Chania, Crete
ΧΑΝΙΑ

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“Crete 2013: Chania” by Rev Stan is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Western Crete is home to Chania and Rethymnon, two cities that boast of having deep culture and Crete's loveliest beaches. Crete is a tourist hub, and rightfully so. It combines natural wonders with plenty of industry to accommodate the tourist's desires to shop, eat, relax, and learn, all at once. Delight in the family-run tavernas that supply the hungry visitor with meat like lamb and pork, fresh fish, and a multitude of specialty cheeses and wines. However, Crete's landscape is probably its biggest asset. Its coastline has earned it the nickname Big Blue.

Cretans enjoy the water that surrounds them, as do tourists. A favorite sport at most any beach is windsurfing, and rentals are normally available. Much of the terrain on Crete is rough, but this can also make for a nice challenge if you are a hiker, biker, or nature enthusiast. For those less physically inclined, Crete offers plenty of museums and unique activities that will allow you to take it easy and enjoy. Regardless of your interests, Crete is sure to inspire awe with its rich history and modern splendor. 

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​​How to Get There
Search for and book a flight to Chania via a number of reliable airlines, including Lufthansa and Eurowings.  To easily book your ferry tickets online to Crete or any other Greek islands, go to Direct Ferries now! To search for and book a car rental among the most reputable car rental companies so that you may visit Chania, and the surrounding area, visit Discover Cars.  

​Where to Stay
Visit trivago for flight+hotel packages to Chania. Click here for a Full-Day Tour from Chania to Samaria Gorge  and hike this most famous gorge of Crete, visit the fisher village of Agia Roumeli and enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea. For holidays in Chania and other places in Greece, visit TUI. For accommodation in or around Chania, visit Booking.com now!

“Streets of Chania” by Romtomtom is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Chania can be divided in two parts: the old town and the modern city which is the larger one. The old town is situated next to the old harbor and is the matrix around which the whole urban area was developed. It used to be surrounded by the old Venetian fortifications, of which, only the eastern and western parts have survived. From the south, the old town adjoins the new, and from the north it borders with the sea. The center of the modern city is the area extends to the old town, especially towards the south. The central part of the old town is named Kasteli and has been inhabited since Neolithic times. It is located on a small hill right next to the seafront and has always been the ideal place for a settlement due to its secure position. Nowadays it is a bit more quiet than the neighboring areas of the west part of the district. The Splantzia quarter (to the east of Kasteli) is also largely untouched. 

Eleftherios Venizelos Square, also known as Syntrivani, is the main square of the Old Town and the heart of most touristic activities in the area. Next to this (on the west) lies the Topanas district, which was the Christian quarter during the Ottoman period. The Jewish quarter (Evraiki  or Ovraiki) was located at the north-west of the Old Town, behind the harbor and within the borders of Topanas. The Topanas area has many narrow alleys and old buildings, some of which have been restored as hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. This makes it a popular place especially during the high season (April–October).

​Finally, a very distinctive area of the Old Town is the port itself and generally the seafront ("akti"). Akti Tompazi, Akti Kountouriotou and Akti Enoseos all feature several historical buildings and a nightlife district. The main street that combines the modern town with the old town is Halidon Street.

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Should you be able to arrange your own itinerary, make sure to visit the picturesque village of Vamos, located 25 km from Chania, at the foothills of the White Mountains. It is said that Vamos’ first inhabitants were Saracen pirates in the 8th c. AD. During the second half of the 19th c. and the Turkish domination, Vamos became headquarters of the Turkish army and was designated as the capital of the province of Sfakia, due to its strategic position. During this period, the village experienced great development, as important public works were made and public buildings with neoclassical elements were built. During the Cretan revolutions in 1866 and 1896, bloody battles took place, while in the latter Turks fled and the rebels burned the most important buildings in the area, among them the old Girls' School. Nowadays, most of the houses and buildings of the village have been restored and renovated, preserving the elements of both folk and neoclassical architecture, so that Vamos is one of the most attractive destinations of the area while the architectural heritage is well-preserved here. The houses have been built with local materials, such as stone and wood, and maintain their traditional character. Nearby beaches include Almirida, Georgioupoli and Kalivaki beach, Kalyves, Kera, Kiani Akti, and Ombrosgialos. For your accommodation, we strongly recommend you check with Fabrica Farm and Houses. On Main Street, look for Sterna of Bloumosifis, one of the best traditional eateries in the area! Enjoy!

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Olive Picking & Olive oil making $55.67 Starting at the village of Vamos, follow Manolis, up to the village of Paidochori, to his own ancient olive grove. The nets are neatly spread under the trees and then picking starts, with a so-called olive comb. The old way of harvesting has no environmental footprint. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, a cup of coffee and a delicious picnic with pure Cretan flavors. Following the picking, Manolis will demonstrate tips on how to prepare our own tasteful olives. Get to try the freshest organic olive oil! We will take a litre of fresh organic extra virgin olive oil and a cup of olives with us to enjoy at home.

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1664 map of Chania, by Ioannes Peeters.

​Weaving a tapestry of awe and wonder, the town of Chania is a centuries-old mix of Minoan myths, well-preserved Venetian monuments and mansions, a mesmerizing Old Town complete with labyrinthine passageways, and atmospheric Kastelli Hill, once the site of a Roman acropolis. Chania is also known as a gateway to the breathtaking 4,000 year-old Minoan ruins at Knossos, home of the legendary King Minos and the part man and part bull known creature as the Minotaur. Make sure to visit the New Archaeological Museum of Chania!

​And around every corner of this idyllic area you'll find picturesque villages, breathtaking views and architectural wonders that will remain with you for a lifetime. Chania is the birthplace of my own father, who, alas, became an orphan at the very tender age of 5, and left his hometown. Thus, there is no family property, not even immediate relatives to connect me with this wonderful town, the crossroads of so many cultures over the ages...

The port of Chania. January 2018. Photo credit: Annika Barbarigos.

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