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The best Polish website dedicated to the Greek island Crete and to a small extent of continental Greece. You will find useful information related to visiting Crete that goes beyond the offer of optional tours. On the website you will also find descriptions of the most interesting places that we visited by visiting this largest Greek island. The content complements the current news, photographs and recipes of Greek cuisine.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna. This name probably came from the name of the local nymph Falasarni. In the Hellenistic period it was one of the largest and most important cities in Crete and an important commercial center famous for the only natural port in this region of the island. At least until the great earthquake in 365 AD, which changed the layout of the island and directly contributed to the destruction of this port.
Ancient port
The ancient port measured 7,500 square meters, and its builders used the natural lagoon that existed in this place. They connected it with the sea by means of a narrow artificial channel 50 m long, 10 m wide and 2 m deep. According to the sources, the port was connected to the sea by means of yet another small shallow channel that was used by small boats. Its additional function was the circulation of seawater in the port basin.
The city that grew up by the harbor probably arose from the merger of several small settlements located in this area. The ideal location on the west end of Crete and a direct connection by sea to Alexandria in Egypt contributed to the heyday that took place in the 4th and 3rd century BC. The port became known as a safe place. Even after many centuries, the remains of the old fortifications make an impression, consisting of four towers connected by extended walls. The important role of the city should also be testified by its own coins that were beaten here. On the one hand, there was a figure of a woman, and on the other, the initials ΦΑ (FA) placed between the elements of a trident.
The local sailors did not limit themselves only to the civilized form of trading, they increased their revenues because they also dealt with piracy. This activity resulted in major problems for the city. The actions of the pirates of Falassarna aroused the great dissatisfaction of the Romans. In 69 BCE they destroyed the city and to prevent the re-use of the port as a pirate hiding place, blocked the entrance to the port with stone blocks so that only small boats could enter it. Of course, in addition to eliminating piracy, these activities have led to the prevention of long-distance legal commercial activities.
The final fall
The final collapse of the city, however, brought only a great earthquake combined with the tsunami that struck Crete on July 21, 365. According to historical records, it was a catastrophe that stunned the ancient world with its dimensions. This cataclysm will destroy many of the then large cities and have caused the deaths of thousands of people in coastal areas stretching from the current Croatia, Greece to the Nile Delta in Egypt.
The consequence of this earthquake in Crete was the rise of the west coast of the island from 6 to 9 meters. As a result, the Falasarna port was a few meters above sea level, making it totally unusable. Gradually, the city was depopulated and the inhabitants of that time moved to other parts of Crete in search of a place to live. At present, the ruins of the port and the former commercial city are about 100 meters from the sea. Currently, visiting this place you have to use a lot of imagination to "see" on this overgrown area the former international port and neighboring with it a bustling city. A large facilitation may be information boards, which also include computer visualizations showing how the place used to be.
Modern history of Falasarna
The contemporary history of Falasarna begins at the end of the 19th century, when British travelers came to the remains of the city and the port. The first excavations began in 1966, and regular excavation works began only at the end of the twentieth century. In 1986, the Greek Ministry of Culture, with the support of local institutions, began to clean up the area and carry out archaeological work. They continue until now, gradually revealing more areas of the former city and port. From what we saw in April 2016, two new fragments have been prepared and cleaned, at which scientists will appear at any moment.
So far, the remains of the Acropolis have been discovered, and in addition to the port, workshops have been unveiledtwo basins, 40 cm above sea level and two of the four port towers built in 350 BC. One tower was built on a 9-meter-long circular plan, 4.5 meters high, the other built on a square plan. The south-eastern tower is definitely better preserved.
In addition to the remains of the Acropolis located at the top of the headland, two temples were probably found there, dedicated to Artemis Diktynna, water cisterns and public buildings, including baths. An important find was the cemetery, located outside the city walls, in the south-east direction from the port. Archaeologists have found here 43 graves from a very large period: from archaic times to the Hellenistic period. Such a wide time section through which this cemetery was used allowed for the discovery of various tombs and various funeral customs. Found here both clay pots, which were used as coffins, as well as small structures built of stone, graves of natural depressions in the rock, and ordinary graves and urns. Between the tombstones, imported red and black vases with figures were found.
An interesting find is the ancient throne, which is located just off the road leading to the excavation site. The sculptured stone and definitely exceeding the size of an ordinary man was probably dedicated to Poseidon. Another theory is that it was used as a podium during public speeches. Regardless of which theory is closer to the truth, stop the car here and take a closer look at this interesting find. In this region there are also the remains of the "aquarium" and old quarries.
The area of the excavations is fenced and to visit the remains of the port you should come here in the morning between 9 and 15 from Tuesday to Friday.
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Interesting places on Crete
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W 2002 roku Falasarna zdobyła tytuł najlepszej plaży w Grecji. Wyróżnienie to nie jest bynajmniej przypadkowe, gdyż miejsce to jak na standardy Krety jest naprawdę unikalne.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Elafonisi is a small island located at the end of the southwestern edge of Crete. A characteristic feature of Elafonisi is the shallow lagoon connecting it with Crete.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Aptera is a city whose history dates back to at least a thousand years before our era. In the peak period, about 20,000 lived in it. people, of which only 1/5 were free people.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
Located 47 km from the city of Chania, it is the only freshwater lake in Crete. Its area is about 580 thousand. sqm. and the maximum depth is about 45 meters
Omalos is a perfect starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. Located over 1,100 m above sea level extends over an area of 25 km2. Its size corresponds more or less to the size of the Lasithi Plateau.
The steel crossing, which in the central part is separated from the ground by nearly 150 m, is at the leading position of the places where the longest bungee jumps are made.
Chania (Χανιά) is the second largest (after Heraklion) city of Crete. The biggest advantage of Chania is the area of the Old Town and the beautiful Venetian Harbor.
The cave is less than 1 km from Moni Gouvernetou Monastery. You will reach it using the pedestrian trail that has been marked out along the slope of the Avlaki Gorge.
Balos is one of Crete's flagship beaches if not all of Greece. We can assure you that the landscapes you see during your trip to Balos will remain with you for a very long time.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
The Orthodox monastery of Agia Triada, located on the northern part of the Akrotiri peninsula, is one of the most beautiful and richest monasteries in Crete.
On the north-western coast of Crete, at the foot of the Gramovous peninsula, there are ruins of the ancient port of Korikos, later known as Falassarna.
Polyrinia was one of the most important city-states of western Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was built amphitheater on a steep hill, rising to a height of 481 meters above sea level
The island of Gramvousa, or in fact Imeri Gramvousa (Ήμερη Γραμβούσα), is an inseparable point of a trip that combines a stay in the Balos Lagoon with visiting the remains of a fortress located on the top of the island of Imeri Gramovousa.
There is a beach in Crete that literally makes some people shiver. This place is Seitan Limania which can be translated as Satan's Ports or Cursed Ports.
Dozens of craft workshops located in this small mountain village make Margarites one of the four main centers where traditional Cretan ceramics are made.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
The date of the foundation of Moni Arkadiou (Arkadi) is not exactly known. According to tradition, the name of this church refers to the name of the Emperor Arkadiusz, who supposedly was to be its founder.
Rethymnon with around 40,000 inhabitants are the third largest city of Crete. This place was populated already in the Minoan period. Historically, the city was an important commercial center.
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
Skinaria is a small beach located along a small bay, whose outlet on both sides ends with a rocky coast. It is still a little-known place overlooked by mass tourism
According to Greek mythology, Zeus hid (and perhaps even gave birth) in the Ida cave. This myth is the greatest asset of this cave, which is not as interesting and beautiful as the Dikte cave.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Tripiti is a small beach covered with a mixture of gray sand, gravel and stones. Despite the fact that the beach is unorganized and has a semi-natural appearance, one small tavern works here.
Plakias is a perfect place for people who like to spend time hiking. In the area of the town and the surrounding area, there are several hiking trails that lead to interesting beaches.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
Currently, the lower monastery is still not open to the public and is not used by the monks. The buildings of the upper monastery have undergone partial renovation and are the main seat of the Preveli monastery.
The Kourtaliotiko Gorge, also known as the Asomatos Gorge, is perhaps one of the most spectacular natural attractions available in the central part of Crete.
Agia Triada is a small Minoan archaeological site in the south of Crete, located near Timpaki, located on the western slope of the hill about 40 meters above sea level.
This fortress is a perfect example of Crete's multiculturalism. Located today in Greek hands, it was built by the Venetians, but is called a name taken from the Turkish language.
Rouvas Gorge is one of the most interesting places in this part of Crete. The interesting trail leads in a perfect way to the changing appearance of this gorge.
Matala is one of the most popular towns not only of the southern coast but also of the whole of Crete. In the 1960s and 1970s, this small fishing village was a mecca for hippies.
The Odigitrias Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries of southern Crete. Unfortunately, in terms of popularity, he is far from other Cretan monasteries.
In addition to the famous grand palaces on the island in the Minoan period, a number of smaller residences were created. One of the most important examples is the Vathipetro discovered about 5 km north of Archanes, on the southeastern slope of Mount Juchtas in the central part of Crete.
When traveling around Crete, it is not difficult to pay attention to the fact that most of the beaches there are relatively small and short. For this reason, people who are used to our national Baltic standards, where the sandy coast stretches for kilometers, may experience a special disappointment. However, fortunately, nothing is lost, because Crete in its rich arsenal of various beaches can boast of those that allow for long walks along the coast. One of them, our favorite is the Kommos beach located in the south of the central part of the island.
Although there are countless caves in Crete, only a few can be visited. Sfendoni is the largest cave open to the public. content comes from: http://www.crete.pl www.CRETE.pl
Only a few kilometers separate the bustling city of Rethymno from Mili, a village abandoned by its inhabitants. This place is also known as the village hidden in the gorge.
Information about one of the more known tourist cities of Crete, or about Malia. Description of attractions located in the city of Malia and a description of the specificity of this town.
The Lasithi Plateau is located about 70 kilometers from the capital of Crete - Heraklion. The average height at which the terrain of this plateau is located is 840 m above sea level.
One of the tourist attractions eagerly visited by people spending their holidays in Crete is the Dikte (Psychro) cave. The main factors that attract people to this cave are a rich and varied dripstone robe and a close connection with mythology.
Among the olive groves in the place called Logari, which is less than a kilometer from the village of Kritsa, there is a small Byzantine church of Panagia Kera from the 13th-14th centuries.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Most people crossing the route between Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra will definitely notice the large crack which is marked by the mountain located east of this road. This majestic geological creation called Ha was probably created as a result of an earthquake.
Xerokambos is a small settlement in which you will find literally several taverns, and most of the buildings are single-storey and one-story houses. The big advantage of this beach is a gentle sandy descent to the sea.
Agios Nikolaos (Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a small town with less than 20,000 inhabitants. permanent residents (according to statistical data from 2001). This city is the capital of the Lasithi nomos.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Although Elounda seems to be a sleepy fishing town to this day, however, appearances should not fool you, because this town and its surroundings can boast of probably the largest number of the best hotels.
Stalida is located directly along the coast and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Crete, which definitely comes alive with the advent of the tourist season
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
Zakros is the fourth-largest Minoan palace in Crete in importance and size. This latest found, built on the east coast of the island is located in the village of Káto Zákros.
The first palace was built around 1900 BC. in the place where there was a quite impressive settlement whose remains were later transformed into the central part of the city.
The ruins of the ancient city of Itanos are located at the eastern tip of Crete, less than 3 kilometers north of the famous palm beach of Vai. Although there are also nice beaches at Itanos, unlike its well-known neighbor, this place does not attract crowds. There are either accidental stray tourists or excavation enthusiasts here.
Less than 10,000 population of Sitia makes the city the smallest in Crete. Some even go a step further and say perversely that it is rather the largest village of Crete.
Napoleon's house is one of the few typically tourist attractions in Ierapetra. About what could have happened here in the summer of 1798 and possibly how much in this legend is the truth we write in the article on the page below.
Moni Kapsa Monastery is one of the most interesting monasteries in Crete. Its massive buildings were erected on rocky, gray slopes surrounding the nearby Pervolakia Gorge.
When, in 1960, heavy building equipment entered the small headland of Trypitos next to Sitia, no-one expected the land to hide the ruins of the ancient Hellenic city. To this day, this area is still being examined by archaeologists, and the found treasures feed the resources of the Archaeological Museum in Sitia. These niche excavations located just off the road to Vai are a must stop for any archeology enthusiast.
It is recognized that Gournia was inhabited between 3000 BC and 1200 BC and is one of the few cities unearthed to a large extent. In other major cities, archaeologists focused mainly on discovering palace buildings, while in Gournia, apart from the palace, urban buildings, residential houses and a road network were also discovered.
Knossos is one of the flagship monuments visited by tourists, it is also the most popular place where organized trips go. One of the more characteristic elements associated with the Knossos Palace is the red columns. Although they are currently made of concrete, they were originally made of cypress trunk.
gość dodekanezowiec ...na Majorce czy Cyprze..
Elafonissi Balos Falassarna - tam trzeba dojechać..
Tanie Wakacje w Ciepłych Krajach - all inclusive, last minute i inne 3 razy byłem i zawsze super
Też mnie denerwują smieci, ale najbardziej podejście do zwierząt.
9razy byłam na Krecie, jest super, jeździmy na nawigacji po polsku i jeszcze nas nie zawiodła. Pozatym jeżdżą autobusy, co prawda nie zawsze punktualnie, ale przecież na urlopie nigdzie mi się nie spieszy
mnie denerwuje brak problemów
Aegean Airlines together with SAS ruined our family. We have all 4 gotten ptsd and anciety
Wij hebben helemaal geen probleem met Kreta en helemaal niet met de wegbewijzering daar. Trouwens tegenwoordig heb je ook navigatie zo niet dan rij je gewoon op gevoel je komt altijd wel op een mooi plekje uit en je komt vanzelf wel op een weg met wegbewijzering tegen. Maar wat kan het je schelen je hebt vakantie
gość PiotrWie Wczoraj zaczęło przybywać ludzi na wyspie, dziś ( czwartek) przybyło wyraźnie więcej - przyjechali Grecy na święta. Zobaczymy na jak długo.
Komentarze
Wykopaliska Falasarna - jak tam trafić i inne...
Odwiedzając Falasarnę można zasugerować się widokami i odwiedzić jedną z plaż i nie odnaleźć wykopalisk. Dlatego chyba warto dopisać jak tam dojechać.
Trzeba jechać na sam koniec miejscowości aż do zakończenia drogi asfaltowej (równolegle do morza) i dalej szutrową aż do "parkingu" przy wejściu.
Wstęp w 2016 r. był bezpłatny.
Te kamienne kuwety na jednym ze zdjęć prawdopodobnie służyły do obróbki ryb.
Pozdrawiam.
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