- 15 min walk
One of the most impressive monuments of Chania, the Venetian lighthouse was built by the Venetians between 1595 and 1601. It is 21m high and its light reaches a distance of seven miles.
3.500 years of history
Location
Chania, among the ten oldest cities in Europe, was founded by the Minoans and has been continuously inhabited since 1400 BC. The city was occupied by Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians and Ottomans all of them leaving their trademark around the old town.
The old town is built on the site of the ancient Kydonia, one of the most important cities of Crete according to Homer. The center of ancient Kydonia lies on the Kasteli hill, which is surrounded by the Byzantine walls that can be seen from the apartments’ balconies.
Points of interest
A number of worth visiting monuments and points of interest are around the old town in walking distance from the apartment.
- 1 min walk
In an area of 550 square meters and in a depth of 2m, was uncovered an important Minoan settlement with sections of streets and houses, pottery, fragments of tables in Linear A and other objects.
- 5 min walk
The dockyards started being manufactured in the early 16th century in the harbor because of the ever growing needs of Venice ships to be repaired. Only 7 in a row have survived, along with the Great Arsenal and 2 more known as “Moro”.
- 1 min walk
The Byzantine Wall surrounds the hill of Kastelli. It has an irregular outline and it was constructed in the 7th century AD, with building material from ancient Kydonia, on the remains of older fortification.
- 2 min walk
The old Museum has been housed in the monastery of St. Francis. It included a wealth of material, which records the history of the county from prehistoric (3rd and 2nd millennium BC) until the Roman period (3rd century AD). The new archaelogical museum is in Halepa area.
- 1 min walk
Patron saint of Chania, the church of the Virgin Mary was built on the site of an older church of the Virgin of the 14th century. In 1645 it was converted into a soap making workshop and in 1868 was assigned to the Orthodox.
- 5 min walk
Located in the entrance of the Firkas Fortress. It includes 2.500 exhibits, such as instruments and equipment of ships, relics, paintings, ship models and many more of maritime history.
- 5 min walk
The Monastery of Saint Nicholas of the Dominicans was built around 1320 in Splantzia. Ottomans converted it in 1645 to a Mosque. In 1918, it was converted to Orthodox church in honor of St. Nicholas.
- 2 min walk
Built in the 17th century, the Hamam of Yusuf Pasha was built in place of the Venetian monastery of St. Clara. In 1965 was declared preserved, until 1994 housed a bell tower foundry, and now works as a clothing store.
- 5 min walk
The Etz Hayyim Synagogue is the only surviving remnant of the once Romaniote Jewish community of Crete, situated in the historic neighborhood Hebrew, in the northwestern part of the old town of Chania.
- 5 min walk
The Public Market, built on the remains of Piatta Forma Bastion, is the symbol of the city of Chania. Its construction started in 1911 and inaugurated by El. Venizelos. Local products, delicacies and souvenirs can be purchased.
Street Market (Minoos)
- 7 min walk
Every Saturday, from early morning until noon, Minoos street is converted into a wondrous array of genuine local produce. Colours and aromas of vegetables and fruits are blended along with locals.
Beaches
The most famous beaches on the island, known for their crystal water and unique natural environment, are the heavenly lagoon of Balos and the exotic Elafonissi, which lie in the southwestern edge of the island. Between them, lies the endless beach of Falassarna. In south Rethymno, you can find the amazing Preveli palm beach.
- 1,5 hours by car
To get to Elafonisi you need 1,5 hour by car. The beach is crowded during summer and you are advised to arrive as early as possible. If you want to avoid the crowd you can cross a narrow and shallow strip of sea and go to the island where there are no umbrellas. The sea is crystal clear and the sand pink and full of shells. The area is Natura protected and collecting shells or plants is prohibited.
- 1,5 hours by car
In Balos you can either go by car or by boat. By car you need 1,5 hour (about half an hour is dirt road) and 20 minutes walking down the hill, for which you will be rewarded by the view. When returning make a stop in Gramvousa restaurant in Kalyviani village to enjoy authentic Cretan food. Alternatively, the boats leave from Kissamos (Kasteli) port and they give you the opportunity to visit also the Granvousa island with its Venetian castle.
- 1 hour by car
Falassarna is a 3 km sandy beach, easily accessible within 1 hour from Chania. You can find plenty of beach bars and restaurants and although it attracts a lot of visitors you can always find a peaceful piece of sand. There are many activities you can have, like windsurf and water sports, scuba diving and paragliding. It is nice to stay until late watching an amazing sunset from the beach or from the open-air bar Orange Blue, while having your cocktail.
- 40 minutes by car
In Akrotiri peninsula you can find the amazing beach of Seitan Limania, named after the wild landscape, the steep cliffs and the strong sea streams which are considered dangerous. There is a narrow steep path starting from the parking place and leading to the beach, so make sure you wear sneakers.
- 1,5 hours by car
Preveli is located about 35km south of Rethymno. Beach of Preveli, also known as Lake Preveli or Phoenix, is located at the exit of the imposing Kourtaliotikos Gorge. It is one of the most famous beaches in south Crete, accepting thousands of visitors every summer. From Chania you need 1,5 hour by car to get to the Kato Monastery of Preveli, where a path that descends to the beach starts. The view is amazing and you can take some fantastic photographs. To reach the beach walk the footpath that takes about 15-20 minutes. However, return is tedious as the ascent is rather steep.
Sightseeing
Chania is one of the most touristic developed municipalities due to its rich heritage, both in places of significant archaeological importance and in the innumerable preserved monuments (many of them religious), which constitute evidence of the long history of Chania. Aptera, Agia Triada and Gouverneto are worth visiting.
- 30 min by car
Aptera was one of the most significant city-states of Crete. The site’s history begins from the Minoan Period, however there are traces dating back to the Geometric Period, the Hellenistic Period and the Roman Empire. The excavations have brought to light the surviving fortification of the city, the arched roman cisterns, a triple-arched arcade building, the “double-parted sanctuary” and the ancient theatre.
- 25 min by car
The Patriarchal Monastery of Agia Triada Tsagarolon is one of the most important monasteries of the end of the Venetian Empire in Crete with a great contribution to the history and education of the island. Very close to Agia Triada is situated the Gouverneto Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries of Crete which constitutes a sample of orthodox monasterial architecture. It was built in 1537 in altitude of 260 meters by monks of the Catholic church that abandoned the place due to piracy.
Excursions
Chania with its numerous villages offer great opportunities for small excursions of 1-2 days. Mainly in the south part of the county, where the sea is crystal clear and the landscape of extreme beauty, you can find villages such as Loutro, Paleochora and Sougia that are worth visiting.
A small seaside village situated 71 km south of Chania city. Loutro is a place for those people who want something different. A small picturesque fishing village in south west Crete, not yet spoilt by mass tourism. The only access is by boat or if you wish, on foot (1,5-2 hour trekking from Chora Sfakion).
A small town located 77 km south of Chania, which is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Kalamydi. Paleochora’s wider area has crystal clear waters, well organised beaches, and beautiful isolated small anchorages. It is served by numerous hotels, restaurants, taverns, cafés, bars, and nightclubs.
A small village located 75km west of Chania city, at the exit of the beautiful Gorge of Agia Irini. A favorite destination for hippies in the 70s’, today it is a perfect choice for peaceful holidays in a beautiful landscape with all the basic amenities. The east part of the long beach is not organized and is preferred almost exclusively by naturists.
Hiking
Exploring Crete’s walking and hiking trails is one of the most rewarding ways of seeing the island’s outstanding natural beauty. With thousands of kilometers of tracks, walking options are available to suit all levels of fitness and experience. Especially in Chania numerous gorges exist, the coronis of which is Samaria, as well as many trials of the E4 European Long Distance Path.
- 1 hour by car
The Samaria Gorge is the longest trekking gorge in Europe and also the most famous of all. The length of the gorge, which belongs to the European E4 path, reaches 18 km and takes almost 4-7 hours to hike from Omalos to Agia Roumeli. You can either go by public bus and return by ferry and bus, or book your tour with a local tourist operator.
- 2 hours by car
The deepest gorge in Chania is the gorge of Aradaina. The 138 meter deep gorge is ideal not only for sightseeing or hiking but for bungee jumping as well. The trekking inside the canyon till the exit on the majestic Marmara beach is an unforgettable experience for those who attempt the descent of the canyon.
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In Chania you can find plenty of activities, many of them related to the sea. Watersports activities are available in close and distance beaches (Agia Marina, Falassarna, etc.). There, you can have surf, windsurf, sup, scuba diving, paragliding etc. Boat and sailing tours or rentals can be found in the old port, while other activities such as jeep tours, bungee jumping, food and wine tasting are also available.
Boat and sailing trips
Numerous boat and sailing trips are offered, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the sea and the famous close and distance destinations in a unique way. You can choose from relaxing luxury private boat trips, to sailing or fishing trips along with small groups of people. Most of these trips begin from the old port of Chania, but similar offerings can be found in the west and south touristic destinations.
Cretan gastronomy
One of the best ways to get to know the Cretan culture is to get to know Cretan food. Apart from tasting the Cretan cuisine, cooking like a local with authentic recipes and using fresh ingredients from the Cretan land will take you on a unique journey of flavors and tradition.
Essential info
Chania airport: +30 28210 83800 www.chq-airport.gr
Souda port: +30 28210 89240
Taxi services: +30 28210 98700, www.chaniataxi.gr
Public bus services: +30 28210 93052, www.e-ktel.com
Tourism guide of Chania: www.chaniatourism.com
Car rentals:
Hertz: Chania Airport, +30 28210 63385, www.hertz.gr
Avis: Chania Airport, +30 28210 63080, www.avis.gr
Sixt: Chania Airport, +30 28210 20905, www.sixt.global
Goldcar: Chania Airport, +30 28210 66466, www.goldcar.es
Kriti Plus: Chalidon 99, +30 28210 28113, www.kritiplus.gr
Vacanza rent a car: Chalidon 105, +30 28210 08595, vacanza-car-rentals.gr
Europrent: Chalidon 89, +30 28210 27810, europrent.gr
Reisen: Chalidon 75, +30 2821 054100, reisenrental.com
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