 CHANIA CRETE - Explore the city of Chania in Crete
The prefecture of Chania Crete's westernmost district. Its main part is occupied by the White Mountains, Lefka Ori, which form the famous gorge of Samaria between its sides. North-east of Chania is the greatest natural harbour of Souda. Chania is the second largest town in Crete and unquestionably the one which has preserved more of its old character than any other. Around Kasteli and the harbour, many buildings and even entire neighbourhoods from the Venetian and Turkish periods have been preserved in good condition. The new part has been built according to a modern plan with wide streets, parks and fine buildings. |
UNDERSTAND CHANIA CRETE
Though Chania is a modern city the interior is a labyrynth of old Venetian houses that you can wander around with only an occasional reminder of the twentieth century. The port is actually in Souda Bay, but there are buses and taxis available to take you right into the city. The bus will leave you at the market place near the old town. There are hotels all over the city but the ones overlooking the harbor are probably where you want to be even if the nightlife below can get a little noisy.
If you don't see yourself as being one of the people making the noise then you may want to find a quieter place further back or ask your travel agent what they suggest. |
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As for what to do in Chania it's a case of passing the day until the sun goes down and the lights of the cafes, restaurants and bars around the harbor come on and life begins. Like most harbor towns the expensive cafes have taken the best spots on the waterfront and the cheaper and more traditional restaurants are on the fringes and the back streets. |
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There are also some interesting non-traditional restaurants scattered around the old town which you will come across in your wanderings. Most of the bars, discos and nightclubs are located in the inner harbor. For traditional Greek music in a traditional Greek setting try the Café Kriti at 22 Kalergon, the next street up parallel to the inner harbor. The beaches are to the west and for a town beach they are quiet pleasant, but can fill up in the summer. Restaurants line the waterfront so you can enjoy a good meal by the sea after toasting in the sun.
But, for adventurous travelers to be in Crete without a car is like being in Manhattan without a wallet. Your days should be spent exploring the Crete island. |
If you came to lay out on the beach and watch people you should be at Elounda beach or Ag Nik. Antiquities in this area include Phalassarna with its Cyclopean walls, tombs and sculptures carved out of stone, the ancient city of Aptera, about 15kms from Hania south of Souda, where there is a Roman theatre with enormous vaulted cisterns, a temple of Demeter and the Cyclopean walls.
From the Byzantine era there is the Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels or Gouvernetou with an impressive facade, the Rotonda of Archangel Michael with mosaic floors and frescoes and the Agia Triada monastery with a fine gate built in 1632. |
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Hotels in Chania Crete |
Perle Resort Hotel & Health Spa Marine 
B.P. 268, Stavros, Chania Crete
The traditional countryside of the beautiful Akrotiri-peninsula with its quiet sandy beaches is the surrounding of the recently built “Perle Resort Hotel & Health SPA Marine”, some 17 kms from Chania... More… |
Nanakis Beach Apartments 
Nanakis beach is located in Stavros,just 14km from the town of Chania,10km form the airport and 11km from Souda harbour.Our 16 apartments and studios are set on a ground of 10000m² and are surrounded by sea and colourful gardens ... More... |
Mythos Palace Hotel
Mythos Palace offers a wonderful family atmosphere and combines the real Cretan hospitality in an environment, based on modern but also traditional Cretan architecture. Located in Kavros Georgioupolis. More... |
Halepa Hotel
Our relaxing haven is conveniently located just minutes away from the city center of Chania, in the well known area of Halepa, from which it has received its name. More… |
Creta Princess Hotel
The hotel is situated on the island of Crete, 17 km from the center of Chania, with beautiful pool gardens, extending only a few meters from the beach. The nearest shopping area is 500 meters and the main nightlife is 5 km away and the International Airport of Chania only 34 km. More... |
Eliros Beach Hotel
Welcome to the Eliros Beach Hotel. The hotel is found at the Kavros, Georgioupolis, built in a area of 12000 m2, that allocates the most beautiful sandy beach of Crete. Eliros Hotel offers a special atmosphere and combines the real Cretan hospitality in a environment of traditional Cretan architecture. More… |
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