Open left menu hanya. Chania (Chania, Chania) Map of Chania Crete

Chania's attractions are well worth attention - this is one of the most beautiful areas on the island of Crete. The unique location in the western part of the island is confirmed by its environmental friendliness, a large number of completely untouched beaches, beautiful landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.

Chania best attractions

As a special highlight of Chania, there are fascinating excursions around the Old Town and the Venetian harbor, an unusual trip to the Samaria Gorge (Samaria Gorge), which is located nearby in the White Mountains and has become the prototype for the filming of many adventure films. It requires tourists to spend a whole day.

In the suburbs of Chania there are colorful Greek villages where you can have a delicious lunch and have a nice chat with the local, very friendly residents.

What to see in Chania

Old town of Chania

The development of the Old Town is considered one of the most attractive in Greece. People come here to wander through the narrow stone streets, remembering the creaking of the shoes of the Venetians, buy some souvenirs as a gift, enjoy traditional Greek food, and then stroll to the Venetian harbor, look at the old city lighthouse, look into the Maritime Museum of Crete and sit down at one of the tables of a local tavern for dinner - try the food of Crete...

Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is located in Samaria National Park in the White Mountains. Its length is approximately 18 kilometers, and the width between the mountain peaks ranges from 3.5 to 300 meters. The area of the gorge is 4850 hectares. At the end of the famous Cretan landmark, facing directly to the sea, is the village of Agia Roumeli.

The modern name - Samaria Gorge - is derived from the Byzantine Church of St. Mary. Samaria opens for tours in early May, with the last visitors finishing their tours in October.

To travel along the local mountain trails, you need certain skills and some physical training, as well as comfortable shoes, fresh water, and a small food supply. Getting to know the gorge takes 4-7 hours.

Right along the travel route you can visit several ancient churches:

Church of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas) - it was erected on the site of an ancient temple built in honor of the ancient Greek Apollo (or Artemis)
Church of St. Mary of Egypt (XII-XIII centuries, one of the walls retains the inscription “1379”, frescoes decorating the interior are dated 1740)
Church of Hosea Maria (it was she who gave the name to the nearby village of Samaria and the Samaria Gorge)
Christ Church

Every year up to 200 thousand tourists visit the gorge on excursions.

Price for excursion to Samaria Gorge

The price of participation in a group excursion tour of the gorge is around 30 euros. If you want to walk on your own, be prepared to pay 5 euros for entry (children are free) and keep the ticket until the end of the trip to show it to the security (this is how they check whether all visitors left the gorge after the excursion, did they get lost?).

Time for organized excursions to the Samaria Gorge

The beginning of the excursions is the entrance to the gorge, Ksiloskalo: 6.15, 7.45, 8.45.
The end of the excursions is the exit from the gorge, Agia Roumeli and then by ferry to Chora Sfakion - at 17.30 (ferry departure by sea).

Don't be late, otherwise you'll have to spend the night in the gorge!

Return from Chora Sfakion to Chania - at 18.30 (by bus).
Return from Agia Roumeli to Sougia (by sea by ferry) - at 17.30.
Return from Sougia to Chania - at 18.15 (by bus).

If you need more information, you can call the excursion service of the Samaria National Park (KTEL Chanion) - 28210 - 93052.

Address: Old National Road Chanion-Kissamou, Agioi Apostoloi (opposite Lidl supermarket), Chania, Tel. +30 28210 45570.

Lake Kournas

Lake Kournas (another name is Kournas, Greek λίμνη Κουρνά)) is the only freshwater lake on the island of Crete. It must be looked for on the eastern slopes of the Lefka Ori mountain range (White Mountains), about 50 km southeast of the city of Chania. Landmark - the town of Georgioupoli.

The area of the lake is about 58 hectares, its depth is up to 23 m, the perimeter of the water surface is approximately 3.5 km. Fresh water into the lake comes from streams coming down from the nearby mountains and hills.

A walk along the lake is an ideal pastime if you are traveling in Crete with children. There are small restaurants near the lake, where you must order local delicacies - apaki (smoked pork), swimmers can refresh themselves in the cool lake fresh water - it has its own beach, active travelers are offered a ride on a pedalo or a catamaran (price 7 euros), paragliding, diving on the lake, and for fauna lovers, feeding the local ducks and geese.

Near the lake there are also souvenir shops where people usually buy traditional Greek products from local pottery craftsmen. 4 km to the south lies the picturesque village of Kournas, where you can also visit.

Lake Kournas how to get there

The distance that will have to be covered to get to know the lake: Chania - Lake Kournas - 45 km, from Rethymno - 20 km.

By car

The easiest way to get to the lake is by rented car. Take the main highway from Rethymnon along the coast, near the town of Georgioupoli (road E75) and turn away from the sea. In the village of Kournas of the same name, you should leave your car in the parking lot and walk down to the attraction.

By bus

Buses from Rethymno to Georgioupoli run from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Ticket price is about 5 euros. Next 7 km of the path will need to be covered either on foot or by taxi (price approx. 10 euros).

Another option is pleasure trains from Georgioupoli to the village of Kournas, they run every half hour. Well, and of course, the safest thing is to book a guided tour on a comfortable bus, which will take you to an extraordinary place and then comfortably deliver you back to your hotel. You can book an excursion online using the service below:

Balos Beach and Bay

Balos is one of the most famous attractions of Crete; its photogenic nature is known to many photographers who publish pictures in glossy magazines. This is understandable - where else can you see a beach with pink sand?!

Balos how to get there

The easiest way, of course, is again with a rented car. For the trip, take a four-wheel drive option, since the road to the beach is quite bumpy, covered with numerous boulders and stone obstacles. Further along the route, you will need to overcome a mountain descent on foot in order to end up on the beach.

Another option is to take advantage of the cruise ships departing from Kissamos Marina. This will give you the opportunity not only to see the pink beach of Balos, but also to visit the Venetian fortress on one of the Gramvousa islands.

Loutro

The picturesque, isolated from the whole world by a mountain range, the small village of Loutro is located south of the city of Chania, on the coast of the Libyan Sea.

During the high season - in August - Loutro is crowded with travelers and beachgoers who want to visit the outlandish Cretan pearl. The picturesque landscapes of the village are complemented by the comfortable services of local inexpensive apartments, good home-made restaurants and cafes. In addition, here you can sunbathe on the local Loutro beach, or rent a boat and go to the beaches of Glika Nera or Marmara.

A small nuance - the village is very tiny in size, so there are no ATMs or pharmacies here, so take cash and necessary medications with you.

Loutro, Crete how to get there

The easiest way to get to Loutro is from the Cretan youth resort of Malia (northern Crete) - you can walk along the E4 highway (6 km), or you can take a boat (15 minutes on the way).

Another route to Loutro is through the Samaria Gorge, at the exit of which is the village of Agia Roumeli. Ferries from Chora Sfakon to Agia Roumeli stop at Loutro.

Ferry schedule from Chora Sfakion to Loutro

April 1 - October 31 - daily, 10:30, 13:00
from May 1 to October 14 - daily at 16:55
from June 1 to September 18 - daily, except Wednesdays - at 19:00

Ferry schedule from Loutro to Chora Sfakion

June 15 - September 18 - daily, 9:40
April 1 - October 31 - daily, 12:10
May 1 - October 14 - daily, 16:20
April 1 - April 30 - daily, 17:10
October 15 - October 31 - daily, 17:40
May 1 - October 14 - daily, 18:40

Tourists who choose to visit Chania will not regret their decision. This cozy town, although it does not have such a developed tourist infrastructure as many other resorts on the island of Crete, is rightfully an excellent place to relax. As for me, Chania is located in the most picturesque part of Crete. The local beaches, cypress forests and marvelous gorges can be counted among the must-see attractions of Greece. In addition, travelers have something to see in the city itself.

The city is conventionally divided into Old and New. Undoubtedly, the main attractions of Chania are concentrated in Old Town). Tourists can visit them on foot. This method is the most convenient for moving around the historical area. The thing is that in certain quarters of this part of Chania, cute Venetian-style houses are practically pressed against each other, creating narrow alleys. The width of some streets does not even reach a meter. However, this architectural feature gives the already mysterious city even more charm.

As for the attractions, you should go to the city bay for them. It makes a lasting impression in itself. Plus, on one side it is decorated with a medieval lighthouse, on the other side it is guarded by an Ottoman Firkas fortress . From the walls of the fortress, tourists can take beautiful photographs against the backdrop of the old port and seascape. Curious travelers can, if they wish, look into Maritime Museum , located right on the territory of the fortress. To be honest, this place will be of interest to the male half of tourists. The two-story museum building houses exhibits related to naval battles, ships and shipbuilding. One floor of the museum is occupied by models of ancient ships and finds from the depths of the sea. Climbing to the second floor, museum visitors plunge into the historical past of Crete. The thing is that tourists are presented with a detailed recreation of the Battle of the Island and an accurate model of the city of Chania itself in the 17th century with Venetian shipyards and a harbor.

Finding the Maritime Museum is very easy - right in front of it lies a huge anchor that is hard to miss. The museum is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00. Adults will have to pay 3 euros to view the exhibition; children are admitted to the museum for free.

As for the second attraction decorating the bay - lighthouse , then you will need to walk about 1.5 km along the embankment and pier to get there. True, for a small fee you can also get there by boat, but if time allows, why not take a walk. The lighthouse itself is small. In fact, it was built when the island was ruled by Egypt, and only the foundation remains of the Venetian lighthouse described in many guidebooks. But all these are trifles, the main thing is that the lighthouse of Chania looks graceful and offers an unforgettable view of the sea and the city.

In the harbor area you can find another monument beloved by tourists - Janissary Mosque . This structure with spherical domes can be seen in the photographs of all tourists who have visited Chania. You can only get inside the mosque itself if there is another art exhibition going on. Otherwise, the monument of Islamic architecture is closed to the public and you will not be able to look at its interior, decorated with paintings in the Turkish style. But don’t be too upset, after taking some beautiful photographs of an atypical mosque, you can take a carriage ride to a nearby attraction or have a bite to eat at one of the taverns.

The next point on your route may be Cathedral , which is located in a small area. From the bay to the cathedral you can walk along Khalidon Street. As for the cathedral, it is also called the Cathedral of the Three Martyrs. It was built on the site of an old church in the 19th century. The main decoration of the cathedral were religious paintings by Greek artists. However, despite its poor interior decoration, the cathedral plays a significant role in the life of the island. The fact is that the cathedral is associated with the feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is official for all of Crete and is celebrated on November 21. Tourists can explore the cathedral any day absolutely free.

Almost opposite the Cathedral of the Three Martyrs is city archaeological museum , in the building of which there had previously been a church, and even earlier a mosque. The museum's collection consists of unique ancient artifacts and finds. I really enjoyed the collection of Roman statues and figurines of fertility gods. Viewing the exhibition takes at most forty minutes, but during this time you can learn many interesting facts about the Minoan civilization and the period of Roman rule in Crete.

The museum is open for tourists on all days except Mondays from 8:30 to 15:00. The ticket costs only 2 euros.

You can take a little break from historical sights and at the same time visit an interesting place while visiting the famous Agora city market . Tourists come to this unusual market not only to shop, but also to get acquainted with local traditions and customs. The market building has a cruciform shape, made in the likeness of the covered market in Marseille. Each of the four exits from the market is focused strictly on a certain side of the world. Absolutely everything is sold at this bazaar, and most importantly, while walking through the market you can try unique homemade Cretan cuisine and purchase several varieties of olives and olive oil.

Relatively modern part of the city I can only say one thing - it is not rich in attractions. Mostly trendy cafes and restaurants are located there. Therefore, tourists who want to see some other unusual and interesting places should better go to the outskirts of Chania. This is where beautiful natural attractions are located: picturesque gorges and the unique White Mountains.

In my opinion, Chania is a very interesting city. And you need more than one day to explore all the remarkable places of this picturesque resort and feel its unique atmosphere.

Chania is not just the second largest city of the island. Crete is one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, the intricacies of narrow streets and Venetian houses of which will not leave any tourist indifferent... It is impossible not to fall in love with Chania. Southern Venice, as the locals call it, attracts many travelers every year who draw here is your inspiration.

Today the city is divided into several parts - the Old and New Towns. The old town is bounded by a Venetian fortress wall; its center is the Castelli district, which was inhabited since Neolithic times. The new city is not much different from modern European towns; it appeared at the beginning of the 18th century.

History of Chania

Excavations carried out in the city indicate that even during the late Stone Age there was a settlement here, which confirms the origin of ancient Cydonia. The settlement flourished in the late Minoan period. At that time, Chania was listed as one of the main palace-type cities. However, shortly after the heyday of the Minoan period, in the 12th century, many settlers suddenly left their homes, there was no obvious reason, what really happened to the Minoan civilization is a mystery...

Unfortunately, finds from Arab rule are not as diverse as those from the Byzantine period. It was at this time that Cydonia, like many other cities of the island, was destroyed. The only symbol of the period (961-1252) can be called, perhaps, the fortress wall on Castelli Hill. During these years, Cydonia was renamed Chania. "Cania" was first mentioned in 1211. Archaeologist Nicholas Platon suggests that the name "Chania" comes from the name of the village "AlKhania".

In 1204, after the next Crusade, Boniface Moferrat began to rule the island, at which time Venetian rule officially began. After the fall of Constantinople in the 15th century. Monks, poets, and artists flocked to La Canea and brought Byzantine culture to the island. That is why the city to this day feels a mixture of Greek, Venetian, and Byzantine cultures.

In 1645, Chania could no longer hold its defensive positions, and the city was captured by the Turks. Churches were turned into mosques, Chania was plundered. After 205 years, the capital of the island was moved to Chania, the city became the residence of the Pasha of Crete. Later, Crete officially became part of Greece, and gradually, the Turks remaining in Chania returned to their homeland. In 1952, Greece joined NATO. After 19 years, the capital of Crete was moved to Heraklion.

Many argue that it was precisely because of the transfer of the capital of the island to Heraklion, Chania, whose heart is located in the ancient Venetian port, that the charm of the Venetian city with its inherent romance and leisurely flow of life was preserved...

Main attractions of Chania

Speaking about the sights of Chania, it is difficult to single out just one place, since numerous architectural monuments are of interest. However, the maximum number of places worthy of attention are located in the Old Town. Despite constant bombing during the war, many buildings managed to survive.

The old city has five interconnected blocks, numerous intertwining streets with a minimum width (up to 60 cm). Their unique flavor cannot be described in words.

First of all, the attention of tourists in Chania is, of course, attracted by the famous Turkish Janissary Mosque, which is an outstanding monument of Islamic architecture of the Renaissance. It was built in the 16th century on the shores of the Venetian harbor.

This cubic structure with a large spherical dome and six small ones was erected on the ruins of a bastion that belonged to Christians. The interior of the building is rich in paintings made in the Turkish style. In addition, there are fragments of Venetian decor. Let us note that the construction of the mosque was organized in honor of the soldiers buried in the courtyard. Currently, no religious activities are organized here; exhibitions are held in the building.

Near the port there is the Firkas fortress, which offers a unique view of the port and the ancient lighthouse. It was here that the Greek flag was solemnly raised and installed in the 19th century. Now on the territory of the fortress there is a Maritime Museum, where anyone can get comprehensive information about the history of navigation, models of ships, and also get acquainted with the model of the city of the 17th century. In total, the museum has about 2,500 exhibits. The core of the collection is represented by detailed models of ships from the Bronze Age, the Byzantine era, the period of the Second World War, etc. You can enter the museum by paying 3 euros.

The Jewish Quarter also deserves attention, because it is here that the Schiavo bastion is located, here you can see a section of the city fortress wall that has survived to this day and the largest Venetian church on the island - the Church of St. Francis. It was converted by the Turks, who turned it into a mosque and added a minaret, however, it was later destroyed (during the war). Currently, its premises house the Archaeological Museum, the collections of which include many valuable exhibits and finds from different periods (Minoan sarcophagus, ritual figurines, gold jewelry, etc.). Entrance costs 2 euros.

Opposite the Archaeological Museum is the famous Cathedral (Church of the Three Martyrs). The building was built in the 19th century; previously there was an old church here. The interior of the building is not so richly decorated, despite the fact that there are religious paintings by Greek artists. Currently, the temple is operational. In accordance with legend, the governor of the island, Mustafa Pasha, handed over the temple to the Christian community after saving his son through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos. Now the miraculous image is again in the cathedral, serving as the main shrine.

One of the most picturesque places in Chania is the Venetian harbor with an active seaport, located in an artificial lagoon (the historical center of the city). On the northern side it is reliably protected by a pier, on which a platform for cannons and the chapel of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, have been preserved. The tourism infrastructure here is very developed. There are numerous hotels, cafes and restaurants on the banks.

Tourists are equally interested in the numerous mansions and palaces that belonged to noble Venetians. This, for example, includes the Renieri Palace, where the furnishings of past centuries have been perfectly preserved, a loggia with a gate decorated with a coat of arms with a Latin inscription.

Not far from Chania is the largest gorge in Europe, Samaria (in the White Mountains, whose height is 2400 m). It stretches for 18 km, its width is 3.5-300 m.

While in the Chania area, you should definitely visit the islet of Gramvousa, where the ruins of a medieval fortress are of particular interest. Also take time to visit the ancient city of Aptera, where fragments of buildings from the 7th century have been preserved. According to legend, in ancient times a music competition dedicated to Apollo was held here. The Sirens, having lost victory to the Muses, tore off their wings and rushed into the abyss.

Did you know that the largest body of freshwater on the island is located in the Chania region? We are talking about Lake Kournas, which occupies an area of 1.2 square meters. km, as for the depth, it is 25 m. Surrounded by the picturesque White Mountains and of volcanic origin, the lake is distinguished by clear, bright blue water. The Armiros River flows from it, and to the south is the multi-level Kourna Cave. Tourists can freely visit the reservoir, on the banks of which there are shops, taverns and everything necessary for a pleasant holiday.

If we talk about the beaches of the lake, we should note the gentle slopes, fine sand and muddy bottom. Tourists are offered not only umbrellas and sun loungers, but also rental boats, catamarans, and kayaks. If desired, you can see fish and turtles in the lake, and geese and cormorants on the shore.

Excursions to monasteries located in the Chania region will be especially interesting for religious tourists. The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is a functioning Orthodox monastery, founded by the Zangoroli brothers in the 17th century. Built in the Byzantine style, the monastery also combines elements of the Doric and Corinthian orders. The temple houses several chapels - the Life-Giving Spring and St. John the Evangelist.

The monastery has a seminary and a library. Tourists can visit the museum, which displays ancient manuscripts along with parchments and icons. The main relics are the images of John the Theologian, John the Baptist, etc. The monks make wine, cheese, as well as balsamic vinegar and olive oil - tourists can purchase these products in a store nearby.

The Guverneto Monastery is another outstanding monument of antiquity; it is a functioning Orthodox monastery, founded in the 15th century in the image and likeness of Venetian fortresses: along the perimeter there are two-story buildings, and in the middle of the spacious courtyard is the Church of the Ten Saints. Later, the rear ones were supplemented with Baroque elements, and new sculptures were installed in the cloister. In the XIX-XX centuries. The monastery was plundered by the Ottomans and Germans, which caused great damage. Now it is under phased reconstruction, however, the monastery is still open to tourists.

The Gonias Monastery currently serves as a male Orthodox monastery, founded in the 17th century (consecrated in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary). It is noteworthy that this building is located where, back in 65, the first Christian community of the island was created by Bishop Titus!

The monastery was built as a citadel; the trace of a Turkish cannon ball is still visible on its wall. The Turkish fountain, along with balconies with Venetian lions, attract no less attention from tourists, as do the paintings of the temple. Pilgrims can see here an iconostasis with figures of Christ in the image of the high priest and St. Nicholas, coupled with the image of the Madonna and Child. The church museum contains ancient icons and vestments dating back to the Renaissance.

Shops in Chania

We can say with all confidence that Chania has everything necessary for true shopaholics. You can start your acquaintance with local shops from the famous Agora indoor market, located in the heart of the city. It is interesting that until the 19th century, it was here that the borders of Chania ended, traders from all over the area came here, and at that time the city authorities decided to build a covered market according to the design of Mr. Drandaki. The shape of the market resembles a cross, each of the four exits points to a cardinal direction.

You can always buy fresh products here; there are 76 shops on the market territory. Vegetables and fruits, cheese, fish, seafood, olives, Cretan crackers, dried herbs - you can find everything here!

Not far from the market is Skrydlof Street (the so-called leather row). Here you can buy the highest quality handmade boots, boots, and sandals. In the Old Town you can see many shops, including souvenir shops and jewelry stores.

Entertainment in Chania

For little fidgets and their parents there is a place that will be remembered for a long time! We are talking about the Limnoupolis water park, located 8 km from Chania. Modern attractions, swimming pools, exotic rivers, cafeterias, sports grounds - all conditions have been created here for the most comfortable stay for tourists! The main pool of the water park with its own Pool Bar occupies an area of 1500 m2. There is also an island that can be reached via a rope bridge. The banks of the 260-meter Lazy River, 3.5 to 5 meters wide, are lined with natural stone. There is a real waterfall and caves on the river.

One of the most beautiful places in the resort is the Botanical Park Of Crete. This is a picturesque oasis, amazing with the variety of exotic plants and landscapes. The garden occupies a vast area in the mountainous area. Visitors can stroll through picturesque flower meadows or relax in the shade of orange trees. There is also an excellent restaurant in the garden with a panoramic terrace.

The city regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances and other cultural events. Young people and lovers of noisy entertainment will appreciate the spectacular night shows and live music programs.

On the seafront of Chania there is a huge number of interesting nightclubs and bars that welcome visitors until late at night. The Irish pub Conor Pass invites you to enjoy your favorite beer and a hospitable atmosphere; visitors are often offered an interesting entertainment program. Fans of noisy parties and loud music will prefer the Avalon club; some restaurants also offer tourists an extensive entertainment program.

In the New part of the city there is also something to see: fashionable clubs and discos, recreation parks, bars and Greek taverns, restaurants.

Chania Restaurants

Many restaurants and cafes are located in Chania on the Venetian Marina. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a small establishment with four tables in the hall, or a chic restaurant on the embankment, as well as a tavern in the outskirts of the city.

Regardless of your choice, the quality of the prepared dishes will be excellent! Moreover, the food will be not only tasty, but also healthy, since Greek cuisine is based on fresh vegetables and herbs, freshly caught seafood, olive oil, and grilled meat. Plus, don't forget to try some of the delicious local wines!

In total, there are more than a hundred cafes and restaurants in Chania; one of the most famous is the Greek restaurant Glossitses, which amazes with its variety of dishes. Try the most delicate risotto with seafood or meat dishes - you will remember their taste for the rest of your life!

The classic Greek tavern Strata is no less popular among tourists. Specialties include Greek salad and meatballs, and there is an impressive selection of desserts.

If you are partial to seafood, then be sure to visit the Akrogiali restaurant, since it is located near the coast, the establishment is mainly filled with resort guests. The signature dish is fish soup.

Fans of Italian cuisine should visit the Kariatis restaurant and enjoy the unforgettable taste of signature pasta and pizza.

For adherents of vegetarian food, the To Stachi restaurant will be a real find. Fragrant pastries, including vegetarian pizza, baked tomatoes with vegetable filling, vegetable salads - the amazing taste of the dishes will surprise even the most demanding gourmets!

Beaches of Chania

The beaches of Chania can easily be considered one of its main attractions. Fine clean sand, calm azure sea, convenient entry - all the conditions for a pleasant holiday are created here!

On almost every beach, tourists can engage in active sports: ride catamarans, water skis, paraglid, dive into the endless blue sea with scuba diving.

Children won't be bored either - the beaches are equipped with special playgrounds with fun attractions for them. You can also enjoy entertainment programs with live music in numerous coastal taverns.

To the west is the urban sandy beach of Nea Chora, equipped with everything you need. Its only drawback is that it is crowded. 7 km west of Chania you can find several bays where it is best to relax with children. As for the very first beach of Chania - Kolymbari, it borders on the wild beaches of the Rhodos peninsula. This sandy beach with small pebbles is well equipped, but note that there are almost always small waves. Rapagna Beach also has a sandy surface with small pebbles. During the mating season, you can find nests of rare turtle species here.

The pebble beach of Tavronitys stretches for many kilometers, like the sandy beach of Maleme it has all the benefits of civilization. Gerani Beach has a huge territory, so if you wish, you can always find a secluded place here.

Stalos Beach is awarded the Blue Flag every year for its exceptional cleanliness. It is very popular among tourists, equipped with everything necessary for a good rest.

Glaros beach is one of the most famous in Chania. However, it should be noted that due to constant winds, the sea here is usually choppy.
How to get from Heraklion airport to Chania

You can get to Chania from the international airport, which is located 14 km from the city, but there are no regular flights from Russia here; carriers organize charter flights. Alternatively, you can fly to Heraklion, but in this case you will have to spend several hours traveling to Chania. However, it should be noted that the bus service on the island is very well developed; moreover, anyone can use taxi services. It is noteworthy that throughout the year a ferry runs from Athens to Chania.

You can endlessly stroll through the picturesque quarters of Chania, as well as admire the different houses, sitting in a cafe on the embankment, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. The city has all the conditions for an exciting pastime - day after day, dates are made here, magnificent landscapes are born, poems are written, and meanwhile the city with a long history continues to live its leisurely life...

useful links

Chania hotels: reviews and booking

Hotels on Crete: Reviews and booking

Crete is divided along its entire length, from north to south, into four regions - nomes. The capital of the westernmost one is Chania, and this is the starting point for developing routes around western Crete. Chania is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece and the entire Eastern Mediterranean. There is a wonderful romantic aura here, a city that seems like it should please everyone. Many have long considered it similar to Venice.

Chania is the capital of Western Crete.

Although, in our opinion, it is precisely interesting due to the fusion of various architectural styles and eras, harmoniously coexisting with each other. A bizarre mixture of minarets, Orthodox domes and Catholic bell towers, houses in Italian (Venetian) pink and yellow tones, but with overhanging Turkish “exostoes” and protruding prayer niches. And even with their ruins - summer restaurants, cafes, even hotels are beautifully built into them.

Chania History.

Chania stands on the site of ancient Kydonia, one of the cities of late Minoan Crete. According to myth, the city was built by Kidon, the grandson of Minos, son of the god Hermes. Archaeological excavations prove that the place has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The city flourished during the Roman era and had a theater (it is believed that it was destroyed by the Venetians to obtain material for the construction of the city walls).

City `s history.

During Byzantine rule the city retained its name and became the center of an episcopal diocese. But from the 9th century, having passed into the possession of the Arabs, it lost its former glory and became a “cheese city”. In 1252 the Venetians took possession of the city, and their dominance remained until 1645, with the exception of a short period (1266–1290) of Genoese rule. The Venetians, settling in Castelli, began building the New City, which grew on both sides of the modern Canevaro street. The city and port formed the center of a wealthy area, economically and politically connected with and for 350 years retaining the name "Venice of the East".

Chania city history.

In 1645, under the Turkish conquerors, the walls were repaired and the churches were rebuilt into mosques. In the middle of the 19th century. The center of the Ottoman administration in Crete was transferred here. The status of the administrative capital remained with Chania even after the retreat of the Turks in 1897, when, with the intervention of the great powers of France, England, Russia and Italy, Crete received administrative autonomy headed by the consul, Prince George. As a result, the city acquired multinational features, which played a decisive role in its economic, social and cultural development.

Chania after the revolution.

The consequence of the revolution of 1905 under the leadership of Venizelos (he was born here - streets, squares and other things named in his honor in Crete, probably no less than the same in the former USSR, bearing the name of Lenin) was the unification of Crete with Greece in 1913 During the 2nd World War, Chania was subjected to merciless German bombing raids, which led to widespread destruction in the Old Town.

Sights of Chania.

On the border of the Old and New Towns there is a municipal covered market built in 1911, built as a smaller copy of the one in Marseilles. Its cruciform shape with four entrances is unusual and interesting. The market is illuminated through window openings located on the roof and looks at four cardinal directions: to the west there is access to tangerine gardens with deafening smells, to the east there is a national highway, on both sides of which oleanders turn pink all year round. In the south are the quarters of the New City, and in the north, right behind the Agora building, the Old City itself begins.

Chania City Market.

The market unites 78 shops and stalls selling mainly products (a large selection of all kinds of cheeses), spices, herbs, honey and, of course, souvenirs. One of the most popular of them in the markets of Chania, as well as throughout Crete, is the famous Cretan knives. They are famous for their grace, beautiful decoration and durability. They usually have a solid steel blade with one sharpened side, an animal horn handle, and a wooden sheath with an outer leather lining.

Old town of Chania.

The old town is surrounded by Venetian walls and bastions, so thick in places that they house something like a village of descendants of Malaysian refugees, with houses, gardens, dogs and chickens (a section of the wall along Od. Theotokopoulou - Theotokopoulou Street). In the once aristocratic Topanas district in the west of the city (previously there were Turkish cannons, “topia”, which is where the name came from) there were consulates of the great powers (then they were transferred to the Halepa region).

Venizelo Square.

In the narrow alleys, many Venetian mansions with bright oriental elements have been preserved: wooden balconies, barred windows, etc., which appeared during the period of Turkish rule. In the Sintrivani quarter there is E. Venizelou Square - the heart and center of the Old Town. To the north is the Hassan Pasha Mosque, now home to the city information office.

Ovriaki area.

Among the narrow alleys behind Zabeliu Street, south of Topan, is the attractive Jewish district of Ovriaki from Venetian times. Along Kondilaki Street there were houses of the aristocracy. On the site of today's Ela tavern there was a synagogue, of which only the façade has survived. To the south of this quarter is the Skjavl Bastion, or Lando, and a section of the fortress wall.

Chania Fort Firkas.

In the northern part of the Jewish settlement, in the ravelins of San Salvatore (revelino San Salvatore), there is Fort Firkas (the name of the military unit), built in 1629. During the festive ceremony of the unification of Crete with Greece (December 1, 1913), it was erected over the fort National flag. There is a Maritime Museum with an impressive anchor and a ship's propeller in front of the entrance to the summer theater.

Castello fortress.

In the center of the Old Town, east of E. Venizelos Square and the port, is fenced with half-collapsed walls of the 13th century. Castello fortress Castello Vechio (destroyed not by time, but by the bombing of the 2nd World War) with the Castelli quarter inside. Before this, the ancient acropolis of Kydonia was located here, then a Byzantine fortress. At the highest point there are remains of the courtyard of the palace of the Venetian mayor, and subsequently the “konaki” (residence) of the Turkish pasha.

Splantzia quarter in Chania.

The Splantzia quarter is an area with a clear oriental flavor: before the annexation of Crete to Greece, the Turks lived here. This is reflected in another name of the area - “Turkomahalas”. The largest site here is the Venetian “neoria” (shipyards), built in 1526–1599. Of the seventeen, only seven have survived, which are today used as exhibition halls. Also worth seeing on the square in Splantzia is the Church of St. Nicholas - a former Dominican monastery built in 1320. Under the Turks, the temple was converted into the mosque of Sultan Ibrahim. From this period, the minaret in the northwestern side and the Sultan's coat of arms at the entrance have been preserved. Next you can explore the small Venetian church of St. Rocco (1630), and behind it is the Orthodox Church of St. Catherine, built in the Renaissance style. And even further south is another church, Agion Anargyron.

Chania port and embankment.

All the streets of the Old Town abut the embankment and a fairly large, but shallow round port. In Venetian times it could accommodate about forty galleys. It has its own Leaning Tower of Pisa - the slightly tilted La Laterna lighthouse (XVI century). There are also plenty of cute cafes and taverns here. And on the embankment there are horses harnessed to carts (25 € for a walk through the old part of the city), and a real yellow submarine with a transparent bottom is “parked” (10 € for children, 15 € for adults for an hour of viewing the local underwater surroundings). The olive oil museum is located in an old round building, and next to it is the Kuchuk-Khasan mosque, with its dome resembling a planetarium.

New city of Chania.

In the historical part, it is no longer entirely new - it was planned and built in 1911. It stretches from Nea Chora, Kum Kapi, Bolari to Halep, Landaryan and Dexameni. People settled in Qom Kapi during the time of the Egyptians, and later Bedouins lived there. Today this is one of the most beautiful areas of the city, which is also definitely worth wandering around. The name of the area is Turkish, intricately translated as “Door of the Sandy Shore.” It is located on the eastern side of the fortress wall.

Chania is a city of youth.

Anyone who wants to get to know the local youth better and explore the activities of the student fraternity should look into the university located in the Halep region (formerly a Greek-French girls' gymnasium). To the east of the gymnasium lived members of the cabinet, Prince Regent George, his minister and opponent, the future Prime Minister of Greece and national hero Eleftherios Venizelos (from Iroon Polytechniou Street we turn onto the street named after him). Among the buildings of Halepa in the center of the old cemetery there is the Church of St. Magdalene, built in the Russian style as a gift from Nicholas II to Prince George, about which there is a corresponding inscription.

Beach in Chania.

If you're tired of sightseeing, take a refreshing dip in the sea. In the very center you can find here and there access to the water (very clean!), but the best beach (Nea Nora Beach) within the city limits is located to the west of the Old Town.

Chania- the second largest city in Crete and the first in its beauty. Founded by the Venetians, the city was called the “Second Venice”. A large number of attractions invariably attract many tourists to Chania.

All the sights of Chania can be seen at a glance from the high hill of Profitis Ilias on the Akrotiri peninsula.

So, what attractions of Chania are worth visiting while on holiday in Crete?

Kastelli or Old Town of Chania

Kastelli is the historical center of Chania. In the 13th century, the Venetians settled in Kastelli, actively building up the city and fortifying the foot of the hill with defensive walls. Four centuries later, Castelli was captured by the Turks and partially destroyed.

Modern excavations at the site of the ancient hill have discovered remains of the Hellenistic and Byzantine eras. To this day, several floors of the governor's palace (the modern municipality), several mansions and the cathedral have survived from the first buildings of the Castelli.

Streets of the Old Town of Chania.

Topanas

Typically, this area is not visited by tourists looking for the sights of Chania. However, it is worth it just to stroll along the shady and quiet streets and sit in the tavern on the ground floor of the ancient building.

The Old Harbor of Chania is its main attraction

The Venetian harbor is an integral part of the Old Town, bearing the imprint of history. This is perhaps the main attraction of Chania, where the main flow of tourists goes. Around the harbor there are picturesque narrow streets filled with small shops, cafes and taverns. The Old Harbor of Chania is especially beautiful at night, when the lights of the lighthouse and coastal restaurants are reflected in the sea waters. These restaurants at the water's edge are also a unique attraction of Chania.

Old harbor of Chania.

Archaeological Museum of Chania

You can get acquainted with the centuries-old history of Chania and Crete at the Archaeological Museum, located in the Old Town on Halidon Street. The museum is located in the building of the Venetian Church of St. Francis (XIII century). Museum exhibitions consist of finds from different periods, starting with the Minoan civilization. The main exhibits are Roman statues, ancient mosaics, ceramics, jewelry, weapons and much more.

Museum address: Chania, Old Town, Khalidon Street, 30.

Naval (Nautical) Museum

One of the most interesting sights of Chania, and perhaps all of Crete. The Maritime Museum is located on the territory of the Firkas fortress, not far from the city harbor.

The museum's exhibitions tell the story of the history of local and world navigation. Here you can also see ship models and a model of Chania from the 17th century. One of the unusual exhibits is a sundial. The second floor of the museum houses an impressive exhibition about the Battle of Crete. The museum has a rich collection of weapons and ship equipment.

In addition to viewing the museum exhibits, from the fortress you can admire magnificent views of the Old Harbor of Chania.

The Maritime Museum of Crete is one of the most interesting attractions in Chania.

Janissary Mosque in the Old Harbor of Chania

The Janissary Mosque is the oldest Turkish building in Crete, dating back to 1645. It was built in honor of the commander of the Turkish garrison of Hanya Küçük Hasan.

In different historical periods, the purpose of the mosque changed: there was a Christian church, a warehouse, an archaeological museum, and a tourist organization. Currently, the mosque is a unique architectural monument of Chania and a venue for exhibitions and other cultural events.

Indoor market

A peculiar, but very useful attraction. The famous indoor market of Chania, where you can always buy fresh vegetables and exotic fruits, appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, not far from the old harbor. The market is built according to the Marseille model - it has the shape of a cross, oriented to the cardinal points.

Agia Triada Cathedral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral of Ayia Triada was built at the beginning of the 19th century on the site of an old church. The cathedral building consists of three naves and a bell tower. The inside of the church is richly painted by Greek artists.

The cathedral is dedicated to the introduction into the Temple of the Mother of God, St. Nicholas and the Three Hierarchs. The cathedral is active and open to the public.

Spianza

Among the attractions of Chania, the Spianza quarter is one of the most picturesque places in the Old Town with cobblestone streets and ancient wooden balconies. There are several surviving medieval churches and the square of 1821, where an Orthodox bishop was executed by the Turks.

Another attraction of this area is the Ayia Anaryri Church, built in the 16th century. Famous for its icons and frescoes. The church is not active, but is open to tourists.

Municipal Park of Chania

The Municipal Park of Chania is located in the old part of the city, near the covered market. It was laid out at the end of the 19th century in strict accordance with European standards. Currently, the park has a summer theater, a zoo, a playground for children and a cafe. The park is located along Tsanaka Street.

Historical Museum and Archives

The Historical Archives of Chania, also known as the Venizelos House Museum, occupies one of the neoclassical buildings on Sfakianaki Street.

Agia Apostoli Beach (Holy Apostles)

The beach of the Holy Apostles is located four kilometers west of Chania. It got its name from a small church located in its vicinity. The beach is sandy and clean, and has repeatedly received the Blue Flag award.

Of course, the sights of Chania are worth visiting this wonderful city. Ancient buildings, museums and hospitable taverns will not leave you indifferent!

All articles about Chania and Western Crete. Complete encyclopedia: beaches, hotels, resorts, attractions, tourist routes, museums, transport and much more.

Fascinating and unusual excursions in Chania and Crete

Tour of Chania - the old city and modern areas, the main attractions and unknown corners of the pearl of Crete.
Tour of Western Crete - wild gorges and picturesque beaches, ancient monasteries and hospitable villages, as well as many picturesque views.
All excursions around Crete - Heraklion and Rethymnon, cities and mountains, nature and culture, on foot and by car.