Description
Mystical, magical, and Mediterranean
The greater region of Chania and the town itself, Crete’s second largest, are both spectacular in many ways. Great local food, gorgeous beaches, magical gorges for hiking and a myriad of eco-friendly activities make this region particularly interesting for visitors. First of all, the must-see town of Chania boasts a combination of Venetian and Ottoman architecture with a touch of neoclassical Greek. The friendly port with its cafes and buzzing side streets captivate you with their history, color and magic. The town boasts palpable eastern flair, thanks to its impressive bath house, mosque turned art gallery, Jewish temple and stone-built lighthouse. You’ll find remains of a Venetian fortress and a Byzantine fortress, as well as several museums that will pique your fancy. These include the Folklore Museum, Archeological Museum, Maritime Museum and several art galleries.
In the greater region of Chania, thousands of visitors flock to the impressive Balos Lagoon by the sea and the nearby island of Gramvousa during the summer months, and it is best avoided during the high season of July and August. Equally popular is Elafonissi Beach on the other side of the Chania region, which will enthrall you with its shallow waters and pink sands. Less known but very impressive as a beach is Falassarna, roughly half way between Chania town and Elafonissi. If you're a nature enthusiast, you will find there are numerous gorges that are ideal for hiking, the most famous being Samaria Gorge. The six to seven hour hike will unveil all the biodiversity of Crete, including its famed Kri-Kri goats, rewarding you with a luscious swim in the sea at the end. Outdoor activities in Chania beyond canyoning and hiking include sailing, diving, snorkeling, surfing, stand-up paddling, and paragliding. You can even find workshops for pottery making, as well as cooking lessons that will open you to the world of Cretan cuisine, representing one of the healthiest diets in the world. All these are just a hint of what Chania has to offer, so prepare yourself to fall in love with this place and let us know how we can tailor a trip that will make no doubt you want to come back here.
