CHANIA
Area: Crete
Country: Greece


Location:
Situated on the NW coast of Crete, 42 miles W of Rethymnon. 10 miles from Chania airport; 90 miles W of Heraklion airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 28210

Position:
On the N coast at the Gulf of, and in the prefecture of, Chania. Surrounded by countryside and some of the island's most fertile agricultural land framed by the stunning grandeur of the white mountains behind that have snow on the upper reaches for half the year. Close to the Samaria Gorge, Europe's longest.

Description:
Once the capital of Crete, until the 1970s, Chania is the island's second largest town, built on the ancient site of Kydonia. The old part of town close to the Venetian port area contains buildings from the middle ages and mosques and minarets from the Turkish occupation, as well as the later colonial or neo-classical architecture. A Venetian/Egyptian lighthouse guards the entrance to the harbour with its abundance of fine restaurants and cafes. In the town centre is the large municipal market building which is unique in Greece for its cruciform shape, housing an enormous range of foodstuffs. You can watch leather workers making their famous high-legged boots and other fine goods, in the area known to visitors as Leather Lane.

Suitability:
Certainly for those seeking a genuine interest in the Cretan way of life and its history, as well as wanting to relax and enjoy the superb scenery, sun and sea. A very good base from which to undertake individual travel, with your own means of transport. Will suit most groups and ages.

Accommodation:
A good choice of hotels, but the larger cross-section of hotels and self-catering apartments are to be found outside and mainly W of town.

Shopping:
As well as the market hall, there is the old Turkish market place for most things. Many small supermarkets and food stores. Also the larger hotels for quality jewellery and clothing.

Beach:
Mainly W of town and in the smaller village areas, easily reached by bus. Stretches of sandy and pebble beaches run for some miles, good bathing.

Entertainments:
Daytime: walking in the public gardens, local historic sites. Shopping, bathing and water sports in the villages W of the city. Nightlife: discos, bars, a couple of cinemas and many restaurants with lively music.

Eating:
Spoilt for choice from the harbour fish specialists to local tavernas and hotels.

Public-transport:
Good local bus services from the town in most directions.

Local-excursions:
Ideal base from which to walk the Samaria Gorge. The city itself houses naval and archaeological museums as well as the City Archives; a collection of Greek Orthodox churches and other historic buildings are not difficult to find. About 1­ miles N is the Akrotiri peninsula where it is believed the tomb of famous Cretan leader Eleftherios Venizelos lies; also a number of interesting monasteries. An American base is situated at Suda Bay and many visitors make their way to the well-known war graves from World War II. Day trips to Knossos and Heraklion archaeological museum; plateau of Lassithi; Aghios Nikolaos, Spinalonga; E Crete; Samaria Gorge; Cretan village evenings; barbecues etc.