Chania is a city in Greece, in the northwestern part of the island of Crete, located at a distance of 145 km from Heraklion.
Until 1971, this city of Crete was its capital, now it is the capital of the nome of the same name.
Chania is the second largest city on the island, it covers an area of 12,564 m2 and is home to about 88.6 thousand people.
What’s interesting to see in Chania
Although the most important sights of Crete are located at some distance from Chania, this does not mean that when you come to Greece for this resort, you can only go to the bars and lie on the beach.
The new, rather extensive part of Chania looks like most modern European cities, while the old part is unique in its beauty and is even known on the island of Crete and in Greece as a beautiful urban area with many attractions.
Since ancient times, many interesting things have been preserved here, for example, the old Venetian harbor, the Kuchuk Hasan mosque and one of the oldest lighthouses in the world. On a small hill, very close to the embankment, is Casteli-the so-called colorful center of old Chania. To the east of this quarter is the Splancia quarter, where the Church of St. Nicholas stands. And in the western part of the old town lies the Topanas quarter – where the ancient fortress of Firkas is located. The alleys of the Topanas quarter flow smoothly into the narrow street of Zambeliu, where old houses, intertwined with bright bougainvilleas, literally lean on each other. Very close is the Agora, the famous indoor city market in Greece.
It is not necessary to take a guide for excursions around Chania, because you will have to listen carefully to him, which means that there will be no time left for exploring the territory at all. The best option is to take a guide-book, navigator, and explore the sights of Chania on your own. What is the first thing that deserves attention?
Old Venetian port and embankment
The best way to get acquainted with the city of Chania is from the port, its address: Agiou Markou 8 / Akti Tompazi.
The length of the walking area is about 1.5 km – on one side it is bounded by an ancient lighthouse, on the other – by the Firkas fortress. There are many low buildings on the embankment, decorated with colorful shutters and door knockers. There are many restaurants, taverns, bars-there is always a place where you can have a good time and have a delicious meal.
If it is summer outside, then it is better to go for a walk in the morning before 10: 00 or in the evening after 19: 00, so as not to languish in the heat. By the way, this place is crowded and very noisy, especially in the evening. If you do not want to walk, you can take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, which is quite a lot here waiting for customers.
Lighthouse
On the spit, 1.5 km from the port of Chania, there is an Egyptian lighthouse (address: Old Port, Chania, Crete, Greece). This is not just a landmark of Chania – it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, it was built by the Venetians at the end of the XVI century.
It is advisable to organize a walk to it during daylight hours, and even the heat will not be a big hindrance: the main part of the way passes along the sidewalk along the breakwaters, where a cool sea breeze always blows. Approximately 2/3 of the way there is a small terrace from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the bay.
The lighthouse is 21 meters high, and the Venetians used the same material for its construction as for the construction of all the main fortifications in the city. The base of the lighthouse has the shape of an 8-gon, the middle part is made in the form of a 16-gon, and the upper part is round.
The water in the bay is also worthy of attention: it is very clean, and a large number of fish can be clearly seen in it. And large and small crabs are happy to sit on boulders protruding from the water.
Venetian Fortress-Fort Firkas
In the north of the Topanas quarter, the walls of the ancient Venetian fortress of Crete – Firkas have been preserved. Anyone can see this attraction, access to it is free.
Although not much remains of this massive structure now, the fortress once protected the narrow entrance to the port of Chania before being converted into an ammunition depot and barracks for soldiers. On December 1, 1913, the Greek flag was raised here, marking the unification of Crete with Greece. Now there are guns installed here, although not original, but quite a decent entourage!
From the walls of the fortress, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Venetian port of Chania – photos turn out like postcards! But first of all, it is better to enjoy the surrounding atmosphere.
Place of interest address: Old Harbor, Chania, Crete 731 31, Greece.
The territory of Firkas fortress now belongs to the Maritime Museum of Greece.
Maritime Museum
Coast Kountourioti, Akti Kountourioti, Chania, Crete 73110, Greece-this is the address of the next tourist attraction in the city of Chania. We are talking about the Maritime Museum of Greece.
It is impossible to pass by this building located in the city port: it is red, 2 floors high, a huge anchor and a ship’s propeller are installed in front of the entrance. Here you will learn about the maritime history of Crete and Greece.
Visitors can see numerous exhibits:
- a very small hall imitates the cabin of a submarine;
- models of ships and naval weapons are introduced to the history of navigation;
- The 17th-century model of Chania introduces the buildings of that time;
- detailed exposition of the battle for the island of Crete.
There are no queues here, as few people rush to get acquainted with the history of the Greek navy. But boys and sailors will definitely be interested.
- You can visit this attraction of Greece at such times: from Monday to Saturday from 9: 00 to 17: 00 (in winter time until 15: 40), on Sunday-a day off.
- Ticket price: 3 € for adults — – 2 € for schoolchildren and students, for children under 6 years of age — admission is free.
- Website: http://mar-mus-crete.gr/
St. Nicholas Church
Not just a historical landmark, but an Orthodox shrine, the functioning Church of St. Nicholas, is located at this address: 1821 Square, Chania, Crete, Greece.
Inside, the interior is quite traditional, but outside there is a not entirely unusual detail: a minaret preserved from an old mosque that was converted into an Orthodox church. And this shrine is well known throughout Greece for the fact that it contains the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
There is a church shop to the right of the facade. They sell icons and candles, and for € 3 you can buy a charm bracelet woven by the monks of the mountain monastery.
Cathedral of the Three Martyrs
The Cathedral of the Three Martyrs is well known not only in the city of Chania, but also on the island of Crete. It stands on the square of Athinagora, not far from another attraction – the Venetian harbor.
The cathedral is active, anyone can enter.
The facade of the building is decorated with sculptural pseudo-columns, cornices and arched openings. On the north-western side of the church rises the bell tower. The interior design is very beautiful and rich, there are many masterpieces of famous Greek artists.
Agora Market
There are many interesting sights to visit on the island of Crete, in Chania one of them is the Agora market. Its address is: Nikiforou Foka Street, Chania, Crete 731 32, Greece.
The building of the city market has the shape of a cross, oriented to 4 cardinal directions. The market is versatile and interesting enough even to just walk around and see, to feel all the local flavor.
On the shopping aisles you can see almost any product: fresh seafood, cheeses, treats, vegetables, fruits, meat products, condiments, souvenirs, books. For bottling, you can take a good grape raki for 5-7 € per liter. Excellent home-made olive oil is offered at a price of 8-9 € per liter, depending on the beauty of the package.
Football Museum
If you walk from the market towards the promenade of Chania, you can see the building with the cup in the window-this is the football museum.
This is a very interesting place, and for men in general a paradise – everything here is literally saturated with the history of a popular sports game! Among the exhibits are unique T-shirts of Ronaldo, Platini, Zidane. And the most important thing is that the owner of the museum allows you to try on any T-shirt, and take a photo with the European Champions Cup-this will be the best memory for true fans about their vacation in Chania.
- The exact address of this attraction is 40 Tsouderon, Chania, Crete 731 32, Greece.
- The museum is private and admission is free.
- Website: www.galanolefkosfaros.gr.
Samaria Gorge: A Mysterious Attraction on Crete
Beaches of Chania – which one is better?
The resorts of the island of Crete are a real realm of clean warm sea and golden sand, and the resort of Chania is no exception. Many beaches of Chania are constantly awarded the EU Blue flag for cleanliness and environmental friendliness. Rest on them is safe, because from morning to evening rescuers are on duty here.
Agia Apostoli Beach
Agii Apostoli Beach (Agii Apostoli, Chania, Crete, Greece) is located in a beautiful bay, right and left closed from the winds and waves by rocks. These rocks are not only a natural protection, but also a decoration of the landscape. In addition, near them you can see a variety of fish, octopus and other marine life. The beach is sandy, the sea is clear, the entrance to it is very convenient for children – you need to walk about 50 m to the full depth.
There are only 2-3 showers on the entire rather large beach, and there is only one foot tap in the very center of the beach.
For active recreation, there are good volleyball and tennis courts, playgrounds for playing “rocket” (as the national beach sport is called in Greece), you can rent a bicycle. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for € 10 per set. Facilities include toilets, changing rooms and showers.
The beach is really very comfortable and safe for families with children. There is a special children’s fenced area: you can put inflatable armbands on the child and watch him swim from the shore. And adults will love a nice bar on the beach.
Iguana Beach
Iguana Beach (located: Agii Apostoli, Chania, Crete, Greece) is located a little away from Agii Apostoli Beach.
This beach is not covered by a cape, so the waves here are more frequent and stronger. The beach is small, but more “adult” than the neighboring one.
There are changing rooms, toilets and several showers, but with rather cold water. The price for renting an umbrella and 2 sun beds is a little high-7 €.
Agios Nikolaos-highlights of the Cretan “Saint-Tropez”holiday
Hea Hora Beach
Nea Chora Beach is located in the western part of the city of Chania, its location: Akti Papanikoli.
This beach is sandy, although there are small pebbles in some places. The water is very clean, the entrance to the sea can be called ideal: the depth starts at a distance of 4 m from the shore. If there is a strong tide, some areas are completely covered with water.
The beach is well equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. An umbrella and 2 sun beds can be rented for 5€. There are cafes and restaurants nearby.
Krissy Akti Beach
Chrisi Akti Beach is located in Agion Apostolon, Daratsos, Crete 731 00, Greece.
This beach of Chania, like all the beaches of the island of Crete, is clean, with clear warm water. Although sometimes the waves still rise here, and swimming can be a little problematic.
The beach is equipped, there is everything for a good rest. There are many restaurants nearby, and the most delicious food at the most reasonable prices is offered in the nearest cafe “Ippo-Kampusa”.
On a note! A rating with photos and descriptions of the best beaches on the island of Crete in Greece is presented on this page.
Chania: special features of accommodation
The resort of Chania on the island of Crete is quite a lively place, but tourists from Great Britain, France, and Germany mostly rest here. The fact is that holidays and accommodation in Chania are slightly more expensive than in the area near Heraklion or Rethymno.
A double room during the summer period in Chania can be found for an amount starting from 45 € in a 3*** hotel, a hotel room 4**** it will cost about 60-100 €, for apartments you will have to pay from 35 € or more, 65-90 € on average.
Based on user reviews and hotel descriptions on the site booking.com, you can easily choose the most suitable option. For example, the following hotels in Chania received an 8+ rating::
- Hotel Irida 3*, located 1 km from the famous attraction – the Venetian harbor, and 1 km from the city center. A double room per night will cost from 106 €.
- Frida Apartments 3* is located 1.5 km from the center of Chania and 500 m from the beach. Superior family 1-bedroom apartments are available here for €100.
- Spring Apartment complex in the center of Chania. 2-bedroom apartments can be rented here starting from € 95 per night.
How to get to the resort of Chania
Chania International Airport is 10 km away. Ioannis Daskaloyannis. Throughout the year, it accepts flights from Thessaloniki and from the capital of Greece – Athens. From the beginning of May to the end of October (tourist season), charter flights from many European countries are added to them, the schedule of which you need to find out on the eve of each tourist season. Important: if the occupancy rate is low, the charter flight can be canceled even when it is part of a sold-out tour!
From the airport, you can reach Chania by bus, taxi, or rented car.
The bus stop is located next to the exit of the airport terminal, and the bus departs 7 times a day to the central bus station of Chania. Public transport schedules can be viewed on the airport’s website, but changes can be made at different times of the season. The journey time is only 20-30 minutes, the fare is 2.5 € and you can pay this amount directly to the driver.
A taxi from the airport to the center of Chania will cost around 30-35 euros, and it does not matter how many passengers it will take. You can take a taxi immediately on the spot – the cars are parked at the exit from the terminal, or you can order them in advance on the airport’s website.
As for renting a car, you need to arrange it in advance, and upon arrival you will only need to pick up the car in the parking lot.
Weather conditions in Chania
Chania (Greece) has a temperate Mediterranean climate. In summer, the air warms up to +25 – +30 °C, in the winter months the temperature is in the range of +13 – +18 °C. The sea temperature in the summer months, at the peak of the season, rises to +25 °C. Rain is very rare in summer.
Come on vacation to Greece, to the resort of Chania, you can throughout the year. Of course, in summer the conditions for a beach holiday are more suitable, and in winter you can fully devote time to sightseeing.
