The Greek island of Crete is washed by three seas, the local climate is mild Mediterranean. This is a real tourist paradise, a stay in which will surely give an unforgettable experience and a truly comfortable stay. There are several areas on the island of Crete, Chania - one of them. The city is conveniently located on the northwest coast in the eastern part of the Haniye Gulf, about 150 km from Heraklion.
A treasury of Greek history and beauty
Greece, the island of Crete, the region of Chania - a real storehouse of Greek history, which clearly reflected on the architecture of the city. Here you can find Turkish, Venetian, Roman buildings.
The city, built on the site of a very ancient settlement of Kydonia at the dawn of the 13th century on the island of Crete - Chania, is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. The center of the settlement is the City Market. The western part of the city, or Topan, is the place where the Old Town and the Old Port are located. The local places are decorated with Venetian houses along narrow streets.
What to see?
The island of Crete, Chania in particular, is rich in superb beaches. From the city to the village of Kolymbari, a chain of sandy beaches stretches along which upscale resort areas are located. The most popular: Gerani, Agia Marina, Maleme, Kato Stalos, Platanias. Local coastal areas awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union. Interesting fact: some part of Platanias beach is under state protection, because it is here that the Caretta sea turtles lay their eggs. Why go to Greece? It is there that you can not only relax perfectly on the beach, but also explore the island of Crete. Chania, whose sights are striking in variety:
- Firkas fortress, built in 1629. Now it is the Maritime Museum;
- Venetian lighthouse (XVI century);
- The Jewish Quarter, where travelers will be interested in visiting the Archaeological Museum and looking at finds dating back to different eras of humanity, starting from the Stone Age ;
- Schiavo bastion and the remains of the ramparts;
- Castelli quarter.
The island of Crete, Chania in particular, is remarkable in itself and there is something to see. But if this is not enough, then you can swim and sunbathe on small, but very picturesque islands located near the coast: Gramvuse, Lazarete, St. Theodore. In addition, from Chania you can go on excursions to other cities / villages of the island - Aptere, Alikianos, Platanias.
Diving
The surroundings of Chania are great for diving. Endless dives into underwater tunnels and caves with a depth of 20 m will not leave anyone indifferent.
The main diving centers are located a little east of Chania, near the small settlement of Agios Onoufrios. While diving into the caves, divers can see groupers, two-meter seals, schools of colorful fish, as well as fragments of ancient amphorae. The neighboring island of Lazareth is a historic area where sunken ships rest at the bottom . Divers diving near the island of St. Theodore can see lobsters and octopuses.