The Splantzia District has the greatest number of outdoor cafs and restaurants, mostly located around a huge plane tree in front of the Church of St. Nicolas. ACCOMMODATION: Find affordable hotels and rental homes here. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); July 2020 - Present:Living and Travelling in Greece, October 2021:Travelling in TurkeyVisiting UK, November - December 2021:Travelling in Mallorca, Spain, 2022:Travelling in Czechia, Budapest, Thailand and Malaysia. You can buy the ticket from the automatic machines (1.50) or directly on the bus (2). There are some pretty churches you can spot in Chania when walking the alleys of the old town, these are the ones you cannot miss! If youd rather sail while learning about the Venetian and the Ottoman history of this place, check out this sunset boat tour with guide which departs from the Venetian Harbour and takes you just near the old leper island. Love Crete and hope to go back this summer maybe. A few selected shops sell locally produced honey, cheese, bread, and herbs, but also olive oil, snails, and fresh greens. Inside theres stall upon stall selling all kinds of local produce. Home | Chania Old Town (Best Things To Do in the Venetian Harbor in 2023). Akrotiri is located east and around 15 km far from Chania. If I were to choose a place to retire, Chania would be very high on my list. The 9 Best Things to Do In Chania Town, Crete - Wandernity If heights arent your thing, test your balance out with a stand-up paddleboarding small group tour. The 15,9 km Samaria Gorge is a real gem of hiking. Walk to the Venetian Lighthouse Venetian Harbour and Lighthouse Chania The harbour of Chania was built by the Venetians in the 14th century. Chania consists of two settlements, the old . The most spectacular is the Grand Arsenal, which was restored in 1997 to form a magnificent building thats now used to host events and exhibitions. The distances in Chania town are not big, and if you are in a normal physical condition it would take a couple of hours max to cover most of it. In the past, Cretan men would carry one or two knives. This street is a favorite place for locals when it comes to dining. Crete's most spectacular beaches are often the hardest to reach, and Balos is certainly one of them. The Tiny Book is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees linking to Amazon.com. After that we chose to eat in less touristy, more local tavernas tucked away in the back streets. The films are shown in the original version with Greek subtitles, except for childrens films which are often dubbed. One of our favourite things to do in a new destination is to wander aimlessly to see what we stumble across. Originally a Venetian building, it has a very distinctive central dome, as well as four smaller domes of Neoclassical design. Few visitors are aware of the importance that this community had during the different occupation eras of the island. It's a popular spot for visitors to Chania, so it's best to come outside of the high season in July and August. Find the top-rated and best-reviewed tours and activities in Chania Old Town for 2023. Otherwise, most private parking lots have elevators you could use. The mysterious place portrays the several civilizations that once conquered and lived on the island. The staff also explained how things work and helped us to take photos. Indulge in Cretan food. is an authentic ticket to the oldest part of town. Here, Prime Minister Venizelos raised for the first time the Greek flag on Crete, on December 1st, 1913. Surrounded by history it stands tall in a capital city Vilnius. Take a 20-minute tandem paragliding session with a qualified instructor to see Chania city from above, along with spectacular views of the coastline and mountains. The Old Town of Chania Crete one of the most beautiful cities in Greece is on the northwest area of the island of Crete. Chania is one of the oldest towns in Crete, with rich and long history. The doorway still features the Venetian winged lion of St. Mark. I am an Athens-based Greek obsessed with exploring Greece and bringing you the best travel experience ever! 2. Or Old Venetian Port to Old Chania Market? Our thoughts are to walk around Chania/Old Chania, but cannot get a feel for distances. Whilst the traditional Greek meat pie (lamb) we shared in one of the central harbourside restaurants was very tasty, it was also very expensive. There is also a small observation tower on one corner of the fortress. We have spent a few day visits in Crete and always wanted to go back. Fort Firkas / Chania Maritime Museum. Above the Souda Bay, and around 15 km/9.3 mi from Chania lie the ruins of Ancient Aptera one of the most important city-states of Crete during the Minoan period. From May until October, the synagogue is open to visitors with this schedule: Monday to Thursday from 10.00 to 18.00. Epavli Boutique Hotel. Gabi took us from stall to stall so we could sample all kinds of Creten products. Visit the museum after you take the walk to the lighthouse, to cool down and to unwind before delving into Chania Town. Taste the delicious Greek pastry sweet called Bougatsa filled with cream and cinnamon in a very traditional environment. Driving in Crete? FERRIES: Ferryhopper has convenient ferry tickets. From the car park, hike down a steep footpath (20 minutes), to arrive at this enchanting white-sand beach, which extends to a stunning turquoise and emerald-green lagoon. Its a lovely spot to stop for a Greek coffee, beer and maybe some meze. The ticket is 2.50 and there are special fares for students and people with a disability card. The ticket is 8.60, and the trip lasts about an hour. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Dont leave without travel insurance. Just take time to look at those rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces until you find the best ones for you. The Archaeological Museum of Chania is housed in the Venetian Church of St. Francis, which used later as a Turkish mosque. Some people sail in on charter yachts. Devote a day or two to explore the Old Town, since the area covers about 3.6 square kilometers (887 acres). Historic Chania old town is perfect for this and is the reason its top of our list of the best things to do in Chania. These long, vaulted arsenals housed the Eastern Mediterranean Venetian fleet and served for purposes of shipbuilding and ship repairs. Limited places to sit, so just grab and walk away. The second synagogue wasKal Kadosh Etz Hayyim. Thankyou glad you found it inspiring. An architectural style jumps out at you around every corner. This town looks charming, but I especially love the harbor! During the Venetian rule of the island, the purpose of the lantern was to serve as a protective bastion. Evraiki (former Jewish Quarter) area in Chania is another popular and picturesque area with tiny cobblestone alleys. _ Take your time, and choose your restaurant carefully not all are great. Nevertheless, this doesnt make it less charming. Looking for another option and having recently relocated to Greece, we decided to stick with one of the beautiful Greek islands, so there wasnt the risk of getting stuck if sudden travel restrictions were imposed. I agree to the use of my information to be sent exclusive email updates, travel tips, offers and giveaways!I also confirm Ive read Can Travel Will Travel's Privacy Policy. Things to do in From To Visit Chania Old City Types of activities Areas of Chania Old City Chania Old City Travel Guide Chania Old City Attractions Discover the best sights in Chania Old City with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {215 fun activities in Chania Old City fun activities in Chania Old City }. The places believed to be private houses look out onto narrow, winding paved streets much like the present ones in the Old Town. Gaku Ramen announces opening date in Old Town Fort Collins There are two open-air cinemas in Chania Attikon cinema in the Halepa area and Kipos cinema in the Municipal Gardens. I think I could live here all year round, surrounded by waves and olive trees. On the north coast in western Crete, this is one of Greece's most beautiful towns. Turkish District/ Splantzia is to the southeast of Kastelli hill and was the Turkish quarter during the Ottoman occupation. A romantic guide to the best places in Crete for couples | KAYAK Thanks for your kind words, I am always glad when visitors to my site say that they have found it helpful Beyond the first set of stairs, there is no easy way to get down from the upper walkway. The week-long German bombardment in 1941 flattened all structures in this area. Another contender for long-term travel insurance is SafetyWing, which you can pay for on a month-by-month basis. This is not only one of the best spots for a panoramic picture of the port and the lighthouse, but its also one of Cretes most significant places. We met Gabi outside the Municipal Market (the Agora) and headed straight to a family-run bakery. Currency. There's a sweet blend of Cretan, Ottoman and Venetian influences and a maze of beautiful alleyways and secret pathways. Nea Chora is pretty nice for a city beach. Check this https://www.thetinybook.com/where-to-park-in-chania-parking/ for further reference, Your email address will not be published. If you're looking for a fun way to discover Crete old town, join in on a guided segway tour. Another contender for long-term travel insurance is SafetyWing, which you can pay for on a month-by-month basis. At one point we took a break at a small backstreet cafe for a Greek coffee or other drink of our choice. More Info Hike Imbros Gorge and visit Frangokastello Beach. *Some of the links are affiliate links. TRANSFER: Welcome Pickups offers local English-speaking drivers, flight monitoring, and convenient pre-paid fees. If youre staying in the area of Rethymnon instead, the bus departs from Rethymno Bus Station. On the point across the water from the lighthouse stands the Maritime Museum and the Firkas Fortress. 15 Best Things to Do in Chania (Crete) | Places to Visit 2023 A very nice fish village that reminds me of the Cyclades is Loutro and as it is not touristically advanced it is perfect for a quiet vacation. It was initially built in the 16th century to protect the harbour. Heres how we got on, so you know what to expect, without giving too much away. 1 Chania Old Town Take photos of Venetian, Ottoman and neoclassical buildings Good for: Budget History Photo Chania Old Town is divided into 4 districts, all of which are best explored on foot. Read my guide to the whole region of Chania, its the best way to learn more about the different things you can do in the area, including: Get in touch for more information about my food tours of Chania (in English, Spanish, and Italian!). For centuries, it marked the site of the Dominican Catholic Church of Santa Maria. There are also plenty of other accommodation in Chaniato suit all budgets and styles, which you can find on the map below. Check this story! In the wrap only meat, tomato, and onion. Ive seen Chania Old Town for the first time more than ten years ago. Dont know what to do? 1. Chania Venetian Harbour by Night Photo taken before the COVID-19 pandemic. Considered the oldest existing lighthouse in Greece, and one of the oldest in the world, the Venetian Navy built the lantern to protect Chanias harbor during the sixteenth century. The cobbled streets are filled with shops selling clothes, ceramics, and local artworks, and the city is a favorite place to visit for holidaying Greeks in August. In fact, the charming room we had, boasted a huge balcony terrace with incredible views of the old harbour, the lighthouse and Cretan Sea. You can book charter yachts online at Click&Boat. Your first exploration should be the picture-perfect old Venetian port. Once it was the Ancient Kydonia, the Proto-Minoan settlement of Kasteli, with still today some remaining ruins that can be seen on Kanevaro st. The bus service operates from 06.00 to 22.45. Complete with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire plus a canteen for snacks, Elafonissi is ideal for families with kids due to the warm, shallow sea. 13 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Chania Wander through the Old Town and explore the Venetian Harbor. 60 reviews Activity provider: Alma de Creta View all 8 images Add to wishlist Certified Discover the wonders of Chania's historic Old Town on a guided tour. During summer there are 2 options of ferries to choose from: If you arrive by ferry, the Chania port is 6 km far from the town. Home to a characteristic old town, a symbol of its multicultural identity, Chania features beautiful alleys that add to the stunning views of the Venetian port and the lighthouse. Just wandering the streets of the old town and the picturesque Venetian harbour is sure to leave you keen to discover more. If youre travelling long-term like us and from the EU, then True Traveller is our go-to option. Have you taken a Cretan cooking class? The Evraiki area is included between the streets Chalidon, Zampeliou, Skoufon, and Portou. Watch it from the lighthouse itself or, like us, from the viewpoint on the breakwater. Go to Minoans World 3D Museum and experience a unique and fun time with history! Once a quiet district, its now a lively place with the most outside tavernas and cafes in old town; many set in the main square shaded by a big plane tree. If youre from other countries worldwide, World Nomads is a popular option. Old Venetian Harbor (Chania Town): All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor Interesting displays make for fun photo opportunities in the first part of the museum. These include: Kastelli - the central district of Chania old town, is at the top of the hill overlooking the mosque and the old harbour. In the event of attacks, the Venetians would shut down the port with a chain that from the lighthouse, would reach the Firka fortress. Few workshops produce and sell the Cretan traditional knife, which has always had primary importance for Cretans. Don't miss the Higher Castle; it's easiest to reach via the funicular located next to the cathedral. But it would be lovely to wander along the old Venetian harbour and stop for a drink with that view. Do not take images or content from this site without previous written permission from the owner. If you prefer hostels, Cocoon City Hostel, could be a good choice. Deep inside the rocky gorge, the footpath winds around large boulders, and at its narrowest point, the "Iron Gates" (Sderoportes), the Samaria is only four meters wide. Unforgettable Things to Do in Chania Old Town RESOURCES TO BOOK YOUR TRIP TO CRETE: FLIGHTS: Use Skyscanner to find affordable plane tickets. Try Freddo Cappuccino or Freddo Espresso. Through a well-tended path, you will get to see a largegarden planted with exotic flowers and fruit trees from all over the world, with everything clearly labeled. This labyrinth of narrow alleyways and impressive Venetian mansions are perfect for a romantic stroll. In the area of Kastelli, there are few remains of the ancient past. This Greek Orthodox church is the cathedral of Chania as well as another of the landmarks of the city. The wide streets were built that way to allow donkey carts to carry supplies from ships in the harbour to the south of the city walls. 2023. One of the best things to do in Crete, Chania is to wander through a maze of pedestrian-only streets in the historic old town. One of the best things to do in Chania is to set the alarm clock and walk the backstreets in the early morning. There are several great options offering different types of tours including: If youre into your food and want a great introduction to Chania, one of the first things you should do in Chania is go on a A Taste of Crete walking tour with Gabi from The Tiny Book. Chania, old or modern, is an endless source of things to do and see! Some of these hotels didnt seem open just yet (as it was the very beginning of the season), but they can help you get in the mood of doing this research yourself. Experiencing the old town of Chania is all about wandering around, observing the buildings and allowing yourself to "feel" the spirit of the place. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. In order to learn more about the history of Chania Town, you can book a private guided tour with street food tasting, here.
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