Welcome to Chania, The second largest city in Crete and capital of Chania prefecture. Located 60 km from Rethymnon and 145 from Heraklion. It occupies an area of ​​approximately 11 square kilometers and according to the 2001 census has 55.838 inhabitants population. There was a significant Minoan city believed to ancient Cydonia since historically and based on archaeological research proves that is built on the ruins of. Ancient Cydonia was a remarkable ancient city, built in prehistoric times by Kydon, son – according to the ancient Cretans – Mercury – in other Apollo – and nymph Akakalidas, daughter of Minos. Mentioned by Homer as one of the most important cities of Crete, while Kydonians considered prehellenic sex. The ancient writers consider Cydonia ”

 

There are many theories regarding the etymology of the place name of the city. Probably a corruption of the name Chthonia, who was one of the ancient names of Crete, come to Chania. According to another version from the Arabic Hani or end of alchania Komi (suburb or district of Cydonia).

Archaeology, Mythology and History of Crete Chania History from Neolithic times to Second World War

Live Cam Chania Old Town

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Bus Schedules :

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👉How to get to Zinovia in Chania by Bus?👈

 

 

 

Places that you must visit with a Car while you are in Chania!

There are several places you should definitely visit while spending your time in Chania area.

Here are our Top Picks : 

Kournas Lake 

Springs of Argyroupolis

Elafonissi

Balos lagoon

Falassarna

Agia Triada Monastery

Chrisoskalitissa Monastery

 

 

As the biggest island of Greece, Crete is nearly a country of its own – and for many years, this was actually the case. Though it is no longer an independent entity, visitors can easily discern a strong, singular Cretan identity – and the same can be said about its cuisine, with plenty of local foods to discover in each region across the island. Though choosing 10 items to try when in Crete is a rather Herculean task given its diverse gastronomy, here is our top selection of must-eat options on this storied Greek island.

Dakos

Cretan Dakos

This one is a no-brainer. Though you can eat dakos virtually anywhere in Greece, this simple meze should be top of the list when you set foot in Crete. Though its name may vary from one region to another – some call it koukouvagia – dakos is a light yet filling salad based on barley rusks, or paximadi. These are lightly soaked in water or olive oil to soften them, and topped with grated fresh tomato and myzithra, a creamy sheep or goat cheese. For the final touch, virgin olive oil is sprinkled on the dakos, with a pinch of salt, pepper and oregano.Traditional Cretan salad with feta, rusks and tomatoes

Gamopilafo

Gamopilafo

If you know a little bit of Greek, then you might have guessed what gamopilafo is. A combination of gamos – the Greek word for wedding – and pilaf, gamopilafo is a rice dish traditionally eaten at Cretan weddings. Nowadays however, the dish can be found in many taverna on the island. Somewhat similar to a risotto, the dish is made with rice cooked in a meat broth with a dash of lemon juice and butter. The result is a rich, creamy dish you will easily fall in love with.

Sfakia pies (Sfakianes pites)

Sfakiani Pita

These delicious ‘pies’ are from the southern coastal region of Sfakia and may best be described as cheese-stuffed pancakes, although you may also find fillings of horta as well. The dough includes raki and olive oil and once it is filled and spread, it is lightly fried in a pan, just like a pancake.

Sarikopitakia

Probably another one of the most iconic foods of Crete, the sarikopitakia (or sarikopites) are coil-shaped, sheep’s cheese-filled, phyllo pastries fried in olive oil. They are served warm with honey on top and named for the shape of the headscarf (sariki) worn by the local men.

Kalitsounia

Kalitsounia are small pies mainly made with cheese though available in a variety of options, including a sweet one. The savoury version involves a phyllo paste and can include different ingredients such as spinach and horta. For the sweet version, rosewater, cinnamon and sugar are added to the filling. Highly appreciated throughout the year, they deserve to be tried when you get a chance.Cretan pies kalitsounia with cheese, herbs and sesame seeds© geniuscook_com /Shutterstock

Kaltsounia Pies with cheese/herbs

Apaki

Apaki is smoked and salted pork meat. Left to marinate for two or three days in a strong vinegar, the meat is then smoked with aromatic herbs and spices. Apaki can be cooked and eaten on its own or added to omelets, legumes, vegetables or salads.

Fried Snails (Chochlioi Boubouristi)

This is a dish for the adventurer foodie. In this Cretan dish, snails (chochlios) – often still alive – are first fried with flour and hot olive oil in a pan, hence the name boubouristi, which is the popping sound you hear when the snails are fried. The next step involves dousing the snails with wine vinegar and rosemary.Fried snails on a white plate© Lara65/Shutterstock

Fried Snails

Chaniotiko Boureki

Typically from Chania, the chaniotiko boureki is a simple yet tasty zucchini and potato pie. Also called kolokythoboureko (from kolokytho, pumpkin or zucchini), chaniotiko boureki includes zucchini, potatoes and mizithra cheese, covered by a sheet of pastry.A vegetarian meal of traditional Cretan boureki (courgette, carrot and other vegetables with mizythra cream cheese, topped with grated cheese and baked), bread and coffee at a taverna in Chora Sfakion©Paul Cowan/Shutterstock

Cretan Boureki

Lamb with stamnagathi

In Crete, stamnagathi is everywhere. This wild green is the equivalent of spinach and they are credited by Cretans to be the reason for their good health. Usually boiled and savored with a dash of olive oil and lemon, they perfectly complement meat and particularly lamb. The combination features in many tavernas and even top-end restaurants.

Raki

You cannot go to Crete and not try raki, the local version of tsipouro. This strong spirit is a pomace brandy made from grapes, served in taverna and kafeneia. Called tsikoudia in certain regions of Crete, raki is to be drunk from a shot glass without any water added. It is the perfect drink to accompany mezes.

Source :
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/greece/articles/10-local-food-specialties-to-try-in-crete/

6 Travelers’ Choice Beaches That Are Great for Kids By TripAdvisor

Planning a family beach vacation? We’ve got you covered.

A family holiday isn’t complete without a trip to the beach, but not all beaches are created equal if you’ve got tots in tow. There’s so much to think about: Is the water safe? Is there a flat surface to push that pesky stroller along? Are there facilities to keep the little ones entertained?

Here, we’re highlight six 2019 Travelers’ Choice Beaches that reviewers praise for their family-friendly qualities.

Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece

A visit to Elafonisi Beach, the #22 beach in the world, is an adventure that the littles will love. For one, the sand has a pinkish hue to it—and who doesn’t love a pink sandcastles? The beach is also a lagoon, which means it’s protected from the open sea by rocks and islets that surround the bay. It also means it’s possible to wade across the water to an island—adventure, indeed!

Check out more Travelers’ Choice beaches, as determined by you and millions of other TripAdvisor reviewers, here.

 

Cretan Gamopilafo or Pilafi Rice Served in Cretan Weddings

Gamopilafo, with its name deriving from the combination of the words ‘gamos’ and ‘pilafi’ -translating to ‘wedding’ and ‘rice’ in Greek- is a traditional Greek wedding dish served in most regions of Crete as the celebratory main course.

It is essentially a lamb broth risotto, usually served with pieces of slow-cooked lamb, and for many, the ultimate Greek comfort food. The history behind gamopilafo is unclear. According to urban myth, it is most likely the remnant of the Venetian occupancy of the island.

Yet, the similarity gamopilafo holds to risotto, leaves open the possibility for the dish having both western (risotto) and eastern (pilav) origins.

Therefore, gamopilafo is most probably a consolidation of Venetian and Eastern traditions, with the addition of elements taken from Turkish cuisine, due to the Ottoman rule.

Despite its several cultural influences, gamopilafo’s flavor is characteristically Cretan, mirroring the island’s heritage and dynamic.

It’s a fairly easy recipe, using only a few ingredients, with its mind-blowing flavor being achieved by the meat’s high quality and the pungent aroma of the goat-milk butter, also known as ‘staka’. Gamopilafo can take up to 3 hours to cook, including preparation time, but it is worth every second of it!

Mousakas - A must dish when you visit Greece Crete Chania Dont miss it!

Moussaka Video

 

Moussaka is a layered oven casserole dish made with vegetables and meat. The most well-known version of moussakas is made with layers of eggplant slices, cheese, and a meat sauce, topped with a thick béchamel sauce; however, other favorites call for potatoes, zucchini, or a combination of vegetables. More recently, a meatless (vegetarian) version has also become widely available.

Until the early 1900s, moussaka was a more simple dish, using just vegetables and meats. The addition of béchamel sauce is attributed to Nikos Tselementes, a Greek chef who trained in France, and this newer version quickly became a favorite in Greece.

These Are The Most Beautiful Beaches In Crete Chania.

According to the travel guides, Crete has some of the best beaches in Greece. They are characterized by their white sands and crystal blue waters. The coastline is dotted with many small coves and bays, which make it an ideal destination for people who want to relax in a pristine setting with warm water and sand. So if you are planning a vacation in Crete, here are the most beautiful beaches on this island:

 

It's hard not to be impressed by :

 

1) Elafonisi

Elafonisi beach is a small cove on the western coast of Crete, Greece. Located between Agia Roumeli and Plakias, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chania. Elafonisos was once part of a large island but after several earthquakes it became separated from the mainland and now appears as a rocky islet connected to the mainland by a sandy tombolo.

2)Balos lagoon

The lagoon of Balos is a natural reserve that consists of a beautiful white sandy beach, protected from the sea by an oval barrier reef and surrounded by high cliffs. It has been declared one of the most important sites in the world for its marine wildlife and flora.

 

3)Gramvousa beach

 

The Gramvousa beach is located in the south of the island, surrounded by a pine forest and an olive grove. The beach is characterized by its clean water, with crystalline waters and fine sand. It has been awarded many times due to its natural beauty.

 

4) Seitan Limania beach

Seitan Limania beach is located on the south coast of Crete and has a fine golden sand. The beach is not that big and it's surrounded by steep cliffs to its north and east. The sea at Seitan Limania is not very deep, but clear and blue. Seitan Limania is an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling, especially during spring.

 

5) Agioi Apostoloi Beach

This beach is one of the most picturesque ones in Chania and the surrounding area as it is located in a protected area with a unique ecosystem.

 

Agioi Apostoloi Beach is located about 4 kilometers from Chania, Crete’s second largest city, and can be reached by following the regional road from Platanias. It is also within reach of other beaches and villages and can be navigated without any difficulty.

 

 

 

 

Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Monastery Chania

This is situated at Akrotiri, a location planted with olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. Architecturally it is one of the most important examples of the Cretan Renaissance. According to tradition it was funded by brothers Jeremiah and Lorenzo of the old Venetian family of the Zagaroloi, who were monks in the nearby monastery of Guverneto.

The land owners of Akrotiri offered extensive areas for building the new monastery and Jeremiah travelled to Mt. Athos to copy the construction plans for the new monastery.

During the Greek Liberation Revolution of 1821, the Ottomans burnt down the building, which was deserted for a few years, and during that period the documents kept in its archives were lost. The monastery was renovated in 1830. In 1892 the Church School (Ierodidaskaleion), which trained famous priests and teachers, was also erected here and in 1930 it evolved into a seminary (Ieratiki Scholi).

The Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Monastery is probably the most impressive monastic complex of the final period of Venetian rule on Crete, due to both its scale and architectural form. It combines elements of the Orthodox monastic style with western architectural forms and this reflects the spirit of convergence of the two dogmas on the island of Crete. The fortress-like complex forms a huge rectangle with an impressive Catholicon church in the centre and two small chapels, in the styleof Orthodox monasteries. Its prevailing features are austere symmetry and use of classic antiquity forms.

The small museum displays relatively few heirlooms rescued from the continued historical adventures of the monastery, mainly icons, vestments, holy utensils, a few manuscripts, incunabula and official documents.

Source : http://orthodoxcrete.com/en/places/holy-trinity-monastery/

Falassarna Beach

 

The exotic beach of Falassarna is located 59km west of Chania city and almost 17km west of Kissamos, at the western base of Cape Gramvousa. At the northern end of the beach there are the ruins of the ancient Grecoroman city of Falassarna.

Falassarna bay is one of the most famous beaches in Greece, which has been awarded as the best beach of Crete and voted as one of the 10 best beaches in Europe in the past. Falasarna spans a large area and consists actually of five consecutive beaches, with the two most central being the most favorite.

The sand in Falassarna is whitish, making the water color tropical. Indeed, if you’re lucky and be here on a day that is not blowing from the west (rare in west Crete) you will be enchanted by the beach and its turquoise waters.

The main beach of Falassarna is called Pachia Ammos (i..e Coarse Sand). It is an exotic beach with a length of 1km and a width of 150m. This beach attracts the most visitors of the area, but because of its length it never seems too crowded. The beach offers umbrellas and a few snack bars and cafes where you can get food and water. There are also services for water sports and beach volley courts.

There is another long beach north of the main beach having a length of 800m, identical to the main beach, which is separated into several smaller beaches. This bay is divided in half by a sand dune and a few rocks. The beach is more quiet than Pachia Ammos and offers no facilities. Nearby, there is the chapel of Agia Paraskevi and a spring with fresh water.

Further north, near the archaeological site, there is a small cove facing to the south. It is pebbly and the seabed is rocky. It is a good choice when the winds blow from west or you seek isolation. South of Pachia Ammos, at Livadi, there is another long beach that has sandy shore and rocky seabed. It is a very good choice for fans of the snorkelling. Livadi is surrounded by a very important wetland with ponds, which host many birds in winter. Even southern, near the small harbor of Limeniskos settlement there is a small pebbly beach, which is a good choice if you do not want to stay remote.

The area around Falassarna is magnificent and is a protected nature reserve. If you have time and are looking for something romantic, you can wait for the sunset, which is considered the best in Crete. How could this not be the best, when being in such an amazing landscape and there is no obstacle between the beach the horizon? When it gets dark, you might be lucky to visit one of the several beach partys organized in Falassarna during summer.

One drawback about Falasarna is that it looks west and is usually wavy. However, this is desired by windsurfers. There are also reports that the surrounding greenhouses pollute the sea with fertilizers and trash, which, if being true, is a real shame. If you do not have a mean to get in Falassarna, you can catch the bus from Chania or Kissamos.

Source :
https://www.cretanbeaches.com/en/sea-tourism/west-crete-beaches/falassarna-beach

Knossos Palace & Archaeological site

The archaeological site of Knossos (Knosós GR: Κνωσός) is sited 5 km southeast of the city of Iraklion.
There is evidence that this location was inhabited during the neolithic times (6000 B.C.) . On the ruins of the neolithic settlement was built the first Minoan palace (1900 B.C.) where the dynasty of Minos ruled.
This was destroyed in 1700 B.C and a new palace built in its place.
The palace covered an area of 22,000sq.m, it was multi- storeyed and had an intricate plan. Due to this fact the Palace is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur.

Between 1.700-1.450 BC, the Minoan civilisation was at its peak and Knossos was the most important city-state. During these years the city was destroyed twice by earthquakes (1.600 BC, 1.450 BC) and rebuilted. 
The city of Knossos had 100.000 citizens and it continued to be an important city-state until the early Byzantine period. 

The site was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos (GR: Μίνως Καλοκαιρινός). The excavations in Knossos began in 1.900 A.D. by the English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans (1851- 1941) and his team, and they continued for 35 years.Knossos gave birth to famous men like Hersifron and his son Metagenis, whose creation was the temple of Artemis in Efesos, the Artemisio, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. 

Source : https://www.interkriti.org/crete/iraklion/knossos.html

Monastery of Panagia Chrisoskalitissa

The monastery of Panagia Chrisoskalitissa is located 72km south of Chania, very close to the magnificent lagoon of Elafonissi. It operates as a nunnery and reminds of a fortress, perched on a 35m high rock with boundless sea views.

The name of the monastery means Our Lady Gold-stepped in Greek. This is taken after one step out of 98, which, according to tradition, was gold. It is said that only those who really believe in god can still see it. However, another version says that the golden stair was sold by the Patriarchate to solve the economic problems of the monastery during the Turkish Era.

The temple has two aisles dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Holy Trinity. The exact date of the establishment of the monastery is unknown. Near Chrisoskalitissa there was the monastery of St. Nicholas, which operated during the Turkish Period. On the beach, next to the monastery, a small fishing village of the Middle Minoan period has been found.

According to the tradition, here were buried in 1527 the rebels George and Peter Kantanoleon, for whom the Cretans Weddings were written Zambelios.

Source : Incredible Crete

Phaistos Palace & Archaeological Site

Phaistos (GR: Φαιστός – also spelled : Phaestos, Phaestus, Faistos, Festus and Festos) was one of the most important centres of Minoan civilization, and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete. It was inhabited from the Neolithic period until the foundation and development of the Minoan palaces in the 15th century B.C.
The Minoan city covered a considerable area around the palatial centre. After the destruction of the palace in the 15th century, the city continued to be inhabited in the Mycenaean and Geometric periods, that is, until the 8th century B.C

 

The exact location of the Palace of Phaistos was first determined in the middle of the 19th century by the British admiral Spratt, while the archaeological investigation of the palace started in 1884 by the Italians F. Halbherr and A. Taramelli. After the declaration of the independent Cretan State in 1898, excavations were carried out by F. Halbherr and L. Pernier in 1900-1904 and later, in 1950-1971, by Doro Levi, under the auspices of the Italian Archaeological School at Athens.
More about the excavations at Phaistos

Although many inscriptions were found by the archaeologists, they are all in Linear A code which is still undeciphered, and all we know about the site, even its name are based to the ancient writers and findings from Knossos.
According to mythology, Phaistos was the seat of king Radamanthis, brother of king Minos. It was also the city that gave birth to the great wise man and soothsayer Epimenidis, one of the seven wise men of the ancient world.
Excavations by archaeologists have unearthed ruins of the Neolithic times (3.000 B.C.).
During the Minoan times, Phaistos was a very important city-state. Its dominion, at its peak, stretched from cape Lithinon to cape Psychion (Today cape Melissa at Agios Pavlos, South Rethymnon) and included the Paximadia islands. The city participated to the Trojan war and later became one of the most important cities-states of the Dorian period.
Phaistos continued to flourish during Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic times. It was destroyed by the Gortynians during the 3rd century B.C. In spite of that, Phaistos continued to exist during the Roman period.
Phaistos had two ports, Matala and Kommos. 

The most important monuments of the site are:
The Palaces (old and new). They are built of ashlar blocks and spread on different terraces. To the central, peristyle court are opened the royal quarters, the storerooms, a lustral basin, and workshops. The monumental propylon and the large staircases faciliate access to the many terraces. 

Minoan and later town. Sections of the town have been located at the sites called Chalara and Aghia Photeini, SE and NE of the palace, respectively. 

Venetian church of St. George of Phalandra. It lies to the west of the palace, on the left of the road that leads to the archaeological site of Aghia Triada and Matala. 

Source : interkriti.org

THE 8 MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN CRETE

Source : https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-beaches-in-crete

Therisso Gorge

The Gorge of Therisso (named also Eleftherios Venizelos) is located near the city of Chania. You can go there by car. The main gorge is six kilometers long. The vertical cliffs are impressive and the lush vegetation has nothing to envy of the other Chania Gorges. The place deserves a visit, even with a vehicle, cobined with a visit in the historical beautiful village of Therisso, that is built at the foot of the White Mountains at an altitude of 580 meters, just 15 kilometers from the city of Chania. A visit here is something that will remain unforgettable to every visitor.

 

The known-heroic Theriso village belongs to the province Kydonia and has more than 100 residents. The place played a crucial role in the modern history of Crete since the residents have not stopped fighting to the Turks, who repeatedly tried to break the resistance of this strong position. In 1866 the Theriso was burned by Mustapha Pasha Naili and many people- including the mother of of the later prime minister of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos, moved in Kythera and the Peloponnese. The historic village acquired greater importance during the events of 1905, when Eleftherios Venizelos and his followers declared from here the revolution against the autocratic regime of Prince George-who were was imposed by the Great Powers- paving the of Crete with Greece. Brothers Halides, heroes of 1821, come also from Theriso.

Source : cretanbeaches.com

Venizelos Graves

Little known by foreign tourists the graves of Venizelos, located in a small park on a hill overlooking Chania are very much worth a visit, if only for the superb view that you get. 
The spot on the hill of Prophitis Ilias (after the name of the 15th century church located there) is the resting place of one of the most illustrious Greek (and Cretan!) stateman, Eleftherios Venizelos and of his son Sophoklis.

The statue of Spyros Kagiales in the same park refers to a legendary feat of bravery that occured in 1897. Venizelos and a group of rebels had raised a Greek flag at that spot. The Ottoman forces had requested help from the foreign admirals and attacked the rebels, with the ships of the Great Powers fleet bombarding the rebel positions. A shell broke the flagpole and threw down the flag, which was raised up again immediately by Kagiales.

Just below the small park there are two cafés (Nymphes and Koukouvaia) where you can enjoy the superb views of the bay of Chania and the White Mountains.

Source : west-crete.com