Chania

The city of Chania (or Hania) is located in the northwestern part of Crete, Greece’s largest island. It is one of the most popular destinations in Crete and was also its former capital.

This picturesque coastal city with its vibrant spirit is where ancient meets modern. Get lost in its maze of streets and you will see how a modern civilization is woven through a set of ancient buildings and ruins. Chania’s long history which began during the Neolithic period, has seen several civilizations thrive through the centuries. Among these were the Turks, Romans, Arabs, Venetians and Germans which makes Chania boast of an exclusive multicultural fusion.

Venetian Harbor

Unarguably, the major attraction in Chania is the picture-perfect Venetian Harbour, bounded by cafes and restaurants serving excellent Cretan cuisine. The towering lighthouse in the northern part of the port is one of the oldest in the world. It was constructed by Venetians and later rebuilt by Egyptians – hence called the Egyptian Lighthouse. Opposite this, is the majestic pink domed Kucuk Hasan Mosque, which stands as testimony to the Ottoman era.

Don’t forget to watch the sunset (or sunrise) from here – it is beyond words. From the harbor begins a maze of streets bustling with activity and this is the Old Town.

Old Town

Take a walk back in time through the streets of Old Town where you will stumble upon historical marvels at every step. You can see a blend of Venetian, Turkish and Byzantine styles of architecture. Several churches, mosques, neoclassical mansions and museums will be strewn along your path. Look out for the church of Agios Nikolaos, Etz Hayyim Synagogue and Kasteli, a Byzantine fortress set atop a hill. The heart of Old Town is Eleftherios Venizelos Square with its numerous local shops displaying exquisite Cretan artworks and handicrafts.

Fortifications

Chania has a series of fortifications which were constructed to defend the city – during the Byzantine and Venetian eras. The Firkas Fortress built by the Venetians to keep out Turks, is located in the western part of the harbour and is one of the last ones standing. From the top of the fort, you can get panoramic views of the Venetian Harbor, Venetian Lighthouse, Turkish mosque and San Salvatore Bastion – a circular tower which is a part of the Venetian fortifications. In the eastern part of the harbor, you can find the ruins of Sabbionara Rampart, an old gate that is part of the Venetian Walls.

A part of the fort now houses the Maritime Museum, which displays a fine documentation of Crete’s naval history. You can see models of ships and several naval instruments on display. 

Why should you visit?

While the northern part of Chania regional unit is home to luxurious upscale resorts, the southern part has retained its rustic charm with timeless traditional villages. Beaches like Elafonisi, Balos and Falassarna, the Samaria Gorge and several important archaeological sites lie in the Chania regional unit. Thus, apart from relishing the unique vibe and delicious Cretan cuisine, you can also make the city of Chania your base to explore other destinations in this region.