Located on the northwestern Cretan coast, Chania is the city that blends history, architecture and modern culture, turning it in a desirable destination for all. All kind of tastes can be satisfied in the island, either you are a interested to explore Chania’s history and local culture or you just want to relax and enjoy some of the finest beaches of Crete. Chania promises a diverse range of experiences. Through our detailed guide you can make the most of your visit to this charming city.
Chania is a city that is surrounded by fascinating natural wonders, which are the perfect destination for exploration and family adventures. For the outdoor enthusiasts, the best proposal is the hike through the Samaria Gorge, one of the longest European gorges. The nature will reward you with breathtaking landscapes and views and of course the lucky ones may observe the popular Cretan goat, the rare kri-kri. Talking about natural wonders, you cannot miss the must visit Balos Beach and Lagoon. These destinations are famous for its turquoise waters and white sands. There you can enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming. The city’s history, which turns back to the Greek ancient times and its architecture is the perfect opportunity for the history lovers. You can start your journey from the Venetian Harbor, the center of Chania with its picturesque Venetian Lighthouse. Wandering through the Old Town, you can find a plethora of shops and coffee shops. You cannot miss visiting the Marine Museum of Crete which presents the Cretan naval heritage. Close to the Old Town, there is the Archaeological Museum of Chania, which is hosted in the Venetian Monastery of Saint Francis and presents the ancient Crete’s Minoan civilization by the represented relics and artifacts.
Chania is also a city that offers opportunities for sailing or sea tours via boats, where you can explore nearby islands or hidden beaches that offer you the privacy you may need. In order to make the most of a leisurely day, Elafonissi Beach is the perfect spot for families, with clear water and the famous pink sand. For the sports enthusiasts Falassarna Beach is the ideal spot for windsurfing or kitesurfing. Moving to Cretan culinary delights, we could say that Chania is the highlight of any visit. In Chania you can taste a rich array of famous Cretan dishes, with fresh and local ingredients in a large variety of taverns and restaurants that are located in the city. We propose you to savor dakos, a traditional salad with tomato, mizithra cheese and olive oil and of course kalitsounia, a Cretan recipe for cheesy pites sweet or savory that are a local favorite. Of course, the Municipal Market of Chania is the perfect visit, as the market hosts a large vendors’ variety that sell fresh seafood, Cretan herbs and spices and the globally famous Cretan olive oil. Continuing the tour in the city of Chania, the nightlife and the festivities are in a plethora and as a result they have to offer something for all the tastes. There are bars and cafes in the Venetian Harbor for a laid-back evening where you can enjoy your drink with views of the city. For more entertainment nights, we suggest you to check out the nightclubs and live music venues that the city host each summer. Last but not least, you can watch several festivals and events that promote and describe the Cretan culture, such as the Chania Film Festival that brings together film enthusiasts from all around the world.
In Chania the old meets the new, combining natural beauty, history and a thriving modern culture, turning the city in a multicultural and unique travel destination. Here you will live unforgettable experiences and create lasting memories.
