Chania, Crete: Experience Natural Beauty, History and Culture

Chania is Crete’s second largest city and it is located along its northeastern coast, next to the Gulf of the same name. There are four prefectures in the Greek Island of Crete and this is its westernmost prefecture. This beautiful town is its capital and it is a blend of modern, traditional, Venetian and Turkish architecture.

The city is a unique and attractive picture of villages, churches, museums, caves, gorges, archaeological sites and wonderful beaches.

It enjoys a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and mild winters.

The northern coast of Crete is popular with tourists, while the inland and southern coasts remain unexplored with many virgin areas, secluded beaches, impressive gorges and traditional villages.

Gramvoussa and Balos Area near Crete, Greece - Gramvoussa are two small islands where the Venetian castle is stuated. Balos beach lies on the coast of Crete next to Gramvoussa and its natural beauty and clear turquoise water are a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.The amazing Gramvoussa, Balos beach, close to Chania, Crete

A Little Bit Of History

The rich history of this city can be seen in its historic buildings and monuments with Venetian, Greek and Turkish architecture.

This is the site of the ancient Minoan settlement, which the Greeks called Cydonia (Kydonia) and it has been continuously inhabited from the Neolithic times, for nearly 5,000 years.

Chania, the second largest town in Crete, Greece - It is a place of natural beauty, history and culture and a blend of modern, traditional, Venetian and Turkish architecture. Taste the delicious Greek food in one of the restaurants in the old port - it will be a truly unique experience.Ahh… that Mediterranean feel by the sea

The Romans conquered the city in 69 B.C., and they built the Roman Theater, which was preserved until 1583 when the Venetians demolished it and used the building material to construct the city walls.

Kydonia was destroyed by the Saracene pirates in 828 AD. This port ceased to be an important city during the Byzantine rule and later it flourished under the Venetians.

Venetians settled in Kastelli and fortified the entire town with a wall and a moat, and they also built the cathedral, a palace, a theater and houses for the noble.

The Old Port of Chania, Crete, Greece - This is one of the landmarks of the town. Beautiful seaview, small boats and yachts, interesting monuments and architecture will make your walk along the port a true authentic experience.Old port of Chania, Crete, Greece

A new modern city was constructed within the walls. It was captured by the Turks in 1645 and they converted all churches to mosques, and constructed new mosques too.

After the national revolution in 1821, the city was assigned to the Regent of Egypt. It was reclaimed by Turks in 1841 and was liberated in 1897. In 1913 it was united with the Greek state.

Cretans celebrate at all opportunities, and their life is full of festivals and feasts, which are accompanied by music, dance and excellent traditional food.

Their main festivals and celebrations are: the celebration of the Virgin Mary on 15th August, the Wine Festival in the beginning of August, the Anniversary of the Battle of Chania on 23rd April, festivals to celebrate the cherries, chestnuts and sardines, and various cultural events are organized throughout the year.

Where is Chania?

where-is-chania
  • 36.6 miles/ 59 km from Rethymnon, Crete, Greece
  • 185.7 miles/ 138 km from Heraklion, Crete, Greece
  • 123.6 miles/ 199 km from Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
  • 164.6 miles/ 265 km from Sitia, Crete, Greece
  • 9.2 miles/ 14.9 km from Chania International Airport, Crete, Greece
  • 223 miles/ 359 km from Athens International Airport, Greece

Things to See

  • The Byzantine Museum
  • Gorge of Samaria
  • The Monastery of Panagia Chrissoskalitissa
  • The Frangokastello Fortress
  • The Maritime Museum
  • Lake Kournas
  • Ottoman Baths
  • Chania Lighthouse
  • Castle of Gramvoussa

Beaches

  • Balos (Gramvoussa)
  • Agioi Apostoloi
  • Agia Marina
  • Platanias
  • Drapanias

Excursions

  • Knossos Palace and Heraklion Town
  • The Botanical Park of Askordalos

Chania is a heavenly town brimming with natural beauty, history and culture.

You can experience nature in all its glory and encounter breathtaking sights.

We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!