Chania, the town of Chania in Crete, Greece

A lot of people claim that Chania is the most beautiful town on Crete, and this could be true, but it's a matter of taste. It's true that the centre of the town is attractive and has a lot of character and history, both Turkish and Venetian, but because Chania is such a populair destination it can also get quite busy. I've seen it a couple of times about 25 to 30 years ago and as I could have expected, nowadays Chania is much busier and trying to get into or out of the town can ask for some patience because of the heavy traffic on some places. There are many stoplights and not so many signs giving directions, so it can get confusing. The newly build concrete buildings on the outskirts heavily contrast with the historic and beautiful centre of the town. If you only would have a helicopter that can land you in the heart of the old village.... If you manage to get through all the busy traffic you will find a really nice and interesting town though. Chania is one of the largest towns on the island of Crete and is packed with historical sights, a Turkish lighthouse and a Venetian fortress, and many buildings and houses dating from the Venetian and Turkish Ottoman times. It also has many shops, a large market and a charming harbour that houses many restaurants and caf�s. It is a really interesting town to spend some time in.

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The history of the town of Chania

The City of Chania already existed in the Minoan time and the was called Kydonia. In 828 AD, the city was conquered and destroyed by the Arabs and they gave the city a different name. In 961 BC the city fell into Byzantine hands. In the 14th century it was conquered by the Venetians that enlarged the fortress (Firkas from 1629) which can still be seen. Chania was faced with attacks by pirates (Barbarossa) and in the 17th century it was occupied by the Ottoman Turks. In the year 1913 Chania, just like the rest of Crete, became a part of Greece. Many of the old buildings that were erected in the course of time in Chania can still be admired. There is the Venetian port with the Venetian fortress and the lighthouse which dates from the Turkish times. If you walk through the old town you get to see a lot of Turkish and Venetian buildings.

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The beaches near the town of of Chania

Not far from Chania there are several beaches. To the west lie the vast sandy beaches of Daratso, Agia Marina and Platanias, northeast on the Akrotiri peninsula are some more intimate beaches such as the beach of Stavros, Kalathas or Tersanas, and on the east side the beaches Kalives, Almirida and Kalami are within easy reach of Chania town.

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The sights of Chania Town in Crete

� 1 - remnants of Minoan buildings indicate that there was a major settlement on the hill on the Kanevaro Odos. The excavations can only be seen from behind barbed wire.
� 2 - The port of Chania with its Venetian remains and the fishing boats. Of the 23 former big Venetian arsenals there are about 7 left.
� 3 - The Agios Nikolaos church was originally a monastery-church and it was changed by the Turks into a mosque. They also built a minaret here. In 1912 a bell tower was added on the other side of the church.
� 4 - The town-park of Chania. This park is located just outside the center and is a small place for a rest between the busy streets of Chania. It was made during the Turkish occupation and you can have a look at a few wild goats (krikri).
� 5 - The Turkisch lighthouse at the end of the long pier in the port of Chania. The tower was restored and rebuilt in the 19th century.
� 6 - The arsenals in the port. Of the original 23 arsenals, there are about 7 left. They date from the 16th century and once the boats were repaired here.
� 7 - The market of Chania. This is a large covered market hall in the shape of a cross. Here many different things are sold from meat and fish to spices and sponges.
� 8 - The remains of the fortress of Firkas. Here are some remnants of the old fortress. Over the entire town of Chania many pieces of the old city wall are also preserved.
� 9 - The Janitsar Mosque near the port dates from 1654 and means something like "mosque on the banks".
� 10 - The Naval Museum has an excellent exhibition on the Battle of Crete and a collection of sea shells. In one of the streets behind it, behind the fortress there is the Byzantine Museum.

Chania how and what

If you want to park your car in the town of Chania than do so in the free parking zone because if you don't you are likely to get a ticket very fast (65 euro - 2008). On saterday mornings it can be quite busy in the town because it is market day. The sundays are the most quiet for traffic, and most of the shops will still be open (in high season) but the covered market place is closed.

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Accommodations, hotels, apartments, studios and villas in and near Chania in Crete

Old Fountain Villas - Galatas - Crete

Palia Vrisi is the name of the area where the villas are situated. It means "old fountain" and this is because the people that live in Galatas and around used to come here for their water. We stayed at one of the three Old Fountain Villas in September 2008. They are situated in a very green area near the villages of Galatas and Stalos, not far away from the town of Chania on the route to Kissamos Kastelli. The owner of the villas is Helen and she is very friendly and her english is perfect! There are three different villas on the estate and Helen and her husband also have a house there. All the villas are detached and have their own garden and private pool and they are different in size.

Telephone: (+30) 282-103-2488, Mobile: (+30)-694-866-3654/53 - Send an email to the Old Fountain Villa's
More information and pictures you can find on this page.

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Villa Renata in Megala Chorafia: deceptively large and luxurious. The perfect get away

Pictures do not do this villa justice: you have to see it and experience it. One of my favorites ever. It is an absolute gem and also the perfect get away from it all. The people that own it have turned it into something very special. We visited this beautiful villa in the Apokoronas in October 2008. It is deceptively large: I estimate it is about 175 m2. Downstairs there are three bedrooms (2 doubles and one twin). The double rooms each have their own balcony and the twin room has a door leading to the patio in front of the pool. The last room has a private bathroom with a shower and toilet and there is also a small study incorporated. All the bedrooms have a tv and there is airconditioning. On the ground floor is also one of the most tasteful bathrooms that you have ever seen, with a big bath, double wash basins, a toilet and a washing machine.

Tel.: +302821072040, +306936703473 Fax: +302821079045 - Send an email to Villa Renata..
More information and pictures you can find on this page.

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Villa Sophia's House in Aspro near Almirida Beach (Apokoronas - Crete)

This lovely intimate villa is situated on a hill near the seaside resort of Almirida. We stayed here in September 2008 and we absolutely loved it. It was cozy and comfortable and the views from the terraces and the pool were fantastic. The villa had everything you could wish for: amazing views from the terraces and the pool, a beautiful bathroom, a living space with comfortable couches, a dining table and chairs and three bedrooms with extra large extra comfortable beds with loads of pillows. The beds were over two meters long because I could fit in without any problems and without my feet sticking out (yes people, I am a tall, tall guy). I loved this place because it felt so homely and everybody was feeling so happy in it. It makes you want to buy your own villa on the island.

Phone 01162622421 int 00 44 116 2622421 - Fax 01162624378 Send an email to Sophia's House.
More information and pictures you can find on this page.

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Alexis Hotel - Parigoria (2.1 km from Chania)

Beautifully situated atop a hillside overlooking the city, the sea and surrounding snow capped mountains, this hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the city and surrounding countryside. Hotel Alexis is 25 minutes (15 km) from the Chania International Airport, a 25-minute walk from the city of Chania (2 km) and close to many dining, shopping and entertainment venues. There is a regular bus service to and from the city center (every 20 minutes). Within walking distance (300 metres) of the hotel, the secluded white sandy beaches of Nea Hora will be there for you with umbrellas and sun beds. You can enjoy the multitude of water sports such as water/jet skiing, surfing and para-sailing. Hotel Alexis is a pleasant holiday setting ideal for families, couples, groups of friends, or for a business trip, offering personalised family service in a quiet, comfortable setting.

Check availability and prices & book Alexis Hotel on Crete - CLICK HERE

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Balito Apartments in Kato Galatas, Chania

Balito Studios and Apartments in Kato Galatas, Chania (5.4 km from Chani�)

Located in Kato Galatas, Balito Apartments is less than a kilometre from the blue sea and is close to the traditional village of Galatas, many eateries and supermarkets. The old town of Chania is only a short ride from Balito. Guests who do not wish to go to Kalamaki Beach can also stay in Balito and enjoy the pool. After a refreshing swim, relax by the pool bar with your favourite cocktail and cool down with ice-cream. Balito�s warm and friendly staff organises barbecue nights sometimes, offering you a selection of delicious grilled dishes.

Check availability and prices & book Balito Apartments on Crete - CLICK HERE

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Fester Medendorp, Hans Huisman, http://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/ 2009 <XMP></body></xmp>