Chania

The second in population city of Crete, capital city of Chania that covers the western department of Crete.

At the location that Chania is today, there was ancient Kidonia, which was built by Kidon. Kidon, according to tradition, was Minoan’s grandson. This ancient city was competitor of Knosos and Gortika city.

The wandering in the streets of Ancient City (Palia Poli) with the impressive venetian buildings, the fountains and the temples is just a trip into time.

Trademark of the region is the graphic venetian lighthouse that you see when you get into the venetian haven, historic sample of another age.

Opposite the lighthouse there is the venetian castle of Firkas, which was built in 1450 and the Museum of the Greek Navy. On the other side of the haven we can observe Gennitsaros mosque, remnant of the Turkish period. Important sightseeings of the region are also the venetian district Topana and Splantzia with the famous churches of Saint Rokkos (17th century), Saint Nicolas, Saint Anargiroi and the historical suburb of Chalepa where were the houses of Eleftherios Venizelos and Prince George. Known meeting point is the historical Municipal Market.

If you are interested of history and tradition, famous museums such as the Archaeological, the Historical and the Museum of the Greek Navy let you know about the island’s history.

At Chania’s beaches crystal water and thin white sand attracts the tourists:

• Chrissi Akti,
• Saint Marina,
• Saint Apostoloi,
• Maleme,
• Kalathas,
• Stavros,
• Platanias,
• Kolibari,
• Falasarna,
• Saint Roumeli,
• Sougia,
• Ammoudi,
• Finikas,
• Votsala,
• Elafonisi,
• Loutro,
• Sailt Paul,
• Pachia Ammos,
• Fragkokastelo and
• Gavdos.