Chania, considered the ‘mother of the Cretan cities’ by ancient writers. Making our way through the Old City, we’ll see the beautiful harbor, the city’s old Venetian fortifications, and Turkish mosques. In the modern part of Chania, you’ll have a chance to discover the area’s rich gastronomy and pick up some souvenirs at from shops in the local market. Chania lies along the northwest coast of the island Crete, about 70 km (43 mi) west of Rethymno and 145 km (90 mi) west of Heraklion.
WHAT TO DO IN CHANIA
The city of Chania can be divided into two parts: the old town and the modern city which is the larger one. The old town is situated next to the old harbor and is the matrix around which the whole urban area was developed. It used to be surrounded by the old Venetian fortifications that started to be built in 1538.
Of them, only the eastern and western parts have survived. From the south, the old town is continuous with the new, and from the north, the physical border is the sea. The centre of the modern city is the area extending next to the old town and especially towards the south.
- Old harbor
- Maritime Museum of Crete
- West Venetian Walls
- Kyuchuk Hassan Mosque
- Venetian Shipyards
- Byzantine Walls
- Old Chania Market
WHERE TO SLEEP
Ionas Boutique Hotel is a carefully restored historical home, located in the heart of the Old Town of Chania. Ionas is a perfect base for guests wishing to explore authentic Chania.
The Venetian and Ottoman elements of this charming building have been restored and thoughtfully recreated to celebrate its heritage. Even the core walls of the building date back to 1538.
The heart of the house showcases a staircase that has been carefully crafted from wood and iron to create a fine example of classic design. The decorative touches of stain-glass windows add to the unique beauty of Ionas house.
EXCURSION FROM CHANIA
Agia Triada Tzagaroli Monastery is one of these things that you can do on a rainy day or simply if you need to disconnect to beaches and made some difference. Is a Greek Orthodox monastery in the Akrotiri peninsula in the Chania regional unit, Crete, Greece. It also contains a museum. The monastery, whose name means “Holy Trinity”, was built in the 17th century by two brothers of the Venetian Zangaroli family on the site of a pre-existing church. The monks produce and sell wine and olive oil on the premises.
Other excursions:
