Chania Sightseeing
Archeological Sites
The beautiful Venetian lighthouse is ideally located at the extreme end of the pier, at the entrance of the port, and is considered to be the symbol of Chania.
Initially, the lighthouse was built by the Venetians in 1570, and later on, it was reconstructed for the last time in 1830. It is conspicuous by its rectangular shape and it’s made of stone blocks. The lighthouse is no longer operational but it is
still one of the top attractions of Chania for its magnificent architecture and historical interest. Visitors can walk along the Venetian walls but it is not allowed to enter its interiors. The view from the port of Chania is absolutely amazing.
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Faro
The beautiful Venetian lighthouse is ideally located at the extreme end of the pier, at the entrance of the port, and is considered to be the symbol of Chania.
Initially, the lighthouse was built by the Venetians in 1570, and later on, it was reconstructed for the last time in 1830. It is conspicuous by its rectangular shape and it’s made of stone blocks. The lighthouse is no longer operational but it is
still one of the top attractions of Chania for its magnificent architecture and historical interest. Visitors can walk along the Venetian walls but it is not allowed to enter its interiors. The view from the port of Chania is absolutely amazing.
In the city of Chania, there are two medieval fortresses, which played an important role in the history of the city and were associated with top moments of the whole island, as well as another smaller and less important to the south.
These fortresses are the fortress of Kydonia, the fortress of Firkas, and the fortress of Kastelos at Agia Kyriaki. Opposite Kastelli, on the other side of the port, still dominates the fortress of Firkas, built on a low hill, which now houses
the Naval Museum of Crete.
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Firka Castle
Akti KountouriotiIn the city of Chania, there are two medieval fortresses, which played an important role in the history of the city and were associated with top moments of the whole island, as well as another smaller and less important to the south.
These fortresses are the fortress of Kydonia, the fortress of Firkas, and the fortress of Kastelos at Agia Kyriaki. Opposite Kastelli, on the other side of the port, still dominates the fortress of Firkas, built on a low hill, which now houses
the Naval Museum of Crete.
The Gyali Tzami (mosque of the sea) is actually the only preserved mosque in the city of Chania. It was built on the position of a pre-existing Christian temple
after the conquest of Chania by the Ottomans in 1645. Nowadays it is used as an Exhibition center. Most of the time the entrance is free.
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Mezquita Küçük Hasan
18 SourmelisThe Gyali Tzami (mosque of the sea) is actually the only preserved mosque in the city of Chania. It was built on the position of a pre-existing Christian temple
after the conquest of Chania by the Ottomans in 1645. Nowadays it is used as an Exhibition center. Most of the time the entrance is free.
After the Santa Luccia bastion, the Venetian wall turns north towards the sea, where the Sabbionara Rampart and bastion are located. It is the only gate of the Venetian fortifications that remain to date, was altered externally during the Ottoman period, when its size was reduced. Currently, the Sabbionara Gate is used as a space for exhibitions of art or exhibitions related to everyday culture, and as a venue for cultural events in general.
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Sabbionara Rampart
9 DefkalionosAfter the Santa Luccia bastion, the Venetian wall turns north towards the sea, where the Sabbionara Rampart and bastion are located. It is the only gate of the Venetian fortifications that remain to date, was altered externally during the Ottoman period, when its size was reduced. Currently, the Sabbionara Gate is used as a space for exhibitions of art or exhibitions related to everyday culture, and as a venue for cultural events in general.
Venetian Shipyards (Arsenals) in Chania: One of the most enduring landmarks in Chania is the 16th-century Venetian shipyards. It is known for its historical vaulted buildings. The buildings of this area were purposely constructed for shipbuilding which flourished in Chania in the 16th century.
Neoria (Venetian Shipyards)
Venetian Shipyards (Arsenals) in Chania: One of the most enduring landmarks in Chania is the 16th-century Venetian shipyards. It is known for its historical vaulted buildings. The buildings of this area were purposely constructed for shipbuilding which flourished in Chania in the 16th century.
The Municipal Market of Chania is commonly known as the "Agora". It was built between 1909 and 1913 and modeled on the covered market of Marseilles. It has a cruciform shape and space inside for a large number of shops. It was built on the site of a bastion of the Venetian fortification wall. This was dismantled to fill in the moat and created a space to build the market.
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Mercado Viejo de Chania
The Municipal Market of Chania is commonly known as the "Agora". It was built between 1909 and 1913 and modeled on the covered market of Marseilles. It has a cruciform shape and space inside for a large number of shops. It was built on the site of a bastion of the Venetian fortification wall. This was dismantled to fill in the moat and created a space to build the market.
By the end of the 15th century, Venice began to construct shipyards in its domains in the eastern Mediterranean for the maintenance and readiness of its fleet so as to not depend on the far Metropolis.
The construction of the Chania Arsenali (Venetian for “Shipyards”) began in 1497 and with gradual additions two impressive complexes were eventually formed. The first, at the eastern end of the harbor, comprised five arsenali, while
the other, even further to the east, alongside today´s dock that had not been constructed at that time, comprehended seventeen adjacent arsenali. The westernmost was "The Great Arsenali".
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KAM Center of Mediterranean Architecture
Πλατεια Γεωργιου ΚατεχακηBy the end of the 15th century, Venice began to construct shipyards in its domains in the eastern Mediterranean for the maintenance and readiness of its fleet so as to not depend on the far Metropolis.
The construction of the Chania Arsenali (Venetian for “Shipyards”) began in 1497 and with gradual additions two impressive complexes were eventually formed. The first, at the eastern end of the harbor, comprised five arsenali, while
the other, even further to the east, alongside today´s dock that had not been constructed at that time, comprehended seventeen adjacent arsenali. The westernmost was "The Great Arsenali".
Museums
The Maritime Museum of Crete was founded in 1973 in order to accommodate and present Greek naval traditions, especially those of Crete, which constitute a part of the national glory. The Museum is the second maritime one in antiquity in Greece, after the Maritime Museum of Greece in Piraeus.
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Maritime Museum of Crete
14-16 DefkalionosThe Maritime Museum of Crete was founded in 1973 in order to accommodate and present Greek naval traditions, especially those of Crete, which constitute a part of the national glory. The Museum is the second maritime one in antiquity in Greece, after the Maritime Museum of Greece in Piraeus.
Nuevo Museo Arqueológico de Chania
15 SkraThe museum is located in a byzantine church that is estimated to have been built in the 15th century. At the end of the Venetian rule (mid-17th century), the church was expanded to the north with the addition of two rectangular spaces, which had an entrance on the west side. These areas, in which there is limited use of post-Gothic motifs, are covered with cruciform vaults and communicate with the main church with large arched openings. During the Turkish occupation, the temple was turned into a mosque by cutting off the original temple and forming a sanctuary in the southwest corner of the south aisle. A collection in which the historical course of the westernmost prefecture of Crete from the early Christian years until the Ottoman rule is clearly
recorded.
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Byzantine/Post-Byzantine Collection
78 TheotokopoulouThe museum is located in a byzantine church that is estimated to have been built in the 15th century. At the end of the Venetian rule (mid-17th century), the church was expanded to the north with the addition of two rectangular spaces, which had an entrance on the west side. These areas, in which there is limited use of post-Gothic motifs, are covered with cruciform vaults and communicate with the main church with large arched openings. During the Turkish occupation, the temple was turned into a mosque by cutting off the original temple and forming a sanctuary in the southwest corner of the south aisle. A collection in which the historical course of the westernmost prefecture of Crete from the early Christian years until the Ottoman rule is clearly
recorded.
The Museum of Typography is a Greek museum of typography and printing located near Chania, Crete, at the Industrial Park of Souda. It was founded by Yannis Garedakis, owner and founder of the local newspaper Haniotika Nea, and his wife Eleni Garedakis. Its premises host conferences, book presentations, theatrical performances, music events, etc., while every year it organizes an international poster competition for Typography.
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Museum of Typography
The Museum of Typography is a Greek museum of typography and printing located near Chania, Crete, at the Industrial Park of Souda. It was founded by Yannis Garedakis, owner and founder of the local newspaper Haniotika Nea, and his wife Eleni Garedakis. Its premises host conferences, book presentations, theatrical performances, music events, etc., while every year it organizes an international poster competition for Typography.
The fatherly house of Eleftherios Venizelos (one of the most important Greek politicians) in Halepa of Chania, which constituted his house for more than thirty years, from 1880 to 1910 and later for short periods from 1927 to 1935, today constitutes a Museum under the responsibility of “National Institution of Researches and Studies El. Venizelos”, in which it has been granted by the Greek state.
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Estatua de Eleftherios Venizelos
Platia Elenas VenizelouThe fatherly house of Eleftherios Venizelos (one of the most important Greek politicians) in Halepa of Chania, which constituted his house for more than thirty years, from 1880 to 1910 and later for short periods from 1927 to 1935, today constitutes a Museum under the responsibility of “National Institution of Researches and Studies El. Venizelos”, in which it has been granted by the Greek state.
Churches & Monasteries
At the center of Chania, dominates the historical Trimartiri, the Cathedral Temple of Chania, and the Temple of Eisodion of Theotokos. The Temple of Eisodion, as Cathedral and Metropolitan and Protector of the City, concentrates on the religious, ablative, and generally devotional interest of the godly population of Chania
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Presentation of the Virgin Mary Holy Metropolitan Orthodox Church
18 MpetoloAt the center of Chania, dominates the historical Trimartiri, the Cathedral Temple of Chania, and the Temple of Eisodion of Theotokos. The Temple of Eisodion, as Cathedral and Metropolitan and Protector of the City, concentrates on the religious, ablative, and generally devotional interest of the godly population of Chania
The Catholic Church of Saint Francis is the largest Venetian church in the town. Later, the Turks transformed it into a mosque and until recently it housed the Archaeological Museum of Chania.
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Catholic Church
46 ChalidonThe Catholic Church of Saint Francis is the largest Venetian church in the town. Later, the Turks transformed it into a mosque and until recently it housed the Archaeological Museum of Chania.
Gouverneto or Gderneto Monastery is located 19km east of Chania, on the north side of the Cape Akrotiri of Chania, near the monastery of AgiaTriadaTzagarolon. It can be accessed through the Agia Triada, where there is a sign leading to the Gouverneto.
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Monasterio de Gouverneto
Gouverneto or Gderneto Monastery is located 19km east of Chania, on the north side of the Cape Akrotiri of Chania, near the monastery of AgiaTriadaTzagarolon. It can be accessed through the Agia Triada, where there is a sign leading to the Gouverneto.
The monastery of Agia Triada of Tzagarolon is one of the richest and most beautiful monasteries in Crete. It is built near the airport of Chania, in the position of Tzobomylos of the Cape Melecha and at the foothills of Stavros Mount. The distance from Chania is only 15km.
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Monasterio de Agia Triada
ΑκροτήριThe monastery of Agia Triada of Tzagarolon is one of the richest and most beautiful monasteries in Crete. It is built near the airport of Chania, in the position of Tzobomylos of the Cape Melecha and at the foothills of Stavros Mount. The distance from Chania is only 15km.
Katholiko monastery is located in the mountainous area Arkoudovounia, 20km east of Chania, near the northern shores of Cape Akrotiri or Meleha. It is located inside the
gorge Avlaki, at a short distance from the sea. It can be accessed through a stepped and carved cobbled path that starts from the monastery Gouverneto, passes near the
church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios), and from the Cave of Panagia Arkoudiotissa and ends at the monastery Katholiko. If you keep walking to the sea, you will find
yourself in a wonderful small fjord with turquoise waters, where there are the ruins of the old harbor of the monastery.
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Katholiko Monastery
Katholiko monastery is located in the mountainous area Arkoudovounia, 20km east of Chania, near the northern shores of Cape Akrotiri or Meleha. It is located inside the
gorge Avlaki, at a short distance from the sea. It can be accessed through a stepped and carved cobbled path that starts from the monastery Gouverneto, passes near the
church of Saint Anthony (Agios Antonios), and from the Cave of Panagia Arkoudiotissa and ends at the monastery Katholiko. If you keep walking to the sea, you will find
yourself in a wonderful small fjord with turquoise waters, where there are the ruins of the old harbor of the monastery.
It is located near the village of Kolimbari, at a distance of 24 km from Chania, in a picturesque area, at the mouth of a large bay. It is one of the largest and best-preserved monasteries of Crete in the form of a fortress and a triangular Catholic with two chapels. Just opposite, on a hillside, there is a two-aisled church that is now used as a "cemetery" for monks. The monastery was a pole of attraction for many ascetics and
hermits and flourished during the last decades of Venetian rule.
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Monasterio de Gonia Odigitria
It is located near the village of Kolimbari, at a distance of 24 km from Chania, in a picturesque area, at the mouth of a large bay. It is one of the largest and best-preserved monasteries of Crete in the form of a fortress and a triangular Catholic with two chapels. Just opposite, on a hillside, there is a two-aisled church that is now used as a "cemetery" for monks. The monastery was a pole of attraction for many ascetics and
hermits and flourished during the last decades of Venetian rule.
Nature - Gorges
The Samaria Gorge is the most famous trekking gorge in Europe and a part of the European E4 hiking trail. Thousands of tourists flock here daily in the summer season to walk from the top to the bottom. The length of the gorge reaches 14.5km and takes almost 5-7 hours to hike from Xyloskalo to Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli beach, depending on the trekking pace. It operates May 1 - October 31, and opens daily at 7:00. Sometimes, due to bad weather, the gorge remains closed, so it is a good idea to call +30 2821067179 before a visit to it.
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Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is the most famous trekking gorge in Europe and a part of the European E4 hiking trail. Thousands of tourists flock here daily in the summer season to walk from the top to the bottom. The length of the gorge reaches 14.5km and takes almost 5-7 hours to hike from Xyloskalo to Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli beach, depending on the trekking pace. It operates May 1 - October 31, and opens daily at 7:00. Sometimes, due to bad weather, the gorge remains closed, so it is a good idea to call +30 2821067179 before a visit to it.
The gorge of Agia Irini is formed on the west side of the White Mountains, in the province of Selino. It gets its name from the village Agia Irini (Saint Irene) located near the entrance, 46 km from Chania. Its length is 7.5 km and crossing it takes
almost three hours. The gorge ends up in the seaside village of Sougia with a clean and beautiful beach, where you can enjoy memorable swimming in the waters of the South Cretan Sea.
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Agia Irini Gorge
The gorge of Agia Irini is formed on the west side of the White Mountains, in the province of Selino. It gets its name from the village Agia Irini (Saint Irene) located near the entrance, 46 km from Chania. Its length is 7.5 km and crossing it takes
almost three hours. The gorge ends up in the seaside village of Sougia with a clean and beautiful beach, where you can enjoy memorable swimming in the waters of the South Cretan Sea.
It is much easier to walk than the gorge of Samaria: the walking distance is 8 km, the total descent is around 600m and the average walking time is about 2.5 hours.
The path is generally easier underfoot.
This is the sort of walk that you could easily walk with children. It also would not need to take a whole long day.
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IMBROS GORGE ENTRANCE
Eparchiaki Odos Vruson-Choras SfakionIt is much easier to walk than the gorge of Samaria: the walking distance is 8 km, the total descent is around 600m and the average walking time is about 2.5 hours.
The path is generally easier underfoot.
This is the sort of walk that you could easily walk with children. It also would not need to take a whole long day.
The Gorge of Therisso (named also Eleftherios Venizelos) is located near the city of Chania. You can go there by car. The main gorge is six kilometers long. The vertical cliffs are impressive and the lush vegetation has nothing to envy of
the other Chania Gorges. The place deserves a visit, even with a vehicle, combined with a visit to the historical beautiful village of Therisso, which is built at the foot of the White Mountains at an altitude of 580 meters, just 15 kilometers from the city of Chania.
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Therisos gorge
Vasiliou PoulakaThe Gorge of Therisso (named also Eleftherios Venizelos) is located near the city of Chania. You can go there by car. The main gorge is six kilometers long. The vertical cliffs are impressive and the lush vegetation has nothing to envy of
the other Chania Gorges. The place deserves a visit, even with a vehicle, combined with a visit to the historical beautiful village of Therisso, which is built at the foot of the White Mountains at an altitude of 580 meters, just 15 kilometers from the city of Chania.
Nature - Lakes
Lake Kournas is the largest natural lake in Crete and is located in an enchanting landscape, between the western slopes of the White Mountains and the fertile plane of Georgioupolis. It is located near the village Kournas, 2.5km south of the
beach of Georgioupolis, 43km east of Chania and 20km west of Rethymnon.
Lake Kournas and its surroundings constitute a very important ecosystem for Greece, as the wider area of Apokoronas, is one of the very few areas of Crete
where plenty of freshwaters are stored throughout the year.
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Lago Kournas
Lake Kournas is the largest natural lake in Crete and is located in an enchanting landscape, between the western slopes of the White Mountains and the fertile plane of Georgioupolis. It is located near the village Kournas, 2.5km south of the
beach of Georgioupolis, 43km east of Chania and 20km west of Rethymnon.
Lake Kournas and its surroundings constitute a very important ecosystem for Greece, as the wider area of Apokoronas, is one of the very few areas of Crete
where plenty of freshwaters are stored throughout the year.
The artificial lake of Agia (Ayia) is located near the village of Agia, 9 km west of Chania. It is a small lake of 450 acres, which is close to the valley of Fasas. This valley is considered the most humid in Crete. Agia lake receives water from
underground springs originating from Lefka Ori and the river Xekolomenos. The lake was a swamp before the Power Public Corp turned it into an artificial, for producing hydroelectric power. Today, the power station is abandoned, but visitors still can see the old mechanisms and a relevant museum.
Techniti Limni Agia
The artificial lake of Agia (Ayia) is located near the village of Agia, 9 km west of Chania. It is a small lake of 450 acres, which is close to the valley of Fasas. This valley is considered the most humid in Crete. Agia lake receives water from
underground springs originating from Lefka Ori and the river Xekolomenos. The lake was a swamp before the Power Public Corp turned it into an artificial, for producing hydroelectric power. Today, the power station is abandoned, but visitors still can see the old mechanisms and a relevant museum.
Nature - Parks
Nearly 20 hectares of land are waiting to welcome you, full of fruit trees from all over the world, herbs, and medicinal and ornamental plants in a park different from others, where the land’s formation and the region’s microclimate make it a paradise for hundreds of plants and animals!
In the midst of this colorful and vivid landscape stands a burnt centennial olive tree, a memorial, and a reference to the dismal fires of 2003, the park’s history and origin.
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Parque Botánico y Jardines de Creta
Eparchiaki Odos Chanion-OmalouNearly 20 hectares of land are waiting to welcome you, full of fruit trees from all over the world, herbs, and medicinal and ornamental plants in a park different from others, where the land’s formation and the region’s microclimate make it a paradise for hundreds of plants and animals!
In the midst of this colorful and vivid landscape stands a burnt centennial olive tree, a memorial, and a reference to the dismal fires of 2003, the park’s history and origin.
The retreat of Milia offers the opportunity to live an alternative agro-tourism experience in Cretan nature. If you want to taste humble cuisine on the borderline of gourmet, the establishment of Milia has also a restaurant with Cretan cuisine, which is considered one of the healthiest and most delicious in the world. It is based exclusively on fresh, quality products of the land and the gastronomic culture of
the Cretans.
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Milia Mountain Retreat
The retreat of Milia offers the opportunity to live an alternative agro-tourism experience in Cretan nature. If you want to taste humble cuisine on the borderline of gourmet, the establishment of Milia has also a restaurant with Cretan cuisine, which is considered one of the healthiest and most delicious in the world. It is based exclusively on fresh, quality products of the land and the gastronomic culture of
the Cretans.