ancient Falasarna

Falasarna was one of the most significant Cretan ports and flourished in the 4th and 3rd century BC. Its name derives from a nymph called Falasarni. Excavations in ancient Falasarna have uncovered fortification walls and several buildings. The sea level has risen in the area and the ancient port is nowadays dry land. In the Hellenistic period, Falasarna has been an important power in trade and sailing as it was Polyrrhenia's port. An interesting finding is the rock-cut throne at the entrance of the ancient city.

The acropolis stood on the peninsula, on the top of the hill. Strong walls surrounded the hill and their ruins are still to be seen. The port was at the southern part of the peninsula and was also protected by fortification walls. Inscriptions have not been found. Two towers dated back to the 4th century BC stand on the northern and the southern side of the port. A channel leading to the port exit lies 100m north from the acropolis, with direction from the port to the beach. Falasarna is said to have been inhabited by pirates.

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