Prefecture of Chania


Chania City (The Venice of the East!)


Chania is a unique city bearing a rich and long history and culture. Its name is often glorified in historical documents as the city raised brave soldiers, groundbreaking politicians, intellectuals and artists. It is considered the city of Justice and Freedom and its rare beauty justifies its characterization as the "Venice of the East". The city of Chania was a crossroad between the East and the West for many centuries, and for this reason it was claimed by its enemies and suffered the presence of many conquerors. Nowadays Chania is a popular travel destination throughout the year. 

Chania is surrounded by numerous rich options for sightseeing, exploration and discovery.


Old Town 

The most famous part of Chania is the old town and especially the Venetian Harbour. The atmosphere of the place has a touch of Florence and Venice combined with the culture and character of Cretan people and traditions.


Beaches 

Two top beaches of Chania,  Elafonissi & Balos are featured in top 10 lists of the best beaches in the whole world. Falasarna beach, with one of the most impressive sunsets in Crete, is also a very famous and most visited beach.


Gorges 

There are countless gorges and ravines in Crete. The most famous gorge of Crete  is “Samaria Gorge” ( in the regional unit of Chania) which is the longest gorge in Europe and a World's Biosphere Reserve. The Samaria National Park is one of the most recognized and awarded protected areas of Greece, crossed by thousands of visitors every summer.

 

Archaeological sites and historical monuments

The most important archaeological sites in Crete are located in Heraklion province. Knossos is the most famous archaeological site in Crete. It is located southeast from Heraklion city. The palace of Knossos used to be the most powerful palace of the Minoan civilization. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the great museums of Greece and the best in the world regarding the Minoan civilization. Phaestos is the most important Minoan city in southern Crete. It is located 60km southwest from Heraklion city.

In Chania you can visit the Ancient Aptera, the Egyptian Lighthouse, the Municipal Market, the graves of Venizelos family,  the Archaeological Museum of Chania and the Maritime Museum of Crete.

 

Weather

The climate of the prefecture of Chania is characterized as temperate Mediterranean and particularly dry with sunlight 70% of the year. Winter is mild and the climate from November to March is characterized as cold, but not frosty with frequent showers. In October it rarely rains, the weather is still warm and mild and a dip in the sea is still a pleasant one. May and September are usually sunny, but not excessively warm. The summer however is quite hot and arid with June and July being the hottest months of the year and without rainfall. For more information check out the Hellenic National Meteorological Service.

Cretan Diet

Cretan diet is one more of the things that make Crete stand out. This diet, which is actually the base of what is known as the famous Mediterranean diet, has been declared officially from the world's medical society as the healthiest and most complete of diets. The Cretan diet is based on olive oil, vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains and wine.

 

More information…

 

Official website of Municipality of Chania

This website provides you with direct and valid information for various subjects, such as monuments and archaeological sites, beaches, sights, entertainment and the activities that take place in Chania. 


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