The city is considered one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in Greece, located on the northern coast of Crete, Greece, 70 km west of Rethymno, and 145 km west of the island’s capital Heraklion. Chania is the site of the Minoan Kydonia, followed by the Byzantines, the Venetians, and the Ottoman Turks which have fortified the city and have built many of its period and important buildings. During the 19th and 20th centuries the city became more cosmopolitan, being a crossroad of west and east.
Chania is divided into the old town and the larger modern city, with the 14th century Venetian harbor and promenade, being its important part around which the urban area was developed. The old town is within the mostly destroyed Venetian wall, with its central Kasteli district located on a small hill near the sea front.
The main square of the old town, Eleftherios Venizelos Square and its surroundings, is where most of the tourist’s attractions are concentrated. On the west side of the square lies the Topanas district, one of the city’s nightlife center, with its numerous narrow alleys, old buildings, hotels, restaurants, small shops, and bars.
The best way to enjoy this beautiful old city is to wander around its waterfront and harbor and stroll the maze of cobbled narrow old alleys. In the Kasteli and Topanas districts, enjoy the small shops selling local products, restaurants and cafes. Continue to the Splantzia District, and the vibrant area infront of the Church of St Nicolas and continue to the beautiful and full of atmosphere indoor Municipal Market with numerous stalls and traditional small shops selling food produce and local Crete products.
In Chalides Street, visit the 14th century Aghios Fragkiskos church home to the Archeological Museum of Chania. Walk the harbor promenade with its seafood restaurants and cafes, explore the 15th – 16th centuries Venetian Arsenals buildings where ships were repaired, and continue all the way to the 16th century Lighthouse from which you will enjoy the old town and port views. While in the harbor visit the Maritime Museum in the Firkas Fortress, and at the east end visit the reconstructed 15th century Minoan ship in the 17th century Moro Docks.
Chania Old Town
Square and Cathedral
Old Port
Chania is a paradise for food and wine lovers, and a great place to shop for Crete products uniquely handcrafted. Visit Skridlof Street to admire the local art of Cretan boot-making and other local leather goods.
The city of Chania is surrounded by numerous beautiful attractions, great beaches, interesting monasteries, authentic villages, overwhelming landscapes, and great nature attractions.
TheTjoy.com recommends exploiting what the town’s surroundings has to offer including;
- Enjoy and relax in one of Chania Beaches, visit one or more of the Monasteries around Chania, and hike the beautiful Samaria Canyon, or the Imbros Canyon.
- Enjoy the mountainous landscapes driving the road heading south to Therissos and Zourva for 22 km and back to Chania through Meskla.
- Visit the famous and overwhelming beaches and lagoons of Falasarna Beach, Balos Lagoon, and Elafonissi beach in the southwest, and on the way, visit the northwestern mountainous peninsulas of Rodopos and Garmvousato, to enjoy beautiful landscapes, stunning coastline and secluded coves and Blue Lagoons.
- Take a boat trip from Chania or Kissamos harbors to Gramvousa Island Beach, to Balos Lagoon, and to Elafonissi beach.
Drive south east to the beautiful Lake Kournas, visit the nearby village of Argiroupoli, and enjoy the beautiful beach and village of Georgioupoli.
We would recommend at least one day visit to this charming town, enjoy and relax in one of its beaches, and to have some day trips to the surrounding attractions. Arriving to Chania will be either by plain to Akrotiri international airport, 15 km northeast of Chania, or by using the daily ferry from Athens’ Piraeus to the Port of Souda, 7 km southeast of town.
