During the Revolution of 1821, Sfakia was one of the first areas of Crete to revolt against the Ottomans. The geomorphology of the area, with its rugged mountains and steep gorges, offered shelter to the revolutionaries and facilitated the organisation of the resistance. The Sfakians were known for their fighting spirit and liberal mentality. To organise the struggle, the Sfakia Chancellery, a kind of local government with political and administrative functions, was established. It was a pioneering system that coordinated the struggles and maintained order in the region, demonstrating the political maturity of the revolutionary Cretans.

The most emblematic moment of the revolution in Sfakia was the Battle of Fragokastello in 1828. Hadjimichalis Dalianis, a chieftain from Roumeli, landed in Sfakia with men to reinforce the struggle in Crete and fortified himself in the Venetian castle. The Ottomans attacked with superior forces and, after a heroic defence, Dalianis was killed along with many of his comrades-in-arms. Legend has it that every May, at dawn, shadows of armed men appear walking towards the castle - the famous “Drosulites”. This battle has gone down in history as a symbol of self-sacrifice and bravery.