Chaniain Crete

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Map of Chania

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Chania Guide

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About ChaniaChania is one of the most tourist destinations of Crete. Travelers who come are captivated by thetraditional style of the villages and the purity of the natural environment.

The region of Chania, situated in western Crete, occupies a very important place in the history ofCrete. Historians say that Chania was the exact location for the ancient Minoan establishment ofKydonia, a flourishing town.

After the disappearance of the Minoan civilization, the area declined and flourished again in the14th century, when it was conquered by the Venetians. The Venetians have left their vivid mark inthe region, mostly in Chania town. Most of the elegant mansions that can be found in the Old Townof Chania date from that era, while the Venetian lighthouse in the Old Port has become over theyears the trademark of the town.

Those times, the region flourished out of trade and arts were developed. The Venetian period ofChania ended in 1645, when it was conquered by the Ottomans. Remains of the Ottoman periodstill survive in Chania Town, such as the Ottoman Baths and some mosques, with the mosque ofKioutsouk Hanan being the most notable.

Apart from Chania Town, the entire region is also breathtaking. The sandy beaches, the mountainsvillages, the seaside hamlets, the pure nature, the Byzantine monasteries spread along the inland,all create a fantastic background to explore.

If you drive around Chania, you will be amazed by the wild nature that will unfold in front of youreyes. You will have the chance to hike impressive gorges, such as the Gorge of Samaria, and seerare flora and fauna. Chania has one of the rarest herb life in Greece and attracts many naturelovers.

Chania Guide

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Best Villages in ChaniaTown (Rating: by Greeka members)Location: On the northern side of Crete

Description: Chania Town is the capital of the prefecture and one of themost beautiful towns in Crete. Its architecture has Venetian and Ottomanelements, while its most picturesque spot is the old port with the lighthouse.Sightseeing: Ancient Kydonia, Archaeological Museum, Byzantine Museum,Catholic Church of Saint Francis, Church of Virgin Mary, Folklore Museum,Naval Museum of Crete, Ottoman Baths, Typography Museum, VenetianLighthouse, War Museum

Sfakia (Rating: by Greeka members)Location: 72 km south east of Chania Town

Description: Chora Sfakion, or just Sfakia, is a historical place for Crete, asmany fighters of the Cretan Revolution came from there. The wild landscapeand the calm beaches offer a great place for holidays.

Chania Guide

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Paleochora (Rating: by Greeka members)Location: 80 km south west of Chania Town

Description: Paleohora is the most popular resort on the southern side ofChania Crete. It has developed tourism without losing its traditional character.From Paleochora, boats go on close excursions.Sightseeing: Fortress of Selino

KissamosLocation: 41 km west of Chania TownDescription: Kissamos is the second largest town in the prefecture ofChania. Located in the western side of Crete, Kissamos is a nice excursionbase for the beautiful beaches and mountainous villages of the area.

Best Beaches in Chania

Chania Guide

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Elafonisi (Rating: by Greeka members)Location: 82 km south west of Chania Town

Description: Elafonisi is a small islet with exotic water. It can be reached byboat from Paleochora as the road leading there is track and difficult.

Sightseeing: Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa

BalosLocation: 60 km north west of Chania Town

Description: Balos is an amazing beach on the north westernmost spot ofChania Crete. It is accessed through a track road or by tour boat fromKissamos.Sightseeing: Castle of Gramvoussa

FalassarnaLocation: 58 km west of Chania

Description: Falassarna is a lovely tourist resort with an extended, sandybeach. The area is filled with olive groves and other vegetation. Falassarnastands on the north western spot of Crete, pretty far from Chania Town.Sightseeing: Ancient Falassarna

Chania Guide

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Georgioupolis (Rating: by Greeka members)Location: 37 km south east of Chania Town

Description: This is a popular tourist resort about an hour drive from ChaniaTown. It has many tourist facilities and a lovely, sandy beach.

Frangokastello beachLocation: 80 km south east from Chania Town

Description: This long and sandy beach is located on the southern side ofCrete, in front of an imposing Venetian Castle.

Chania Guide

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Best Sightseeing in ChaniaVenetian LighthouseLocation: TownThe lighthouse of Chania is found in the Venetian Harbour and this is thesymbol of the town. Originally built by the Venetians in the 16th century, thelighthouse was reconstructed by the Egyptians in the 19th century.

Samaria GorgeLocation: OmalosThe Gorge of Samaria is one of the largest gorges in Europe and a popularhiking destination in Crete. It extends for 17 km and gives its visitors a view ofimpressive landscape. This is the home of rare species of flora and fauna andan abandoned village is seen on the way.

Chania Guide

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Monastery of ChrissoskalitissaLocation: ElafonisiThe Monastery of Virgin Mary Chrissoskalitissa is located on top of a hill aboveElafonissi beach, on the south western coast of Chania. Inside the monastery,there is a small museum with Byzantine icons, rare manuscripts and folkloreitems.

Frangokastello FortressLocation: FrangokastelloBuilt by the Venetians in 1371, Frangokastello is one of the landmarks ofCrete. It is an imposing structure with an exciting and mysterious story:people report to have seen the ghosts of fighters on the beach in some dawnsof May.

Castle of GramvoussaLocation: BalosGramvoussa is a small islet off the exotic beach of Balos, western Crete. Ontop of this islet, there is a steep castle built by the Venetians between 1579and 1582. The view from the this castle is breathtaking.

Chania Guide

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CreditsGreeka.com would like to thank the following members for their valuable contribution, as some ofthe photos included in this guide belong to them.AliBoyle, Olympias, Paul, Smirka, adibm, aleksia, andoni, angie, biancamch, cigognes,dirkvano, donatella, dreamofgreece, evitta, ewalina, fdumi, gerda, glljansen, hchcyoon,ilkadina, jenike, jerrymungo, jopp, kyralino, marian49, miche, milos58, monnalisa, niki81,ovibrumar, pantarei11, pravda, serser, sisi, traveller1, tzonio, zlivido, zsuzsi80

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