Chania

Chania is the second most popular city and is located in the northwest part of Crete island. Narrow streets with waterfront restaurants, a venetian harbour, family-friendly exotic beaches, the old town and delicious Cretan cuisine make Chania one of the most desirable places to stay in Crete.

The best thing to do in Chania is get lost in the backstreets of the city lined with elegant mediaeval-style Venetian houses and filled with jasmine and bougainvillaea. The city has an authentic character with vernacular architecture and cultural venues like the Egyptian lighthouse, magnificent Venetian boatyards, and a landmark mosque.

Hiking gorgeous gorges and mountains, taking leisure strolls along dazzling white sand beaches, and visiting beautiful museums and monasteries are some of the popular things to do. Some beautiful and unforgettable drives for exploring the Chania region include a drive to Sfakia, Akrotiri Peninsula, and Agios Apostoloi.

Chania, also the capital of the Chania regional unit, is divided into old and new towns. Dwelled within a partially ruined old Venetian fortress, the old town’s most significant area is its historical centre which includes some parts of Turkish and Jewish quarters along with Venetian harbour. It comprises the Venetian castle, mosque, synagogue and a few museums. There are numerous shops that sell souvenirs, scarves, art pieces, and other local items in the back alleys of the Chania old town. The new town or the modern city of Chania is a residential area less traditional than the old one. Although there are some historically significant sites and buildings in quarters like Chalepa, all the new quarters, including Nea Chora, Koum Kapi and Tabakaria, have shops where one can find hiking and other adventure essentials. All the beaches are spectacular and are quite close to the old town.