CHANIA

General Information

The historical prefecture of Chania is divided into five counties, the Apokoronos, the Kissamos, the Kydonia, Selinos, and Sfakia, while the city of Chania is the capital of the homonymous prefecture. The natural beauties that are encountered in this land are endless; there are extensive sandy beaches and reclusive rocky bays, there is the imposing mountain range of Lefka Ori (white mountains) which predominates in the southern-central part of the prefecture, the magnificent gorge of Samaria -one of the most brilliant in the world- with its unique flora and fauna, the caves, the lake of Kourna, the lagoon of Balos, the islets of Elafonissi and Gavdos, all of which depict just but a few of the attractions of the region. The castles, the Byzantine churches, the monuments and the numerous archaeological sites add in to form a long but exciting task of sightseeing. Its population reaches 150387 residents, while its extent covers 2376 sq.km.

History - Culture

There is evidence that the first signs of civilization in this region can be traced sometime before 6500 BC. The Neolithic settlement on the hill of Kastelli, inscriptions found on rocks situated close to Sfakia and tools made of stone found in the Samaria Gorge, all support this conclusion. As the Neolithic age nears its end, the settlements of Kastelli and of Nerokouro seem to be flourishing. During the Minoan era, Chania was a densely populated region under the influence of the Minoan civilization, and many of its cities were quite prosperous. Ancient Kydonia was the largest city of the region, whose power rivaled of Gortynia and Knossos. Agriculture, cattle-raising, commerce, as well as arts and literature were the main fields of development. As the Minoan state fell into decline, perhaps after the catastrophic eruption of the volcano in nearby Thira (Santorini), the Mycenaean forces took over the island of Crete, forcing most of the Cretan population to seek solitude ?or refuge- in the southeastern part of the region of Chania. Long centuries later, and following the Roman occupation, the region came under Arab domination (824 AD). The name Chania is believed to be associated with the name Al Chanim, which Arabs used for the region. From the 8th century and up to the years of the Venetian conquest, the whole region fell into a period of decline, only to flourish again until 1645, when Turks invaded the island. However, Turks never settled in the area of Sfakia and in 1850 Kastelli became the capital of Crete. In 1897 Crete was declared an autonomous state and it united with Greece in 1913. The notorious Battle of Crete against Germans began in the area of Maleme and Galatas in 1941. In 1945 the region was liberated, as World War II was finally drawing to its end.

Sights

Listing the sights of this region is a difficult task, but making a selection among them is even more difficult. The problem is that there are so many worth visiting, that there is no way to be fair. Visitors can admire a diverse collection of sights which includes ancient monuments, castles, churches, and  monasteries of the middle ages, surroundings of unique natural beauty and a marvelous coastline. There are rugged mountains, impressive canyons, profuse vegetation, and beaches of unparalleled beauty. The gorges of Samaria and Nimbros along with the areas of Omalos, Aghia Roumeli, Falassarna, Kastanochoria, Sfakia, Chrysoskalitissa and Sougia are but some that bear witness to the above. Besides, there is an abundance of ancient monuments lying in these areas, which serve to excite visitors even more. However, though there are truly many sights, there is a single one that should be a priority. This is the Samaria Gorge, which stands out as an internationally renowned natural monument. It is 18km long and its width ranges from a mere 3m at its narrowest part to 300m in its more comfortable department. The Nimbros -or Imbros- Gorge is one of the most narrow and deepest gorges in Greece and is just as impressive. It is 7km long. Moreover, there are the medieval monuments and the remains of ancient Kydonia, though most of the latter has been covered by the modern city of Chania. There are also the ruins of ancient Anopolis and Aradaina in Anopoli as well as a number of ancient settlements which are scattered all over the prefecture, which consists of more than 40 amazing villages and settlements -not to mention the surrounding extraordinary islets- that should definitely be visited. Frangokastelo is one of the most beautiful and imposing Venetian monuments in entire Greece and it is situated in Sfakia. The old port of the city of Chania, with its fortifications and its narrow, winding streets, offers a journey into the middle ages. One can hardly ask for anything more, yet, there are plenty of things left out. Visitors will be dazzled by the gorges, caves, crystal clear waters and amazing beaches, the picturesque villages, remarkable churches and monasteries, and the numerous monuments dating from different periods of time and history found in this blessed region.

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

A popular tourist destination for decades, Chania has developed a high quality tourist infrastructure. Within the city of Chania itself, there are entertainment and shopping facilities, restaurants, coffee-houses, bars and accommodations of the highest standards. The same quality of all the above mentioned facilities is offered in other areas of the district such as Agia, Alikiano, Aghia Marina, Akrotiri, Kastelli, Maleme, Platanias, Kolymbari, Sfakia. All resorts are fully equipped and sporting activities include football, basketball, volleyball and track, while in Chania there are also tennis courts and a Yachting Club. In Maleme and Kalyves there are basketball fields, and football fields can be found in almost every village of the prefecture. Water sports activities are offered on almost all beaches, while climbing and skiing activities are also available on the Lefka Ori. Some of the local products are cheese, wine, nuts as well as ceramics, jewels and leather goods. Finally, the local festivals and local cuisine guarantee visitors unforgettable experiences. The local drink, called tsikoudia or raki, is worth more than a try. It is very strong, and is best when accompanied by local delicacies. Local traditional festivities and fairs can offer the experience of a lifetime.  

Access

Flights are carried out from Athens and Thessaloniki to the airport of Chania all year round. There is a bus service from Thessaloniki via the port of Piraeus.  Ferries sail from the port of Piraeus to the port of Chania with service being more dense in the summertime.

Connections

There is a plane connection with Thessaloniki as well as a bus connection with Rethymnon and Herakleion (administrative centers of Crete) with service being frequent throughout the year. Ferries link Chania with Monemvasia and the Ionian Islands.

Museums

Chania hosts an Archaeological Museum, a Folk Art Museum, a Marine Museum and a Municipal Museum.  There is also a Historical Museum in Paleochora.

Alternative Tourism

Spiritual, cultural, congressional, ecotourism, agrotourism, canyoning, archaeology, gastronomy, sporting (ski, mountain climbing, mountain bike, trekking, water sports, sailing, yachting, scuba diving, windsurfing, canoe).

Useful Telephone Numbers:

CHANIA AREA CODE:  28210-

MUNICIPALITY: 28210-92000

POLICE STATION: 28210-28734, 28744

TOURIST POLICE: 28210-25931

AIRPORT POLICE: 28210-63033

TRAFFIC POLICE: 28210-28758

PORT POLICE: 28210-89240, 28388

NATIONAL TOURISM ORG.: 28210-92943

POST OFFICE: 28210-28444

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG. : 28210-35302

RADIO TAXI STATION: 28210-98700, 98701, 98770, 94300, 87700

HOSPITAL: 28210-22000, 28667

PHARMACIES: 28210-57393, 58345, 93401, 93013, 73766, 97560, 43011, 56265, 91788, 42400, 40066, 40938, 93717

AIRPORT: 28210-83800

BUS STATION: 28210-93306, 93052