The city of Chania maintains unaltered all of its characteristics, from the time of the Venetian Rule up until today. From its fascinating Old Town to exotic Balos beach and the famous Samaria Gorge, Chania will treat you to an array of unforgettable adventures (and a little home-brewed raki).
Chania (also spelled Hania) is the capital city, a place where different civilizations have flourished throughout the centuries. Strolling around the Old Town’s maze-like alleys with the beautiful Venetian mansions, the fountains and the churches will guide you through well-preserved historical monuments. The city of Chania is built on the area of Minoan Kidonia, at the end of the homonym gulf between Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. It was the former capital city of Crete (from 1847 until 1972). Nowadays, it is the second largest city of Crete after Heraklion and capital of the homonym prefecture.
After Arabs and Byzantines it was conquered by Venetians in 1252 and was given to Turks in 1669, later it was annexed to the rest of the Greek State on December 1913 under the administration of Eleftherios Venizelos and King Konstantinos the 1st. The old town is an integral settlement with visible boundaries set by the Venetian walls surrounding it. The old town is built around the Venetian port and is also a relatively integral area where Venetian buildings and later Turkish elements compose a unique architectural style. Due to the historic center of Chania with its Venetian walls defining the borders between the old and new city and its ramparts, the city has been pronounced as preserved. It consists of five connected districts surrounding the Venetian port.
You’ll understand why Cretan cuisine has gained worldwide acclaim. In the fish tavernas, rakadika and historic cafes, the flavours of Crete will win you over. For a more innovative culinary experience, try Chania’s gourmet restaurants, where renowned chefs have elevated the island’s traditional cuisine.
And it’s worth visiting the Apokoronas villages, about 20 minutes outside Chania town: Armeni, Vamos, Xirosterni, Kefalos, Gavalohori and Agios Pavlos… some of the most beautiful villages in Crete. Here you’ll experience authentic Cretan cuisine, sampling local recipes such as tsigariasto, boureki, kalitsounia, pilafi, dakos, as well as all sorts of delicious grilled meat.
The Samaria Gorge has rightly earned legendary status from hikers who have visited Chania. It’s worth devoting a day to exploring its 16km length, especially the narrow passage (only 3m wide and over 100m tall) towards the end of the gorge called Portes (also known as the Iron Gates). Your five-hour hike will end in Agia Roumeli, where you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing swim. And keep an eye out for the elusive and rare wild Cretan goat as you go.
Wandering around the port of Chania, you’ll encounter the Venetian lighthouse, the Grand Arsenal, Kum Kapi and Halepa. And beyond the town, you’ll find the famous beaches of Agia Marina, Stalos and Platanias. Go a little further still and you’ll reach exotic Balos and Falasarna, two of Greece’s pin-up beaches. And in southern Chania, the world-famous Samaria Gorge invites you to explore it. It has a population of around 50,000.
After Arabs and Byzantines it was conquered by Venetians in 1252 and was given to Turks in 1669, later it was annexed to the rest of the Greek State on December 1913 under the administration of Eleftherios Venizelos and King Konstantinos the 1st. The old town is an integral settlement with visible boundaries set by the Venetian walls surrounding it. The old town is built around the Venetian port and is also a relatively integral area where Venetian buildings and later Turkish elements compose a unique architectural style. Due to the historic center of Chania with its Venetian walls defining the borders between the old and new city and its ramparts, the city has been pronounced as preserved. It consists of five connected districts surrounding the Venetian port.
Its design was made by Venetian engineer Michelle Sammichelli. The Lighthouse is located at the end of the rock protecting the port from the north. It was built in 1570 by the Venetians and reconstructed in 1830 by the Egyptians and from there on preserves its current state. On the east of Palea Poli is Splantzia (or Plaza) district built on the former Turkish district. Here you will see among others Aghii Anargiri church, the only Orthodox church which had the permission to operate during the period of the Venetian and Turkish occupations. You will also see the Sintrivani square.
Neoria (or Chiones) district on the northeast side is located in the area of the former port of the city and of the Venetian ship yards of 14th and 16th centuries from which it also took its name. Kastelli district is in the center of Palea Poli (Old Town) west of Neoria. It is the exalted location of the Byzantine citadel where “palatso” (palace) of the Venetian commander and the lodgings of Pashas of Chania were later built. Venetians used to call the area Castello Vecchio. On the southeast of the old city lies the Hebrew district or else Ovraika. It reminds us the times when the developing Hebrew community of Chania was obliged by the Venetians to move to a delimitated area called judeca where two synagogues were operating.
On the boarders of Ovraika, in Chalides Street, you will see the Folklore Museum of Chania and Aghios Fragkiskos church (14th century) which houses the Archeological Museum of Chania. On the north side is the Turkish bath (chamam). In the south side of Ovraika and on Skridlof Street lies the so called Stivanadika (from stivani, the Cretan boots). Among the shops selling leather items and souvenirs survive some traditional shoe ateliers. Get familiar with the city of Chania by wandering around in its streets, visiting its museums and admiring the different architectural styles presenting the historical route of the city.
How to Get There :
Chania is both a prefecture and city in western Crete and can easily be reached by plane or boat. Chania airport receives international and domestic flights (around 45mins from Athens and 1hr30min from Thessaloniki). There are daily ferry connections from Piraeus and periodically from islands in the Cyclades and Dodecanese. High-speed ferries (seasonal) reach Chania in 5-7hrs from Piraeus and conventional ferries take 9-12hrs.
Famous For :
Chania is famous for its exotic and family-friendly beaches, cultural landmarks (especially in the Old Town) and Cretan cuisine. The most famous natural landmarks are the White Mountains and the Samaria Gorge, as well as the coastal and mountain villages (eg the Apokoronas villages).
