Always the first thing you hear about Chania – theVenetian Harbour, the old port, the narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants.

Chania is also one of the two places you are most likely to see on arriving in Crete. It is beautiful – that is to say much of the Chania you will want to see is clustered close to the harbour – old buildings, museums, churches and crafts shops (some with genuinely interesting and sometimes local, products on offer).

Food is offered in great variety and sometimes great similarity – there are many restaurants and also cafes, at which to reflect upon the experiences of places you have just explored together with the enjoyment of sometasty food – we have suggestions for restaurants further on.

The atmosphere has a touch of Florence and Venice (a few years ago when those cities still had some room to walk), combined with the culture and character of Cretan people and traditions.

The Chania harbour is wonderful and at any particular time of day the light produces a different result, creating a “different place”.
This is the best chance to see some of the old buildings – of Venetian and Turkish design, that Crete once had across the island – many have since been destroyed by the ravages of war and plunder.

Chania is surrounded by numerous rich options for sightseeing, exploration and discovery. Mountain villages provide a view into the “inner Crete”. The Samaria and many other gorges can be hiked, archaeological sites abound.

How to get there

Chania has an international airport with scheduled flights year round and abundant charter flights serving much of Europe during the season – April to October. Buses from the airport are virtually non-existent [see bus timetable]. If you’re not driving, you should take a taxi.

Ferries sail to and from Athens (Pireas) daily – the port for ferries for Chania is at Souda, a few kilometres away. When the ferry arrives, if you manage to scamper onto the bus in time, this will take you to Chania. But it is best to plan to take a taxi.

Of course if you are renting a car on arrival, you can drive to your chosen destination at will! If a pause in Souda before your first sighting of Chania seems just right, try “Exandas” cafe which serves Illy coffee and the famed, welcoming treat of a “bougatsa” (pastry with cheese or cream filling).

Original cretetravel.com