Chania is a beautiful old Venetian town dominated by the great White Mountains and a pictureresque harbour, it’s the second largest town in Crete and until 1971 was the islands capital.  It has preserved more of its old character than any other town in Crete, there are reminders of the past at every corner, and it’s still considered the island's most charming town and for many the best loved.

Most people head for the harbour and the old Town which is located within the Venetian fortification walls; a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, old Venetian houses, renovated buildings, walls, art galleries and museums; you could wander around these old historic streets for hours with only an occasional reminder of the twenty first century.  Chania has a rich and varied cultural heritage having been occupied by the Venetians and the Turks, castles, churches, monasteries and ancient sites are in abundance.

In the heart of Chania – there are two Venetian ports, the eastern harbour has Chania's most photographed buildings, the slender Venetian lighthouse at the end of the harbour wall and the squat Mosque of the Janissaries built in 1625 with egg-shaped domes and spider leg arches.
The rectangular west harbour is where all the action is, fringed by trendy waterside restaurants and café - bars beneath the faded and crumbling facades of Venetian houses; this is the best spot on the waterfront to enjoy the gorgeous views over the harbour, for more traditional atmosphere and cheaper options there are plenty of restaurants on the fringes and backstreets of the old town.  If you’re a night bird then you too won’t be disappointed, Chania has some of the best and most varied nightlife on the island from typical Cretan tavernas with live music to cosmopolitan cafes, lively bars and lots clubs.

JOURNEY TIME
Chania Airport to Chania Town is approx 12Kms (7miles) - 15 mins by taxi