Guide to Chania

Chania is arguably the prettiest town on the island of crete, and the capital of the western half of the island. With its Venetian harbour, the old port, narrow cobbled shopping streets with interesting boutiques and waterfront restaurants, it is certainly hard to beat.

Founded on the site of an old Minoan settlement, Chania has been occupied by the Romans, Venetians and Turks with each civilization leaving its mark. More recently, during the second world war, Chania was occupied by German forces and part of the city was bombed. By the 1970’s Crete was becoming a popular tourist destination and the capital of Crete was moved to Heraklion in 1971.

At the borders of the Old Town are what is left of the original Venetian wall. The main Eleftherios Venizelos Square sits at its heart, and is a delightful place to begin a wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways. Explore the old buildings, museums, historic churches and craft shops which can be found around each corner. One of the most prominent buildings here is the cross-shaped market, finished in 1915. An impressive architectural achievement, the covered market is popular with both locals and tourists and has a wide selection of freshly caught fish, tasty meat and locally produced fruit and vegetables. For those interested in a little culture, there is an Archaeological museum and a Maritime Museum which are both worth a visit.

The modern city is a noisy, bustling, cosmopolitan place with great shopping, pleasant cafes and good quality restaurants. A crescent of cafes and tavernas line the outer harbour and overlook the water, and set against the backdrop of the White Mountains, is a very pleasant place to spend a little time. The harbour is a wonderful place to visit either during the day or at night, and is the base place to view the old Venetian and Turkish architecture.

Walking distance from the centre of Chania is Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) named for its bright golden sand. Consisting of three soft sandy beaches, Chrissi Akti has clear and shallow waters which are popular with families with small children. It is also well served in the immediate vicinity by shops and bars, has sunloungers and umbrellas available and a lifeguard during the height of the season. A little further along the coast is Kalatha on the edge of the peninsular which is another pretty bay. Drive a little further along the coast and you will discover some of Crete’s prettiest beaches, including Stavros where ‘Zorba the Greek’ was filmed.

Usefully served by an international airport with year round flights, Chania is easy to reach and is also ideally situated to explore some of ‘inner Crete’ in the mountain villages which surround the town on the coast.

Villas to go recommended beaches near Chania

Chrissi Akti means Golden Beach, and comes from the incredible colour of the sand on this beautiful beach. Located at a walking distance from the city of Chania, it consists of three soft sandy beaches with clear, shallow waters, particularly safe for children. One of the beaches has a children’s play area and all have various facilities, such as water sports, and umbrellas and sun beds for hire.

Stavros – The film set of ‘Zorba the Greek’. A protected sandy bay at the end of a peninsular with fine white sand and clean azure water. (10km – 30 minute drive)

Almyrida – White sand shelves gently into shallow water making it a popular place to take young children. (20km – ½ hour drive)

Take time to go…

Take a horse-drawn carriage around the old town of Chania – the prettiest on the island – and soak up the historic architecture and archaeological sites.

Visit the ‘Agora’ – the impressive covered market for some fresh good quality meat and fish, or locally produced vegetables. The market is a popular place, so make sure you set out early!

Join with the locals and take a ‘volta’, or early evening stroll with no particular destination or objective in mind. Wandering around on foot is one of the best ways to appreciate the city.

Take in a shore-side taverna at Chania’s Venetian harbour and feast on freshly caught fish, the finest Mediterranean vegetables and locally produced wine while the sun goes down.

Further afield...

To King Minos’ Palace at Knossos where Theseus found his way through the labyrinth to slay The Minotaur, a legendary beast half-man and half-bull.

Visit Rethymnon’s Renaissance Festival in July/August for folk music and traditional Greek dramas or try the Wine Festival in the public gardens – a riot of music, dancing and sampling the local brew!

Cruise along the western coastline on a pirate ship – view caves, fish and take a swim. Or go in search of dolphins… stopping for a spot of lunch along the way. Cruises depart from Rethymnon harbour.

Take a hike around the island – visit the famous Samaria Gorge and take in the breathtaking scenery, or try one of the other numerous gorges on the island.