Chania, Crete
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 | Private Food Tasting Tour in Chania $96.48 A cultural tour that uses food and wine as a means of getting to know and having an experience of the local traditions, the authentic people, the history, and the modern lifestyle of Crete. You will be guided around the city of Chania and learn about the Cretan food culture over tasting Alatsoelies (salted olives) with various sheep cheeses, the famous Cretan yogurt with or without thyme honey, traditional sweets and pastries along with the local mountain tea herb, and a vegetarian souvlaki with various mushrooms and Halloumi cheese. |
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!
 | Olive Picking & Olive oil making $55.67 Starting at the Vamos Tourist Office, follow Manolis, up to the village of Paidochori, to the ancient olive grove he owns. 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 in the grove with pure Cretan flavors. After the picking is done, Manolis will demonstrate tips on how to prepare our own tasteful olives. We 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. |
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.
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...
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...
 | Gramvousa Balos Tour from Chania $36.18 The island of Imeri Gramvousa is located 20km northwest of Kissamos, and 2 miles northwest of the famous lagoon of Balos. Gramvoussa is known for its historical Venetian fortress which stands at 137m over the beach. A legend tells that there is a great treasure buried in the island. Also, the old wreck that was abandoned many years ago near the beach, has become an characteristic part of the landscape. A great trip for any Chania visitor is the mini-cruise to Gamvousa and Balos! On board and throughout the journey, enjoy your meal in the self-service restaurants of the ship, where traditional Cretan dishes are being offered. |
Offering views of the old port and the lighthouse, Domus Renier Boutique Hotel - Historic Hotels Worldwide is situated in Chania Town, in the heart of the old Venetian Harbor, 100 m from the Maritime Museum Of Chania. Each room at this hotel has AC and is equipped with a smart flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Some units feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a coffee machine in the room. All rooms have a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bath robes and slippers. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. A traditional breakfast with Cretan products is offered. Guests can relax at the lobby area. The hotel also offers bikes and cars for hire. The Archaeological Museum of Chania is 200 m from Domus Renier, while Municipal Art Gallery of Chania is 200 m from the property. In 2018, Domus Renier Boutique Hotel was voted best European Historic Hotel by «Historic Hotels Worldwide®», a global community representing more than 300 historic hotels in 43 countries!
The port of Chania. January 2018. Photo credit: Annika Barbarigos.
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