Chania is a wonderful place for vacation,located on the western end of the island of Crete.
Most of the prefecture is mountainous and has impressive natural beauty. The area includes the Lefka Ori mountain range with the gorge of Samaria and its National Park. The Samaria Gorge,is the longest in Europe (18 km).
The old town of Chania is built on the remains of the ancient town of Kydonia.It’s a romantic place with medieval mansions, that maintains unaltered all of its characteristics from the time of the Venetian rule up until today.
Within the old town area of renovated old houses is the Venetian harbour,the fort and the lighthouse.It is the most picturesque and famous spot of the town.
The beautiful harbour area offers to visitors many traditional taverns and shops as well as international restaurants,cafes, lively bars, clubs and pubs.
Other areas of chania prefecture
The port of Souda.The town is located in the large gulf of the Akrotiri peninsula.Here,you can see the Fort built by the Venetians in 1205 to protect the area from pirate invasions.
Kalives,a small picturesque village is located at the entrance to the gulf of Souda.
Kournas, a village that overlooks the largest natural lake of the island surrounded by green countryside.
Platanias is a resort village 11 km from Chania with long sandy beach.
Sfakia is a famous area of chania with a rich history,wild natural beauty with the gorges of Samaria.Also,there is a 15th century fort, the Monastery of the Thymniani Madonna and the Daskaloyianni Cave.The chora of Sfakia is a beautiful traditional village, 75 km south east of Chania
Paleohora was an old fishing village 74 km from Chania, however today has become a popular seaside resort thanks to its sandy beach with crystal clear waters. Historically Paleohora is built upon the ruins of the ancient town of Kalamidi.Also you can see the ruins of the Venetian Selino Castelli.
Gavdos island is the southernmost point of Europe,is a popular destination for visitors thanks to its natural beauty and golden sandy beaches.
Beaches
In Chania there are many beautiful beaches with soft sand or pebbles.Some of the most popular are:
The sundy beach of the seaside village Agia Marina.
The magical Balos Beach in the peninsula of Gramvoussa.
The Falasarna Beach is included in the list of the most beautiful in Europe.
Georgioupoli is a seaside resort town with a sandy beach.
The islet of Elafonissi is located at the south-western end of the island of Crete. The white sandy beach has shallow crystal clear waters.
The resort town of Paleohora has two organized beaches which have been awarded with the European Blue flag, one with fine sand and the other with large pebbles.
The scenic sandy beach of Frangokastello village beside the famous fort.
The beautiful beach of Sougia village.The beach has small pebbles and crystal clear deep waters.
Nightlife
You could call Chania the centre of nightlife in Crete island. Your choices are various and endless, from bars and clubs for the young people to traditional haunts that attract Cretans and eager tourists.
Worth to visit
Museums in Chania offering valuable historical and traditional exhibits.The most important of them are:
Archaeological Museum,the Historical Archive of Crete,the Nautical Museum,the War Museum,the Byzantium & late Byzantium Museum and the Folklore Museum.
Frangokastello Fortress
The fortress was built by the Venetians in 1371 to protect the cove from pirate attacks.Frangokastello is famous for the legend of «Drosoulites»,which are in fact ghosts of Greek warriors who were slaughtered while trying to defend the area against Turks.They are supposed to appear every year in May,very early in the morning, about 10 minutes after sunrise.
Monasteries
The Monastery of the Holy Trinity,the largest and most impressive on the island.During the Greek revolution in 1821 the monastery was destroyed by the Ottomans and it was rebuilt in 1854.
The Goubernetou Monastery is one of the oldest on the island. It was built by Catholic monks in 1537 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.The monastery was destroyed during the revolution of 1821, with many of the monks being killed. It was rebuilt in the 19th century
The Monastery of the Chrisoskalitsas Madonna is built on a rock with views overlooking the Libyan Sea.
The Gonias Monastery was built in the 9th century and is dedicated to Mary of Guidance.It has an exceptional Byzantine collection of icons.
The Chryssopigis Monastery is dedicated to the Madonna of the Life-giving Spring. It was founded in the 16th century.
How to get to Chania:
By plane from Athens or by ferry from the port of Piraeus.
Greek highlights 