Falassarna Archaeological Site

Falassarna Archaeological Site plays an important part in ancient Crete. Even though the excavation has not yet been completed, there are a few historical sites that are worth visiting that are dispersed throughout Falassarna Archaeological Site. Falassarna Archaeological Site was explored in the late 19th century by British travellers. The exploration has led to the discovery of the harbour and the ruin of the ancient city. In order to clean the site and promote the Falassarna Archaeological Site, the local Ephorate of Antiquities and the Ministry of Culture started excavations in 1986. Falassarna Archaeological Site includes the harbour, the acropolis, and the cemeteries of the ancient Falassarna city. Falassarna Archaeological Site is located in Falassarna, Greece. Falassarna Archaeological Site’s entrance is not far north of Falassarna Beach. The Archaeological Site of Falassarna is at the west end of Crete. When British travellers first arrived at the ruins of the city and the port at the end of the 19th century, Falassarna’s modern history officially began. The first excavation started in 1966, but regular excavation activity didn’t start until the 20th century’s end.

Falassarna Archaeological Site contributes a significant amount to Crete Tourism. The tourist does not need to pay an admission fee. Falassarna Archaeological Site. However, Falassarna Archaeological Site attracts a number of tourists to the site, contributing to the general tourism of Crete. Although many visitors come for the sun, sea, and sand, there is much more to do in Crete than what is usually included in holiday packages, such as visiting Falassarna Archaeological Site for a historic experience. More than 5 million tourists arrived in Crete in 2018, accounting for nearly one-sixth of all visitors to Greece, and 20% of all tourism-related revenue was earned there. The ancient city of Falassarna, in which the Falassarna Archaeological Site is located, was a significant trading hub. Falassarna Archaeological Site is a standout stop for exploring Crete Historical Sites, Landmarks, and Points of Interest itinerary as well. Falassarna Archaeological Site also has an adjacent tourist destination. For a more exclusive, organised, and time-worthy exploration on the island of Crete especially when visiting archaeological sites, a car rental in Crete is the best option. It will give you ample time to reflect and understand the culture, and appreciate the artefacts, and the history of the place.

Falassarna Archaeological Site

What is the history of the Falassarna Archaeological Site?

Falassarna Archaeological Site was explored in the late 19th century by British travellers. The exploration has led to the discovery of the harbour and the ruin of the ancient city. Although graves from the 6th century BC attest to an Archaic settlement and shards on the surrounding slopes and in the harbour silt indicate that the site was inhabited as early as the Middle Minoan period. The ancient city of Falassarna flourished from the second half of the 4th century BC to the middle of the first century BC. In order to clean the site and promote the Falassarna Archaeological Site, the local Ephorate of Antiquities and the Ministry of Culture started excavations in 1986. Falassarna Archaeological Site includes the harbour, the acropolis, and the cemeteries of the ancient Falassarna city.

Where is Falassarna Archaeological Site located?

Falassarna Archaeological Site is located in Falassarna, Crete, Greece. Falassarna Archaeological Site’s entrance is not far north of Falassarna Beach. The Archaeological Site of Falassarna is at the west end of Crete. On the west coast of Crete, Falassarna is situated 12 kilometres west of Kissamos and 59 kilometres west of Chania. Because of its breathtaking beaches and its ethereally beautiful turquoise sea, and historic archaeological site, it has attracted thousands of tourists from all over the world. Falassarna Archaeological Site has free admission, thus, there is no reason to skip visiting the historic site of Falassarna Archaeological Site.

How did the Falassarna Archaeological Site excavation go?

When British travellers first arrived at the ruins of the city and the port at the end of the 19th century, Falassarna’s modern history officially began. The first excavation started in 1966, but regular excavation activity didn’t start until the 20th century’s end. With the assistance of neighbourhood organisations, the Greek Ministry of Culture started to clean up the area and conduct archaeological work in 1986. Up till now, the excavation was progressing, progressively exposing more and more of the former city and port. Two fresh fragments have been processed and cleaned from what was observed by scientists and archaeologists in April 2016. The acropolis’ ruins have so far been found, and in addition to the port, workshops have also uncovered two basins and two of the four-port towers that were constructed in 350 BC. Unquestionably, the southern port tower is better preserved.

Old Cave in Falassarna Archaeological Site

What is the contribution of Falassarna Archaeological Site to Crete Tourism?

Falassarna Archaeological Site contributes a significant amount to Crete Tourism. The tourist does not need to pay an admission fee. Falassarna Archaeological Site. However, Falassarna Archaeological Site attracts a number of tourists to the site, contributing to the general tourism of Crete. Greece’s largest island, Crete, is a diverse and energetic place full of historic sites, bustling cities, and gorgeous coastlines. Although many visitors come for the sun, sea, and sand, there is much more to do in Crete than what is usually included in vacation packages, such as visiting Falassarna Archaeological Site for a historic experience. More than 5 million tourists arrived in Crete in 2018, accounting for nearly one-sixth of all visitors to Greece, and 20% of all tourism-related revenue was earned there. Following the threat of COVID-19, the number of tourist visits not just to the Falassarna Archaeological Site but on the island of Crete has significantly slowed down. Thus, Covid-19 has affected the tourism industry, but countries and travel destinations are slowly opening and operating with the maximum safety possible to revive tourism.

Falassarna Archaeological Site

What are the nearby attractions in Falassarna Archaeological Site?

The ancient city of Falassarna, in which the Falassarna Archaeological Site is located, was a significant trading hub. On its own coins, a woman’s image and initials (FA) between the prongs of a trident, a symbol of the region, are depicted on opposite sides. Falassarna encompassed the promontory and the slope of the acropolis above the harbour in ancient times. Falassarna Archaeological Site is a standout stop for exploring Crete Historical Sites, Landmarks, Points of Interest itinerary as well. Falassarna Archaeological Site also has an adjacent tourist destination.

Listed below are the nearby attractions in the Falassarna Archaeological Site.

  • Falassarna Beach: At the western tip of the peninsula Gramvousa, 59 kilometres west of Chania city and nearly 17 kilometres west of Kissamos, is the exotic beach of Falassarna. The ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Falassarna are located at the northern end of the beach. Some of the well-known beaches in Greece may be found in Falassarna Bay, which has previously been named the best beach in Crete and one of the top ten beaches in all of Europe. Falassarna Beach is a huge area with five continuous beaches; the two closest to the centre are the most well-liked. The water in Falassarna has a tropical hue due to the whiteness of the beach. In fact, the beach and its blue waves will mesmerise you if you are fortunate enough to visit on a day when the wind isn’t from the west.
  • Viglia Beach: Viglia Beach is 38 kilometres west of Chania and 3 kilometres northwest of Kissamos town. The beach begins at the “Madonna of the Harbour” (Panagia) church close to Kissamos port and stretches for two kilometres along a shoreline with coves up to Kaliviani to the west. The main beach in Viglia has an almost semicircular shape, coarse sand, and clear water. The sand is occasionally broken up by a few pebbles and rocks. Viglia Beach is a good family destination in west Crete.
  • Church of Saint John the Hermit in Falassarna: The vast church of Saint John Xenos, also known as the Hermit, is situated in Kavousi, close to the village of Platanos, and offers a breathtaking perspective of the rich Falassarna Valley. According to local legend, Saint John the Hermit was interred in the chapel’s tomb, but his remains were eventually transferred to Corfu and the church of Ai-Kyr Yannis in Tsourouniana. According to legend, Saint John arrived here after a protracted journey through several regions of Crete, where he established numerous hermitages, and died here in 1031 AD. Saint Eustathius has a second aisle in the temple that is devoted to the saint. Parts of frescoes from the 11th to the 14th centuries can be seen within, mostly showing scenes from Saint John the Hermit’s life.

Falassarna beach

How to get to Falassarna Archaeological Site from Chania?

Chania is 59 kilometres away from Falassarna Archaeological Site. From Chania, you can get to Falassarna Archaeological Site by taking the National Road from Chania to Kissamos. After reaching Kissamos, continue to Platanos and follow the signs to Falassarna. When you get to the hill above Falassarna, the three-kilometre beach will be stretched out at your feet. Be careful when driving, especially at night or during the bustling peak season, as it is approximately 3 kilometres from the beach from the hill. Due to Falassarna’s high popularity, there are regular buses that travel from Chania and Kastelli to Falassarna, making it simple to reach even if you don’t have a vehicle. The travel approximately takes at least an hour by personal or rented car (51.7 kilometres) via the E65 route. The duration of travel may be dependent on how you travel. If you take the bus from Chania to get to Falassarna, it will take approximately 2 hours to complete the trip.

Can you rent a car to get to the Falassarna Archaeological Site?

Yes, renting a car is a necessity to get around Crete, especially when visiting Falassarna Archaeological Site. Renting a car when visiting Crete is an advantage to go around the island and maximise time. There are tourist destinations in Crete that public transportation does not stop at. Public transportation sometimes only stops at the nearest station to these attractions, so tourists take a taxi to take them to their destination. Thus, Car Rental Crete should be considered when planning to visit the island, especially when planning to go around different archaeological sites such as Falassarna Archaeological Site for a better experience, convenience, and appreciation of the destinations by travelling exclusively.

What are the factors to consider before renting a car in Crete?

There are buses and taxis available that tourists can use to travel around Crete. But another type of transportation is car rental, which is a more private mode of transportation. Car rental, most of the time, is a must when going around and travelling in Crete. Tourists need a car for them to be able to reach tourist destinations they wish to visit. There are different car rental companies that tourists can opt to rent their car in Crete during their stay, thus, it is advised to know How to Choose the Right Car to Rent in Crete.  It is a great option for those who want to have private transportation when going to their destination, especially during the pandemic.

Listed below are the things to consider before renting a car in Crete.

  • Insurance: Make sure that the car has insurance that will cover the damage that may be caused by any possible accidents.
  • Driver’s Age: To rent a car in Crete the driver should be at least over 21 years old and has a driving licence for about 12 months.
  • Driver’s Gender: Some tourists can be picky regarding who will be their driver. The gender of the driver is one of the things that tourists consider, as many people believe that men are better drivers than women. Both men and women can drive in Crete without any restrictions.
  • Car Type: There are different car types that are available to be rented. Each type caters to a different number of passengers and the amount of bags they can carry.
  • Documents: Other than having a driver’s licence, a credit or debit card is a must to rent a car. A card with the tourist’s name is needed to provide the rental car company guarantee.

How much does a car rental in Crete cost?

Crete Car Rental costs depend on how many days that car will be rented, the number of passengers, and the type of car that will be rented. Crete Car Rental for a week can cost around €250. Day trips and night trips in Crete will cost about €30 to €40. It can be used for a week with unlimited mileage and four-seaters. The rental cars are manual transmission, air-conditioned, and have four doors. The rented car should be returned to the company with the same amount of fuel as at the start of the trip to avoid charges.

Is car rental insurance required?

Yes, car rental insurance is required. You are liable for any damage you cause to a rented car if you don’t have insurance. The minimum liability insurance required by the car rental company is typically included with the cost of the rental. However, it does not cover damage to the vehicle that was caused by you. In actuality, whether it comes through the rental vehicle business, your car insurance, your credit card, or an independent insurer, you should have some sort of insurance on your rented car. Accidents do occur, and if you are uninsured or your insurance policy’s coverage limitations are exceeded, you may be stuck footing the price. Thus, car rental insurance coverage in Crete is highly required. Car Rental Crete offers an easy way of renting a vehicle. One just needs to check out their website and follow the procedures. When renting a car in Crete, it is advisable to note the important factors.