Crete Island - Beach Hotel in Chania, Almyrida, Crete - Blazis House

Crete Island

Crete is the biggest island in Greece and the fifth-largest in the Mediterranean Sea. Its capital city is Heraklion and other known cities are Chania, Rethymno and Lasithi. The rich mythology, which is connected both with the ancient Greek Gods and the Minoan Civilization, makes Crete one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. Every traveler should taste the traditional cuisine of Crete and listen to the unique Mantinades-based music and the indigenous dances.

 

About Chania

Chania is the second largest city of Crete and can be divided into two parts, the old traditional town, which is situated next to the old harbour, and the modern city, where more locals live and work. Its charming beauty and the historical interest of the sightseeing in Chania amazes every traveler and make his vacations unique and memorable. Chania is also known for its traditional dishes, especially based on fresh fish and other local products. Moreover, the town is famous for its nightlife, as it has a lot of bars and clubs for those who want to have this type of entertainment. Don't forget to take a walk in the town and buy souvenirs from the local gift shops, the flea market, and the art galleries.

 

Sightseeing in Chania

Here is a list with some of the most known and impressive sightseeing in the region of Chania:

The Venetian Lighthouse: As a symbol of Chania the Venetian Lighthouse is located at the entrance of the port and dazes all the travelers with its unique beauty and its architecture. It was built in 1570 by the Venetians and the last time it was reconstructed was in 1830. Even it is no longer operational, visitors have the chance to walk along the Venetian walls, but not in the interior of the building. For couples, a night walk along the Venetian Lighthouse is a remarkable option, as it combines quiet, beauty and romanticism through the breathtaking view of the lighthouse.

The Gorge of Samaria: If you love hiking, the famous Gorge of Samaria is the ideal place for you. It was declared a National Park in 1962, as it protects the endangered species that live in there, such as the Cretan wild goat kri-kri. It is considered to be the largest gorge in Europe due to its length, which is calculated 16km long, from the northern side of Omalos Plateau to the village of Agia Roumeli. The gorge is not constantly open, but only from early May to late October between 7am and 3 pm. Daily trips are organized from Chania Town to Samaria Gorge or you take the public transportation from the town of Chania to Omalos. A lot of legends have been heard and said around the Gorge of Samaria, such as the one about the Drosoulites (the dead soldiers of Dalianis).

The Fortress of Frangokastello: This fortress is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in Crete. It was built by the Venetians between the period 1371-1374 BC. Its rectangular shape and its unique beauty charm the visitors and motivate them to walk along the castle and explore it. It was named ‘Frangokastello’ by the local people and it means ‘the castle of the Franks (Venetians). However, all the fortifications seen today were completed by the Turks during the Ottoman rule.

Chrissoskalitissa Monastery: This lovely historical white monastery of Panagia Chrissoskalitissa is situated on the southwestern side of Chania. It lies on the top of a cliff above Elafonisi and is dedicated to Virgin Mary. Its name is based on tradition, according to which one of the 90th steps that lead you to the monastery is golden and only people with a pure heart can notice it. It was built during the Venetian Times and nowadays it is open to the public. A museum with items and memorials of the Cretan Revolution is available for all the visitors as well.