• Wander around the old city of Chania and see the Venetial port, the Lighthouse, the seven shipyards and the districts with their old architectural traits still preserved, e.g. Kasteli, Splantzia, Topana and “Ovriaki” (Jewish quarter)
• Visit the most famous Greek gorge, the Gorge of Samaria; it is worth crossing it
Top festivals
• In May, do not miss the celebration of the Battle of Crete and the “Koresia” canoe kayak athletic games named at the lake Kournas
• In June, catch the “Venizelia” International Track Games at the National Stadium of Chania, the Cherry Festival at Karanos, the celebration of Agios Ioannis of Klidona at Fres and at Akrotiri, etc
• Visit Chania in July during the nautical week of the Municipality, or during the Wine Festival in Vouves and the Cheese Pie (“Kaltsouni”) Festival in Kandanos
• In September do not miss the Sardine Festival in Souda and Nea Hora; in October, the Chestnut Festival at Prases and in November, the Tsikoudia (or “Raki”) Festival at Neoria
Perfecture of CHANIA
Greece
Region of Crete Capital town: Chania Area: Population:
Presentation
Chania, the Prefecture to the west of Crete, presents an interesting succession in landscapes and settlements. Its capital, the homonymous cosmopolitan city has preserved intact the signs of the civilisations that have passed by. Its trademark landmark is the Venetian port with the Lighthouse.
In the southern part of the Prefecture, the White Mountains (or Lefka Ori), numerous gorges can be found. The most well-known is the Gorge of Samaria. Nature richly compensates the visitor with the vast sandy beaches that can be traced along the Prefecture’s coastline.
In the south, it’s worth making a trip to Sfakia, a place where the Cretan customs are strictly observed. From there, one could visit the islet of Gavdos which is none other than the southernmost part of Europe. All over the Prefecture, one will come across significant archaeological sites.
History
The contemporary city of Chania used to be the ancient city of Cydonia, the cradle of the Minoan Civilization that spanned 17 centuries until 1100 BC. Then followed the classic and the Roman period; Cydonia was one of the most powerful cities of Crete.
In the following centuries, Chania was inhabited by Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians and Turks until 1898, when the Cretan State was established; its capital was Chania. In 1913, Chania was annexed in the Greek State.
Information
• Prefecture of Chania Tourism Bureau: 2821030108-9
Region of Crete
