Falasarna, Chania
Falasarna, Chania: A stunning beach and one of the most important ports of ancient Crete
Falasarna, Chania, is a place with one of the best beaches in Greece. It is located in the west coast of Crete, in its northern part. Falassarna lies about 45 kilometres west of Chania city and about 15 kilometres west of Kissamos, the biggest village in the area. The road from Chania city to Falasarna is in excellent condition, with the first 35 kilometres being the new, wide national road.
Falasarna, Chania, is not just known for its beach, but also for its archaeological site, as ancient Falasarna was a powerful city-state in its time and the remnants of the ancient city are impressive. In addition, Falasarna, due to its very good climate, is a centre for agricultural production in West Crete, with many olive trees in the plain near the beach and numerous greenhouses, most of which are cultivating tomatoes.
Falasarna beach in Chania – an ideal place to unwind
The beach at Falasarna is splendid. It is a large coastal zone with white sand and crystal-clear waters, which lies between high mountains. Both the beach and the surrounding natural environment are stunning.
The beach at Falasarna is at the west coast of Crete, which means that you can see the sun “diving” into the clear waters of the Cretan sea. Indeed, the sunset in Falasarna is sheer magic!
In the coastal zone of Falasarna, there are three different beaches. The first in the southern part of the coastal zone, called “Pachia Ammos”, meaning “thick sand” in Greek, is organized and has sun beds and parasols. The second beach is located near the first to the north, and it is the main beach of Falasarna, also with sun beds and parasols, and with a beach bar which also serves snacks.
The third beach is a little further to the north, on the end of the paved road that goes parallel to the coastline. This beach is the most remote from the three, and very picturesque. There is the opportunity for free camping here, and there is an excellent tavern and a nice bar, where you can see the beautiful bay of Falasarna from above.
A thing you should keep in mind, though, is to avoid going to Falasarna, Crete, for swimming if the wind blows from the west. The large beach is not protected from the west winds, and it might be difficult to swim.
Ancient Falasarna, Chania – a glorious city of the past
Ancient Falasarna was one of the prominent cities in Minoan Crete. Falasarna was the port of Polirinia, another powerful city-state of ancient Crete. However, at some point in time Falasarna became autonomous from Polirinia, something that led to many conflicts and a constant state of war between the two cities.
Falasarna was one of the wealthiest cities in ancient Minoan Crete. It was a big trading and naval centre in West Crete, due to its big and secure harbour.
The city flourished during the 4th and the 3rd centuries BC, but it was finally destroyed from the Roman Empire in 69 BC. The reason for this brutal assault of the Romans is that, apart from trading, one of the main occupations of ancient Falasarnians was piracy.
After destroying the city, the Romans blocked the entrance of its big harbour with big stones, so that only small boats could get in – this way the harbour could not become a pirate base again. After that, some residents remained in Falasarna, but they abandoned the city after the great earthquake of 365 AD, which raised the west coast of Crete about 8 metres higher, and displaced the old harbour of Falasarna on solid ground! This is the reason that today the ancient port of Falasarna is located inland, about 100 metres from the sea.
Falasarna, Crete, is a fascinating place in the northwest of the island. Featuring both a stunning beach, and an ancient city with a historic harbour, Falasarna, Chania, rewards its visitors in many ways.