Chania Crete Greece: Compare Chania to Greek Islands

Overview of Chania, Crete

Worshiped by both Greek and foreign visitors, Chania is blessed with Crete’s finest, plus an excellent touristic infrastructure. Located at the most western part, it features some of the top highlights found in the Greek islands. Throughout the Chania prefecture, mountain and sea join forces to display nature at its best: the dominating Lefka Ori (White Mountains) with the famous Samaria gorge, more than a thousand caves and a multitude of villages untouched by modern times. Also, the dreamlike exotic beaches of Elafonisi, Balos and Falasarna (among a total of 100) and a large number of protected areas, coastal or not.

History and legends, crowds and isolation, green and blue, alternate and fascinate in Chania. The capital of the prefecture is Chania Town. Picturesque and cosmopolitan, it offers quality transportation, accommodation, gastronomy, culture and nightlife. The Town’s architecture is a compelling mix of Venetian, Turkish, traditional and modern elements. Monuments in various districts manifest a rich background, around the old Town, port and beyond. The imposing Fort Firkas, the Venetian lighthouse, the Mosque of Janissaries, the Etz Hayyim synagogue, the Neoria (old shipyards), the Great Arsenal and the Municipal Market stand out, among others.

Chania Town is a great base to explore the whole prefecture. Its second largest settlement is Kasteli, named after the landmark Venetian fortress. It is situated in Kissamos region that features a stunning coastline and also the ancient town of Polyrenia, the Monastery of Chrisoskalitissa in Falasarna and the Gramvousa peninsula, just to name a few. At the south, the craggy region of Sfakia embodies the famous Cretan ideals of bravery and honor, overlooking the Libyan sea. Visit Sfakia Town, the remote fishing hamlet Loutro, the historic Anopoli, the free spirited Sougia, villages Komitades, Frangocastelo, Paleochora and swim in beaches Sweetwater, Marmara, Iligas and so many more. Chania truly offers everything to everyone, in the most simple and outspoken way – the Cretan way.

Find more information on Chania, Crete at the official website for Greek Tourism VisitGreece.gr

Photo gallery of Chania, Crete

Beaches Food Things to see & do

Falasarna

: Rightfully among the most amazing beaches in Crete and Europe’s top-10, with fine golden sand, turquoise waters and very long seashore, partly organized. Here you can enjoy swimming and watch a lovely sunset. It is located at the settlement of Falasarna that also features the archaeological site of the homonymous ancient city. *Near Balos and Falasarna, you can also swim in beaches Kolymbari and Maleme, among others. 10.0

Elafonisi

: Paradise on earth, one of the most magical places of all the Greek islands. An exotic beach with dunes, pink and white sand, crystalline waters and an islet accessible… on foot. Snack bars are available. 10.0

Balos

: Another exotic beach /lagoon, among the most gorgeous in Crete, situated at the Gramvousa peninsula. White & pink sand and aquamarine waters create a fantastic landscape. 10.0

Frangocastelo

: This organized beautiful sandy beach is ideal for swimming and relaxing. The historic, popular settlement of the same name offers many amenities, sightseeing (a great Venetian castle) and also a famous legend – in May, the procession of “drosoulites” (aka the ghosts of Cretan soldiers killed by the Turks in 1828) crosses the village and disappears into the sea. 9.0

Pachia Ammos

: Long, sandy beach equipped with all the necessary facilities. It is situated at Paleochora, one of the most popular touristic settlements in Chania, known for its beautiful Venetian castle of Selinos. 8.0

Stavros

: In Akrotiri region, it is a quiet, crescent sandy cove with shallow waters and a few amenities. The famous film “Zorba the Greek” was shot here. *Also in Akrotiri: Beaches Kalathas and Marathi, among others. 8.0

Georgioupoli

: 10km of sandy seashore, a super organized beach, popular and beautiful. It’s perfect for swimming and windsurfing. 8.0

Platanias

: Near Chania Town, it is a long sandy beach, cosmopolitan and crowded. It is organized at most of its parts, with many amenities and beach bars. The touristic settlement of Platanias is also a hot nightlife spot. *Also near Chania Town: Beaches Agia Marina, Agii Apostoli, Stalos, Nea Chora. 7.0

Dounias (Ntounias)

: Drakona, Greek cuisine 9.0

Akrogiali Taverna

: Chania Town, Sea food 9.0

To Stachi

: Chania Town, Greek cuisine 9.0

Kyano Beach Restaurant

: Platanias, Greek and Mediterranean cuisine 8.0

Grambousa

: Kissamos, Greek cuisine 8.0

Markos Restaurant

: Kato Stalos, Greek cuisine 8.0

Samaria gorge/Samaria National Park

: Hiking 16 km (5-7 hours) in Samaria gorge is a truly unforgettable experience. It is said to be Europe’s longest and definitely the “star” of Cretan gorges – also, a top attraction among all the Greek islands. The starting point is the plateau of Omalos in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), while the finishing line is the beach of Agia Roumeli village, in Sfakia. Begin early in the morning, wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses, grab some water and enjoy the Cretan nature at its best. * Chania prefecture has more than 60 gorges of varying difficulty levels, among which the gorges of Imbros, Agia Irini, Aradena, Iligas, Asfendos, Therissos, etc. 10.0

Gavdos island

: Europe’s most southern point is accessible by boat from Sfakia. Isolated and serene, it is favorable by nudists, campers, bohemians and all of those who can appreciate and respect its purity. 9.0

Neighborhoods in Chania old Town

: Chalepa, Topanas, the Jewish district, Tabakaria (old tanneries), Koum-Kapi (19^th c. Bedouins village), Splantzia (the Turkish district) and “stivanadika” (the place to buy leather goods). 9.0

Cretan specialties

: The Cretan cuisine is worldwide famous because it’s both healthy and tasty. Among the many local dishes you can taste everywhere in the island, try kalitsounia (sweet mini cheese pies), chochlii boubouristi (fried snails), eggs with staka (sheep butter), dacos (hard bread with tomato, mizithra cheese and oil), Cretan wedding rice (rice cooked in meat broth), etc. Accompany your meal with –or sip afterwards- a shot of raki, the traditional alcohol drink of Crete. 8.0

Sights in & around Chania town

: The Archaeological, Byzantine and Naval Museum. The remains of the ancient town of Kydonia in Kasteli district. Outside the town, in Akrotiri, the tombs of Eleytherios and Sophocles Venizelos, natives and important political figures of Greece. 8.0

Local festivals and feasts

: The list is endless – history, religion, culture-related or impromptu celebrations take place all year long, demonstrating the outgoing and hospitable nature of Cretan people. 7.0

For action lovers

: Chania prefecture offers high quality facilities for a variety of sports, such as sailing, diving, sea kayak, canoeing, rock climbing, cycling, as well as many walking routes (Crete is part of the E4 European long distance path). Note that agro tourism is also popular. 7.0

Map of Chania, Crete

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Chania, Crete