Points of Interest

It is a true open-air museum, its architecture is made of 5.000 years of history... Minoans to Mycenaeans, Venetians to the Ottomans, Chania was a succession of different populations and customs that have been able to shape its beauty. The city of Chania is located in the Western part of the island of Crete and rises on the ruins of ancient Kydonia. The central part of town is full of shops and eateries. Its main streets are: Tzanakaki and Papandreou, where there are the entrances of the town park (mini zoo). Kydonias, the road of the municipal offices and the bus station. Skalidi and Chatzimichali Giannari where there is one of the four entrances to the Municipal Market (Agora). This part of town is surrounded by the neighborhoods of Nea Chora, Pachiana, Ag. Loukas, Koubes, Dikastiria, Koum Kapi and the old city. This last is a real outdoor museum that extends from the center to the sea, primarily through the streets of Halidon, Mousouron and Daskalogianni, rich in history and architectural beauty. Around the old town, you can discover the real Cretan culture, thanks to the scents and flavors of the local shops and many tavernas. All the marvels are to be visited in this city of a unique and rare magnificence.

Built by the Venetians in the late sixteenth century and destroyed by a storm during the Turkish occupation, the lighthouse was later rebuilt by the Egyptians between 1824 and 1832, with the appearance of a minaret. Today it is completely restored and its base is still Venetian origin. With its charming and admirable architecture, it is one of the main attractions of the old city.

Built in 1629, is one of the most important monuments in Crete. On 1 December 1913, for the first time in its history, it was raised the Greek flag in order to devote the union of Crete to mainland Greece. Today the fort is home to the Naval Museum of the city and an outdoor theater.

On the western basin of the old port, there is a mosque K. Hassan better known as the Mosque of the Janissaries. Built in 1645 on an existing church, is the oldest mosque in the whole of Crete. After the union of Crete with Greece it was closed for worship and today is used as exhibition space for events, exhibitions and fairs.

Its name in Hebrew means 'tree of life', was probably built during the seventeenth century and was the main center of Jewish religious and cultural life in Chania. After the Nazi occupation in 1944, fell into disrepair until it was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake. Was officially opened in October of 1999, after the reconstruction work funded by the World Monuments Fund, the Central Council of Jewish Communities in Greece and private donations from Rothschild, Lauder, Rosenberg, Rose and other foundations.

Also known as the Church of the Virgin Mary of Trimartiri, patron saint of the city of Chania. It was built in the early nineteenth century on the site of a Venetian church that the Turks during the Ottoman occupation had turned into a soap factory. It looks like a three-nave basilica, hence the name Trimartiri.

Maritime museum Several models of former boats as well models of the fortified city, of the harbour under the Venetian domination, of the naval building site, the buildings of repair or of the ships of the modern navy are exposed. It exposes the maritime history of Crete, of its antique period till the last world war and is situated inside the fortress Firkas.

Located in Akti Kountourioti Street, open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 14:30

Archaeological Museum Is located in what was once the Venetian church of St. Francis. Are exposed all the discoveries of the provincial district of Chania from the Neolithic period to that of the Roman Empire.

Located at 21, Halidon Street and open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Byzantine and post-Byzantine Museum Beautiful collections of mosaics, icons, frescoes, sculptures and other objects await you in this small museum.

Located at 78 Theotokopoulou Street and open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Municipal Market was inaugurated December 4, 1913 by E. Venizelos, he is told among the largest covered markets in Europe. A shape of a cross on which each wing is a door. It houses many shops where you can buy meats, cheeses, produce, fresh fish, souvenirs, gourmet stores and many other things… Walk into this market and enjoy the senses of Crete!

Arsenals (in Greek Neoria) were built to the east of the port during the Venetian occupation. Between the thirteenth and seventeenth century there were 19 and were used as shipyards. During the Turkish period, 9 were destroyed and the others were used as military warehouses. Today are still visible, the big Arsenal, currently the Mediterranean Architecture Center, a group of 7 located along the quay of Akti Enoseos and 2 at the end of the port.

Built in the district of Splazia, in 1320, it was for the Venetians one of the most important churches of the city. Later under the Ottoman rule, it was converted into a mosque and a minaret was erected on its left side. From 1918 it was converted to Orthodox church and was again dedicated to the memory of Agios Nikolaos.

The charm of the Hammam has ancient origins that date back to Roman times, where in addition to being used to take care of their body, was also a meeting place to discuss. In the city of Chania, they were built during the Ottoman occupation, in time, through the central streets there were diverse, both public and private. The Ottomans used the Hammam daily basis for their purification. Among the main ones, there was one located Halidon Street (across from the Catholic Church) and in the streets of the historic center of Zambeliou and Douka (today a part of it, is a restaurant hall).

Theotokopoulou street in the old town of Chania, owes its name to the artist Dominikos Theotokopoulos El Greco, famous painter, sculptor and architect born in Crete during the Venetian occupation and later became one of the most important figures of Spanish Renaissance. In Theotokopoulo street is the Venetian church of the monastery of San Salvatore, now Byzantine and Post-Byzantine museum of the city and you will find many examples of Venetian and Turkish architecture. It is also lined with many arts and craft shops where you can buy handmade unique products.

It is the most populated tourist street of Chania which leads to the old Venetian harbor. Halidon unites the new and the old city starting from square 1866 and ending in Sintrivani square. In addition to the many shops along the road to the port, you will find the Cathedral of Chania and the building where once there was a Hammam turkish on the right side, the Catholic Church, the Museum of Folklore and the Archaeological Museum on the left side.

Daliani is a wonderful pedestrian street behind the municipal market of Chania, featuring sights of historical interest, including the ancient monastery of Santa Maria della Misericordia, now called Karolos and a mosque with its minaret still standing. The Daliani Street and its surrounding streets are full of traditional jewelry stores, fashion shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Koum Kapi or "Door of Sand", is the eastern part of the city of Chania, just outside the walls of the historic center. Inhabited in the past by African slaves, today Koum Kapi is a charming neighborhood full of bars and restaurants, ideal for couples and families. Its history, promenade along the sea and the beautiful view that you can admire, make this place unique.

Revolutionary, an eminent statesman, politician and charismatic leader of the twentieth century... Eleftherios Venizelos is part of the history of Crete and Greece. Today can be visited his home in Chalepas and his tomb on the hill of Prophet Elias, from where you can admire the spectacular panorama of the city of Chania.
E.Venizelos' home is located in the district of Chalepas, Place Elena Venizelos. It is possible to visit Monday to Friday from 11:30 to 13:30 and from 18:00 to 20:00 - Entry € 2.00.
The graves of Eleftherios and Sophocles his son, are located at the entrance of the Akrotiri peninsula.

Located north of the Akrotiri peninsula and close to each other, Moni Agia Triada, Moni Gouverneto and Moni Katoliko, are among the most ancient monasteries and the most striking of the island.

Agia Triada, founded in the seventeenth century, was one of the most important monasteries of Chania. Because of its size, it can accommodate hundreds of monks and has kept its unique beauty year after year.

Moni Gouverneto, built in 1548 on top of a narrow gorge, less big than Agia Triada, but still retains an ancient and discreet charm. Behind him you can find a small museum of effects and sacred icons.

Moni Katoliko, fully excavated in the rock, is probably the oldest monastery in Crete, the ruins date back to the eleventh century. It is accessible only by foot and along the way you can admire the cave Katoliko, where lived St. John the Hermit.

Was founded by the Mycenaeans, developed by the Dorians and inhabited until the Byzantine period. You will cross numerous periods via its ruins which dominate the majestic bay of Souda. The Turkish castle, the foundations of the antique city, the temple of the goddess of birth Eleithnia and the Doric temple dedicated to Apollo, wait for you on the archeological site of Aptera.

Georgioupoli is the small fishing village that takes the name of Prince George of Greece, High Commissioner of the island during the last years of the Ottoman occupation. It is here that the Almiros river meets the sea, creating a small marina on the one hand and a splendid range of 9 km, on the other. Many taverns and bars are nestled throughout the walk, and the nature that surrounds the village is simply amazing, it makes Georgioupoli much more than a tourist city.

It appears at the foot of Lefka Ori, the biggest mountain range of Crete, in a charming and voluptuous landscape, surrounded by unspoilt nature, populated by ducks and turtles. Kournas unique lake of fresh water of the island, is 5 km of Georgioupolis and is easily accessible, ideal to spend pleasant days and take advantage of magnificent landscapes.

The Village of Argiroupoli is located on the slopes of the Lefka Ori, surrounded by plane trees and chestnut trees, it is known for its springs and its waterfalls. It stands on the ruins of Lappa which was among the most important Roman cities of western Crete. In the village there are the chapel of the five Virgins, the remains of Roman baths, the ruins of the ancient temple dedicated to Poseidon, Venetian columns and an ancient Roman Gate, as well as the churches of Agios Ioannis and Santa Paraskev?, especially known for the mosaic floor of the first century BC with about 7000 pieces.

In a time, was here near hundred churches, today, unfortunately, we can admire only ruins... Sfakia is a small town with a glorious past, which succeeded thanks to its tough and rebellious population, to resist the Venetian and Ottoman occupation. At about 12 km, remains Fragokastello built by the Venetians to protect the nobles, their properties and to impose order in the region. Today, the fortress can be admired and not far away stands the basilica of Agios Nikitas and the monastery of Agios Charalambos.

Loutro is a romantic village nestled in the hollow of a small bay on the Libyan Sea. Accessible only by boat or on foot, no roads, no cars, this small town is a place where the atmosphere is especially true tranquility.

16 km long, they are born on the plateau of Omalos, in approximately 1250m of height, it will lead you to the shores of the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli. You will cross Portes, an abandoned village for finally dive into beautiful waters of the Libyan sea... It takes about seven hours to walk across the high rocky walls and water sources. You will so discover a fauna and a magnificent and unique flora in this national park of Samaria.

Open from May till October and with the possibility of making routes with shorter and less difficult paths - Entrance € 6,00

Born in the classical period and inhabited until Roman times, Lissos grew rich thanks to the maritime trade. This ancient city is located south of Chania, an hour's walk from Sougia, also accessible by boat or if you prefer by car through Paleochora. There are many vestiges, in particular a temple dedicated to Asclepius God of the medicine for the Greeks and Romain there.

Is a small town south of Crete, which became popular in the 70s with hippies and developed for tourism thanks to its crystal clear sea and well organized beaches, all different from each other. Its name means "old earth" and according to some researchers would be built on the ruins of the ancient city of Kalamydi. Venetians, pirates and Ottomans have left their traces. Do not miss to visit the ruins of the castle Selino, built in 1278, the churches Anidroi and Voutas with Venetian and Byzantine frescoes, the city museum and the beautiful beaches of Pachia Ammos, Chalikia, Grammeno, Gialiskari and Anidroi. They are accessible by car and are equipped for tourists with parking, toilets, bars, taverns, sun loungers and parasols.

In Homer's Odyssey she was called Ogygia and was inhabited by Calypso... The Venetians called it Gozo... while the dictator Ioannis Metaxas made it become the land of exiles. Immersed in the Libyan Sea, south of Crete… Gavdos is the southernmost point of Europe and offers pristine beaches, spectacular landscapes and places to enjoy the silence and peace. Cape Tripiti, Kastri and Sarakiniko are some of those places you can admire when you arrive on the island of Gavdos.

This impressive monastery of the 9th century, is situated on a promontory overlooking the sea, 5 km from the stunning beach Elafonissi. Its name means "golden march" comes from an old legend which tells that one of his marches would be in gold, but would only be visible by a pure soul who believes in God.

Open every day 08:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00

Is a small coastal village which lies in its ancient Roman city. Its long beach, the crystal clear sea and the beautiful landscapes that surround it, make it an ideal place for a pleasant stay. In this area you will find the wonderful beaches of Elafonissi, Sfinari and Falassarna, Balos Lagoon and the ruins of Polyrinia and its Venetian castle.

In an imposing two-level Venetian-Turkish building on the main square, this museum presents locally excavated treasure, including statues, jewellery, coins and a large mosaic floor from a Kissamos villa. Most items are from the Hellenistic and Roman eras, though there are also some Minoan objects. There are also exhibits from Falasarna, Polyrrinia and Nopigia. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 to 15:00. Entry 2,00 €.

Located 6 km from Kissamos, she born in the 6th century BC and is the oldest city built by the Dorians in Crete. Powerful and majestic, Polyrinia, has always been subject to attacks and looting for its wealth and its location, which is why the Venetians, who have occupied it after the Byzantines, build high walls of protection, including the remains can still be seen today, together with the Venetian fortress and the ruins of the ancient city.

Once upon a time, there was a rich and prosperous city of Crete. Established in the minoenne period, it was inhabited during the Hellenistic and Roman time, to be abandoned further because of the uprising of the west coast of the island. Therefore, the ruins of the ancient port, located today in Cape Koutr? rises to nearly 6 m above the sea... You can admire there the ruins of a throne, an Acropolis and the antique city.

The island can be reached by boat from the port of Kissamos, to take advantage of its strategic position, the Venetians fortified the island of Gramvousa in 1580 by building the castle of of Gramvousa, later occupied by the Ottomans and freed by the Cretan revolutionaries in 1825. Gramvousa was in fact the first part of Crete to be freed by the Ottoman Empire. The island became a refuge for thousands of Cretan revolutionaries and their families. The splendid view of the sea and the Gramvousa peninsula from the castle is one of the most spectacular panoramas you can find on the island of Crete.

This monastery built in the seventeenth century, was dedicated to Panagia Hodigitria, the virgin who shows the way. Inside lies a small museum that contains a collection of important post-Byzantine icons and other objects of great value. Moni Gonias is surrounded by the lush vegetation of the peninsula Rodopou, a wonderful place, virtually uninhabited and ideal for hiking. Here are also the ruins of the sanctuary of the goddess Diktynna, located above the bay Meneies.

A historical museum worth visiting in Platanias which tells the sufferings of the Greek people during the Second World War while the German occupation. The caves of Platanias were dug by the inhabitants as refuge from the bombing and are now a memorial museum. Its village was a strategic position and was during the occupation the seat of the barracks and shelters for the ammunition. The museum caves, dug under the church of Agios Dimitris, are 120 meters long and have 10 rooms without windows and two exits that lead into the trenches. After years of neglect, limestone rock has favored their perfect preservation, and today you can see vehicles, weapons and ammunition as well as photographs of time.

Is a village historically important because it is here that Venizelos declared the beginning of the revolution against the monarchy of Prince Giorgos, revolution which will bring the unification of Crete to the rest of Greece. To reach the village, the road offers unique and colorful landscapes, along a gorge (Th?rissos gorge). It is not uncommon to encounter flocks of sheep along the way. Once in the village, you can visit the headquarters of Venizelos, at the free entrance, where an old man, owner of the house will give you specific indications. In Theriso is the Byzantine church of Agios Georgios, dating back to 1555 with its ceiling stars and many icons on all its walls. In the village there is also a Museum of the National Resistance (entrance 1 €) where we find images, different weapons, helmets and objects that were used during the Second World War. At 2 km from the village, is the cave Sarrasine