CHANIA
Possibly the most photogenic part of Crete. A charming karma of everlasting aesthetics, aristocratic nobleness and calm revolutionism. A noble city that travels through the centuries proud of its multicultural past and its unique political history, respectful of its exquisite architecture, in love with the arts and civilization, passionate about “philoxenia”, the ultimate hospitality, and true human contact. The city of Chania has an artistic temperament that cannot be hidden away.
A multicultural, romantic and refined city, Chania shall enchant the visitor with its evocative beauty. The capital of Chania Prefecture, the «Venice of the East” holds a prominent position in the northern coast of Western Crete. Overlooking the great blue of the Cretan Sea in the shadow of the majestic Lefka Ori, Chania is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Greece.
Chania stands on the ruins of Minoan Kydonia. In its long history, it has always been a significant trading and cultural centre of the Mediterranean. Every inch of this city tells the story of this unique land of which the history is made of a colourful mix of great and diverse civilizations: Minoans, Cretans, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans and Egyptians.
Built around the picturesque Venetian harbour with the symbol of the Egyptian Lighthouse, the Old Town with its characteristic Venetian aura, still maintains the glory of the past. In the historic quarters with the rambling paved allays, the Venetian palazzi and the mosques stand in harmony along with Turkish mansions, the hammams and the synagogues. Among them, exquisite churches, atmospheric guest houses, the craftsmen’s street markets, museums, traditional cafes, restaurants and all sorts of small shops make up a magical scenery.
On the famous peer of Chania, the intense social life meets with some of the most beautiful sights of the city: the Venetian fortress of Firka, the mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan or Giali Tzamisi, the shipyards and the Great Arsenali.
Spreading out of the Venetian fortifications, the New Town is as interesting as the Old Town and offers some magnificent routes. The aristocratic quarter of Chalepa with the neoclassic mansions of the 19th - 20th century and the residences of some of the most prominent personalities of modern Greece. The Tabakaria (old tanneries). The Municipal Garden. The New Archaeological Museum of Chania, a masterpiece of modernism. To the west, the road to Kissamos takes you through the seaside suburbs of the city of Chania with the cosmopolitan beaches and the intense nightlife: Stalos, Agia Marina, Platanias, Gerani, Maleme.