what is chania known for
Some popular tourist attractions in Chania include the Chania Old Venetian Harbor, the Chania Municipal Market, and the Chania Lighthouse. Ancient Kydonia was the town once build on where the modern city of Chania now stands. And once youve experienced it, it never fails to become a part of you. Venice ruled Crete for more than 400 years and built Chanias scenic port during the 14th century. Summer is also when the crowds are most likely to descend on this coastal, Mediterranean city. From Chania, visitors can also make day excursions to other regions of Crete, including Rethymnon and Heraklion. Amazing beaches, fishing villages, hiking through gorges and Frankish castles await. The beach itself is a great place for kids to play and swim, and there are also a few playgrounds and parks in the area. Uber is not currently available in Chania, Crete. From the port, you can take a bus or taxi to the city center. margin-bottom: 20px; On Sundays and public holidays, most shops are closed. It lies along the north west coast of the island Crete, about 70 km (43 mi) west of Rethymno and 145 km (90 mi) west of Heraklion . Explore the Medieval Castles you will find on your way, trek the many paths along with forests and gorges, visit the small local museums that depict the history and even try a chat with the locals at the traditional restaurants. Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans all came through Chania settled here at one time or another, creating the multicultural corner of Crete we can enjoy today. Traditional Cretan salad: A salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. background: #1e73be; For more modern shopping, the city center of Chania has several department stores and shopping centers, such as City Market and Kouzina where you can find a variety of international and local brands. From its strategic position above Souda Bay, the city thrived for millennia before being brought down by invasions and earthquakes. Chania (and Crete generally) benefits from very good weather for most of the year, with summer conditions starting earlier and ending later than elsewhere in Greece. .top-nav ul.menu li.current-menu-item > a, For budget travelers, the best neighborhood in Chania, Crete would likely be the Old Town (also known as the Venetian Harbor or Hora). During the high season, prices for hotels and vacation rentals tend to be higher, while off-season prices may be more affordable. The airport receives international and domestic flights (around 45mins from Athens and 1hr30min from Thessaloniki). .main-nav ul.menu > li { The bus station is located outside the airport terminal, and its easy to find. Chania ( Greek: [xaa] ( listen); Venetian: La Canea ), also spelled Hania, is a city in Greece and the capital of the Chania regional unit. As a general rule, its always a good idea to have some cash on hand when traveling, just in case. Here's a guide to some of the best of them. By foot: If youre staying in the city of Chania, you can easily explore on foot. All these places offer a unique experience and are worth visiting, however, keep in mind that some of the places are better to visit during the low season as they can be very crowded during the high season. The city of Chania is built on the area of Minoan Kidonia, Chania Read More You can visit the Chania Municipal Market, the Chania Lighthouse, the Archaeological Museum of Chania and the Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan. Large in size and with sandy shore, this beach is partly organized and ideal for families. Consider the size of the car you are renting as some streets in Chania are narrow and tight, so a smaller car may be more suitable. Today, visitors can explore the remains of a fortified tower, a city gate and wall, an amphitheater, and a temple. ul.menu li.current-menu-ancestor > a, The municipality has 108,642 inhabitants (2011). Compare prices between different providers and make sure youre getting a fair deal. Cut the bougatsa into squares and enjoy warm with a cup of coffee. By Bus: There are several bus companies that operate daily buses from Chania to Elafonisi, with journey times varying from 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route and the company. Apaki: Smoked pork, marinated in Cretan herbs and spices. A foodie tour or a food tour in Greece is a guided experience that takes you through the best of the local cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern twists on classic recipes. The lighthouse of Chania is found in the Venetian Harbour and this is the symbol of the town. Lagon Life Spirit Boutique Hotel Adults Only, Chania Flair Deluxe Boutique Hotel Adults Only. Make sure the taxi is licensed and has a meter. Supermarkets and department stores generally have longer opening hours and are usually open from 8:00am to 9:00pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays. By Bus: Chania is also well connected by bus to other cities in Crete, as well as to Athens. Crete is known for its spectacular beaches with crystal clear water and there are dozens of them in the Chania region. Its lofty setting ensures it can be seen across Athens, but not all viewpoints are equalhere are a few of the best. The city of Chania in Greece is 15km from the airport (25-30 minutes). Some beaches are sandy, whilst some have pebbles. The best time to visit Chania depends on your preferences. From the Acropolis to Cape Sounion to the citys culinary delights, here are the essentials for your first trip to Athens. Generally, the prices tend to be higher during the peak season (June to September) and lower during the off-season (October to May). You can also visit the Agii Apostoli Beach and the Marathi Beach. The cost of a taxi from Chania Airport to Chania Town can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, traffic, and the specific route taken by the driver. The Chania Municipal Garden, known to the locals as Kypos, is one area perfect for outdoor dining and in the area is one of the oldest cafes still standing in Chania, and still very popular amongst residents and tourists alike. And its worth visiting the Apokoronas villages, about 20 minutes outside Chania town: Armeni, Vamos, Xirosterni, Kefalos, Gavalohori and Agios Pavlos some of the most beautiful villages in Crete. } Chanias most popular water park, Limnoupolis Water Park (Aqua Creta Limnoupolis) offers 11 large slides, including steep free-fall options, plus a lazy river, a kids pool with smaller slides, and a big central pool with a zipline. The roads in Crete can be busy during the summer months, so be prepared for heavy traffic and delays, especially on the main roads. The journey takes about 2 hours and buses depart from the main bus station in Chania early in the morning. Its a great destination for those who want to explore the history, culture and natural beauty of Crete. At Skrydlof Street (also called Leather Lane), you will find the classic high Cretan boots called stivania. font-size: 20px !important; What is Chania Greece known for? Kleftiko: A traditional dish made of lamb cooked in a sealed clay pot with herbs and spices. By Air: The nearest airport to Chania is Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis (CHQ), which is located about 14 km from the city center. The most popular one is the Naval Museum of Crete, which is located in the old town of Chania. Here's What to See and Do, 3 Must-See Museums in Athens and How to Visit, Private Boat Trip Kissamos Balos (price per group - up to 10 people), The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour, White Mountains - Semi Private Safari Tour with Tastings & Lunch, Stand -Up Paddleboard and Multi-Surprise Elements Tour in Crete, Wine and Food Tastings Walking Tour with Lunch, Mythical Escape: Cave of Zeus & Knossos Palace with Lassithi Plateau from Chania, Rethymno Land Rover Safari with Lunch and Drinks, Milia Mountain Retreat - Semi Private Safari Tour with Tastings and Lunch, The 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour Explore East Chania Mainland, Chania Old Town Private Tour with pick up, Uncharted Escapes: Chania Private Tour To Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Peninsula, Private - Jeep Safari Tour with Lunch and Tastings, Chania Tour 1. The distance between the two cities is around 65 km and it would take around 1 hour to drive. Also, dont miss the chance to taste some of the local seafood and olive oil. In the Middle Ages, it was known as Kydonia. A view during my stroll in the old town The most famous natural landmarks are the White Mountains and the Samaria Gorge, as well as the coastal and mountain villages (eg the Apokoronas villages). Look for deals and discounts: Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts and deals, especially during the low season. a, .widget ul li a, .f-widget ul li a .site-footer .textwidget { By Car: Renting a car is a good option if you want more flexibility and the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Boureki: a savory pastry made with potatoes and zucchini or other vegetables. What are the top things to do near Chania? Is Crete and Chania the same? On Sundays and public holidays they are closed. At the westernmost side of Crete, Chania is a wonderful place for vacations. For a more innovative culinary experience, try Chanias gourmet restaurants, where renowned chefs have elevated the islands traditional cuisine. Chania (or Hania) is located on the westernmost side of Crete. border-color: #e2e2e2; The area around the Venetian Harbor is a popular spot for nightlife and its also where you can find the most famous clubs in Chania. Moussaka: A layered dish made of eggplant, potatoes, and ground meat, topped with a bchamel sauce. Its the peak tourist season, and the island is usually very busy. Endless beauty at one of themost stunning beaches in the Mediterranean, 3km long, north of which is Ancient Falarsana. The city was captured by the Venetians in 1204. Remove bougatsa and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. July typically sees daily sunshine, with average highs of 90F (32C). /* Pagination */ Some taxi companies have a fixed rate for the journey, which they will give you before you start the trip. The Town is a romantic place to stroll around, with Medieval architecture, elegant mansions and a wonderful Venetian port, the most famous spot of the town. The most popular way to reach Chania is by ferry from the port of Piraeus, in Athens. Now, it's time to add your favorite experiences to this list for eligibility. Its also worth noting that Elafonisi is a nature protected area so its important to respect the rules and regulations to keep it beautiful for the future visitors. /* Link color */ Chania can also be reached by plane (International airport). As for other museums, be sure to put as many as you can in your itinerary: the Archaeological Museum, Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection, Nautical Museum of Crete (the second oldest in Greece), Typography Museum in the Park of Local Industries, and Arts & Crafts Village in Souda with its ceramic, mosaic, silversmith and glass-blowing workshops. 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