Chania was the capital of Crete until 1971. Today, it is the second largest town in Crete. Many believe Chania to be one of the most impressive towns in the whole of Greece. Chania is really two towns. The old walled town with its mediaeval quarters and the new town with the suburbs spreading around the old. The old town, with its magnificent harbour, consists of houses and churches from both the Venetian and Turkish periods. Walking through the maze of narrow streets is like a trip through the history of Crete. Here you will also find many excellent restaurants, bars and small shops, as well as the famous cruciform shaped market, with its fascinating array of provisions. The unique melting pot of history which forms this town is part of its enduring charm.
Scattered north and west from Chania, lie countless beautiful beaches along with many small villages and pretty coves. Here is the perfect holiday for every kind of visitor. There are water sports, ideal sunbathing spots and excursions. On this side of the island is the start of the famous 18km long Samaria Gorge, whose massive cliffs rise to over 1000 feet. The Gorge can be walked during most of the summer months. Many archaeological sites are also within easy reach by public or private transport. In these wonderful surroundings we have carefully chosen apartments and villas in villages and little beach resorts all around Chania where we trust you have a wonderful holiday and truly enjoy the Cretan way of life.
Walk through Chania’s meandering streets, watch the sun set over the old Venetian harbor, or venture into the covered market where merchants sell rounds of Cretan cheese, nuts, olive oil, honey and fresh herbs and produce. It will take you back a century or two, and you’ll understand the islanders’ fierce dedication to this city.
Chania is the starting point for a visit to western Crete, with its lofty mountains, deep gorges and rolling lowlands planted with olive and orange groves. The Samaria Gorge (a spectacular 44 kilometer drive from Hania) is Europe’s longest. The 16 kilometer hike takes six hours and begins with a steep descent by staircase from the high Omalos plain. Take plenty of water and a swimsuit the reward at the end is a dip in the Libyan Sea.
Here is the perfect holiday for every kind of visitor. There are water sports, ideal sunbathing spots and excursions. On this side of the island is the start of the famous 18 km long Samaria Gorge, whose massive cliffs rise to over 1000 feet. The Gorge can be walked during most of the summer months. Many archaeological sites are also within easy reach by public or private transport. In these wonderful surroundings we have carefully chosen apartments and villas in villages and little beach resorts all around Chania where we trust you have a wonderful holiday and truly enjoy the Cretan way of life.
History: Chania suffered severe attack by German paratroopers during second world war and earlier endured occupation by the Minoans, Venetians, Egyptians and Turks. Until the title was passed to Iraklion in 1971, Hania was Crete’s capital. But because it survived its tumultuous history so gracefully, many islanders still consider Hania to be the island’s true capital and certainly its most beautiful city.
