Chania – Old Town and Harbor

When we visited Crete, we stayed in a hotel west of Chania and one afternoon we took the bus into town. Chania is Crete’s second largest city and if you are on those edges, I would definitely recommend visiting the city. It is a cozy charming town where you can walk a walk along the harbor quay, shop in one of the cozy craft shops or enjoy a delicious Greek meal in one of the many tavernas. A good tip is to avoid the restaurants that are out to the harbor, move instead into the winding streets.

When you arrive by city bus in Chania, your first meeting with the city is “The Square in the middle of the city” – a rectangular space, with grass, trees, flowers and benches. From here it is easy to move down to the Venetian harbor and the old town.

Tips for Transport: You can buy bus tickets in the small grocery stores at the hotels, and in a small ticket box where you take the bus from Chania. The ticket appears to the driver who tears it in the middle.

Chania Old Town

Back in the 15th century, the Venetians built a city wall that surrounded the whole city, and it is within these walls that you find the old town with museums, churches, souvenir shops and winding streets. Take a walk around the colorful and narrow streets and alleys. Explore the cozy shops, or visit one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Venetian harbor

The area around the old harbor basin in Chania testifies to a time when Crete was characterized by Venetian and Turkish culture. Take a walk along the dock and enjoy the breeze from the sea.

In the middle of the harbor promenade stands the horse-drawn cars looked up in front of the Janitshar mosque. You can for approx. 20 euro praise to take a walk around the city center. Today, the mosque is used as an exhibition for various art exhibitions.

The lighthouse

Chania’s landmark The lighthouse is located at the end of the long pier that protects the Venetian harbor from the sea. It is definitely worth going all the way out to the lighthouse.

It is not possible to enter the lighthouse itself, but you can enjoy the most beautiful view of the Mediterranean and towards the Venetian harbor.

]]>