Guide of Chania

Chania is the second largest town on the island of Crete and is a real gem set on the sea, surrounded by a unique landscape. Chania offers visitors a complete holiday thanks to the little villages full of history, archaeological sites and entertainment. The city is located in the part of the island with mountain ranges that fall to the sea and highlands intensively cultivated with fruit trees, citrus groves and olive trees.

History

Chania, like every corner of Greece is full of history and this corner of the island was long dominated by the Venetians who occupied it continuously for four centuries until 1654, when it was once again ruled by the Ottoman Turks who settled on the island until its liberation in 1898. The city walls and the fortified district of Kastelli is located on a hill and shows how the Venetians tried to limit the raids of pirates who plagued the Aegean Sea and which reduced many Greek islands to poverty. The old city is very Italian in character and has changed over the centuries showing the Ottoman influence.

Places to visit 

Chania and the island of Crete in general is a true paradise for nature and sea lovers. This area is home to the spectacular Samaria gorges, which are over eighteen kilometers long and crossed by a river stretching from the Omalos plateau and descending towards the sea. The gorges are a popular tourist destination not only for trekkers but also for nature lovers in general and the path winds through lovely little villages, isolated churches and paths where you can spot birds like the bearded vulture and the kri kri wild goats.

Beaches 

The sea in Crete is particularly pleasant because the seabed is shallow and sandy, therefore particularly suitable for families with children. The coast is very well equipped and the water is crystal clear everywhere, Stalos Beach is one of the most famous beaches along with Agia Marina. Those looking for more quietness and fewer crowds can go to the peninsula of Akrotiri and Agios Ormos, Ormos Tigania and Kalivia Bay where the sea has many shades of blue.