The prefecture of Chania is located in the northwest of Crete and there you will find some of the most beautiful places on the island to enjoy your vacation.
Idyllic beaches, unspoiled nature, imposing gorges and long history compose the mosaic of this beautiful place worth discovering.
The city of Chania is considered the most picturesque of Crete as you travel through time strolling in the Venetian port with the Egyptian lighthouse and taking a walk in the old town with its traditional architecture and Ottoman and Venetian monuments.
The alleys of the Old Town look like a labyrinth while on the right and left there are Venetian houses, fountains and impressive temples.
Go through the Jewish quarter, the Turkish neighborhood, Topanas and let the aura of the city captivate you.
The harbors at the port, Kum Kapi and Splantzia are some of the most important attractions.
In the historic Halepa, a suburb of Chania, admire the neoclassical villas with the well-kept gardens and visit the house of El. Venizelou.
Do not forget to take your walks in the Municipal Market and taste exquisite local delicacies in the local taverns and restaurants.
For a taste of history visit the Archaeological, Historical and Naval Museum of the city.
In the prefecture of Chania you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
What to say about Balos, the impressive beach with turquoise waters, white sand and exotic wild beauty.
Take a boat or follow the path and we are sure that the view will compensate you.
The tropical Falassarna with the riveting sunset and the turquoise waters, Elafonissi which is considered the Caribbean of Greece, Frangokastelo with the Venetian castle, Iligas with the gray pebbles and Kedrodasos, the secluded natural beach with the sun.
The reason for the excursion is Gramvousa, the uninhabited island that you can visit by boat. There you will find clear blue waters, a ruined fortress and the wreck of a ship near the shore.
Our favorite is Seitan Ports. Follow the inaccessible path and reach the wonderful bay with the vertical rocks that create the illusion that you are swimming in a lake. The list does not end here as in Chania you can enjoy the sea on over 90 beaches!
Activities
- The most special experience in Chania is hidden in the magic of nature.
The Samaria Gorge is considered one of the top hiking destinations in Europe and awe-inspiring anyone who tries to cross it.
Rivers, abandoned villages, chapels, wooden bridges, imposing the rocks and Cretan kri-kri (kids) compose a magical setting that deserves any hassle.
- In Chania you will find a variety of activities on land and at sea.
Hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering and climbing but also water sports for all tastes are waiting for you to explore the impressive natural wealth of Chania.
Sights
- To get to know the traditions of Chania and to live an authentic experience of Crete, visit the villages of Apokoronas.
In the 34 villages located below the White Mountains you will find hospitable inhabitants, picturesque houses, old olive mills, delicious food and wonderful nature. Do not miss to pass through Fres, Vamos, Douliana and Vrises.
You will also find villages with natural beauty and rich cultural tradition in Kissamos, Sfakia, Selino and Kydonia.
- Visit the islet of Souda at the entrance of the Great Gulf. Despite its small size, it hides a great history as it was very often a target of conquerors but also a refuge during the Cretan Revolution.
There you will find many monuments such as the Fortezza that will take you back in time.
- For an excursion in the city of Chania, take a walk in the Municipal Garden and admire the Clock, one of the most characteristic monuments of the area.
- In the Old Port you will be impressed with the Venetian Neoria of the 16th century. who stand proudly to this day.
- In the city of Chania you will find a variety of architectural monuments.
The Giali Mosque, the Governor’s Office, the Venizelio Conservatory, the gate of the Renier Palace and the Turkish baths are some of them.
- If you are impressed by the industrial heritage then do not miss to take a walk from Tabakaria, east of Chania. This district was from the 19th century. tannery center.
- In the old city of Chania was located perhaps the third largest Minoan city, Kydonia. In some parts of the city you can admire the ancient ruins.
Southeast of the Gulf of Souda is one of the most important city-states of antiquity, ancient Aptera. Its wall survives to this day in a length of four kilometers.
In the archeological site of Aptera you will find the ruins of a temple, vaulted Roman tanks and a theater while the findings of the excavation are kept in the Archaeological Museum of Chania.
- A taste of the history and culture of Chania can be found in the countless museums of the area.
Visit the New Archaeological Museum, the Gallery of Chania, the Naval Museum and the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection of Chania, as well as the smaller folklore museums that you will find on the outskirts of the city.
Crete is a paradise of flavors, aromas and senses! In Chania you will find a small oasis of gastronomy!
Try eggs with staka, goat with stamnagathi, dako with fresh ingredients, fluffy Hanioti patties and snails boubouristos!
Local cheeses, such as sheep gruyere and cream cheese Sfakion, with their full and rich taste will drive you crazy.
If you find it, definitely choose to accompany your meals with fresh herbs such as stamnagathi and local pastries.
Do not forget to taste the Chania wedding rice with stakobutter but also flavors from the sea such as urchin salad and kakkavia.
And if you want to get an idea from the “nectar” of Crete, drink Marouva, the red wine with the intoxicating taste produced in the Cretan vineyards and close your meal with frozen tsikoudia!
