Article Chania city tour
Romantic and historic city
Chania is one of the most beautiful cities in Crete, known mainly for its Venetian harbor, lighthouse and the maze of narrow streets of the old town. In a small space, Venetian, Ottoman and Greek atmospheres are mixed, so the city feels historic, lively and very photogenic at the same time. It is ideal both for an evening walk around the harbor and as a starting point for exploring western Crete from its northern coast.
Sabbionara Rampart
At the entrance to the historic city, you will be greeted by the Sabbionara Rampart, a part of the Venetian fortifications on the northeastern edge of the old town of Chania, right by the sea. The name refers to the „sand gate“ and the site is now an interesting reminder of the city's defense system. It is the only gate of the original fortifications that has survived to this day.
Promenade along the harbor
We continued our walk along the promenade along the harbor. The old Venetian harbor is the most famous place in Chania and the natural center of the entire city. It is lined with cafes, restaurants, historic houses and views of the lighthouse, which make it one of the most beautiful promenades in Crete. The harbor was established in the 14th century as a trading and defensive point for the city.
Jalí Tzami Mosque
In the middle of the promenade on the square, the dominant Jalí Tzami Mosque appears. It is a beautiful example of Islamic art from the 17th century, built in honor of Kiuchuk Hasan. It is characterized by a large dome and a colonnade with small domes. It has recently undergone reconstruction, hosts events and is a historical monument.
Kolpos Chanion Lighthouse
The Kolpos Chanion lighthouse, overlooking the port and looking out to sea, is a symbol of the city. It was built in the 1830s on the foundations of an older, Venetian predecessor and originally served as a harbor light. The tower is notable for its unusual architecture with different floor plans in individual sections and has been protected as a historical monument since 1962. After restoration, it still serves as a lighthouse on the pier.
Cats everywhere you look
All of Greece is a very welcome home for cats, and it's no different in Crete, where you'll find them everywhere. They're often seen waiting in the harbor for whatever they can get from fishermen, or in restaurants, watching to see who's plate they'll fall off.
View of the mountains behind the city
From the square by the mosque there is a nice view of the nearby mountains in the center of the island. Crete is very mountainous and in winter you can go skiing here. The mountains create a nice backdrop, with the seaport behind you and the mountain peaks reaching 2.5 thousand meters above sea level in front of you.
Picturesque streets of the city
The old town of Chania is a labyrinth of narrow streets, colorful facades, small shops and nooks and crannies, where Venetian and Ottoman architecture alternate. It is just off the main promenade that Chania has its greatest charm. Just turn a few meters to the side and the city begins to seem much calmer and more authentic.
Kydonia excavations
In the historic center of Chania are the remains of ancient Kydonia, one of the most important settlements of Minoan Crete. Archaeological findings on the Kasteli hill show that a very old settlement layer lies beneath the present-day city. Systematic excavations have been ongoing here since 1966, and some of the findings are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Chania.
Venetian fortifications
Large stone walls, remnants of a historic fortification built during Venetian rule, surround the historic center of the city. You can walk in the park below the walls, which is a good place to hide from strong winds from the sea.
Walk along the fortifications
…or you can climb the fortifications, where there is also a park and a nice place to stop.
View of the roofs of houses
There is also a beautiful view of the entire city and its tangle of streets and houses with diverse roofs.
