Oh Crete Chania. City of Chania (Crete). Important historical dates

Holiday experience in July

The summer season in Crete is very hot. But all the conditions for have a nice rest there is: the sun, the sea, the beach.

Family holiday

Chania is not the most promoted Cretan resort. There are no noisy parties here. Rest mainly European pensioners and families with small children. Moreover, beach area so convenient that you can swim here at least all day long for children of any age. It is also convenient that a chain of hotels stretches along the entire beach line. Even if you stay in a hotel of the so-called "second line", the beach will be a stone's throw away.

Where is the best place to stay?

We chose the Danaos hotel for accommodation. Both for the price and for the conditions of accommodation, it turned out to be an ideal option. Firstly, this is a first line hotel. Since we were vacationing in Chania with small children, it was a big advantage that it was 30 meters from the hotel entrance to the beach. Each room at this hotel has a balcony with panoramic views of the sea and beach line. I especially want to note the breakfast in this hotel. It is always included in the price and quite varied. A big plus - Russian-speaking staff, no language barrier. There are many traditional restaurants near the hotel. Greek cuisine as well as souvenir shops. The historic city center is a 15-minute walk along the coastline.

What to do at the resort?

Historical center of Chania - highlights tourist place cities. During the daytime it is very hot to walk and look around historical objects but in the evening it is very nice to walk here. Crowds of tourists walk here until midnight, they also sit in numerous restaurants overlooking the sea. The menu here is offered in all languages, including Russian. special attention worthy of a local fort. From 9 to 18 you can visit it by buying a ticket for 3 euros.

In addition, while relaxing in Chania, we decided to go to get acquainted with the capital of the island of Crete - the city of Heraklion. You can get there by regular intercity bus for 1.5 hours. It departs from the city bus station of Chania several times a day. In Heraklion, I recommend starting your acquaintance with the city from the historical center, which is practically next to the bus station. There are the most the best photos we got it against the backdrop of the local fort.

Of all the restaurants that we visited in Chania, we liked the most in the restaurant of traditional Cretan cuisine with the easy-to-remember name "Crete". It is located next to the Danaos Hotel. Since this restaurant open type, it is especially pleasant to dine here when a light breeze blows you from the sea. The choice of food is huge. Immediately ask for a menu in Russian. The restaurant specializes in seafood dishes. Moreover, the cost of dishes will satisfy any wallet. pay attention to Special offers. There is a special "dish of the day", the price for it is reduced by 10-15 percent. An added bonus in this restaurant is live pleasant traditional Greek music playing in the evening. For children, I recommend a selection of desserts. There are cakes familiar to everyone, and traditional Greek sweet pies. You can also order fruit slices. Its price starts from 5 euros.

There are firms at the airport terminal.

2. Heraklion Airport.

Throughout the year, there is direct communication with Moscow and, which is located 150 km from Chania. You can get from there by bus in 3 hours or by taxi in 2 hours. The second option is preferable, since a taxi will take you directly to the hotel, and not to the bus station, from which you then have to get to right place. Transfer can be done in advance.

3. Athens.

There is a port in Chania. It is not as large as, however, it accepts ferries from (the port of Piraeus). The trip will take 8 hours, you can swim twice as fast on a speedboat.

The port is located directly next to the city, you can take or walk to the hotel.

Transport

1. City buses.

The main type of urban transport in Chania is buses that connect the capital of the region, including with coastal villages. They go according to the schedule from the KTEL bus station. Tickets are sold at the box office of bus stations in the region, mini-markets, coffee shops near stops (look for the inscription "bus tickets"), in the buses themselves.

Routes and timetables can be found on this website. Also at bus stations you can take a printout with route numbers and timetables.

The fare depends on the distance. A ticket to the airport, for example, costs about 2.3 euros. For children under 5 years travel is free.

2. Tour bus.

In the city of Chania there is an excursion Hop bus On - Hop Off, which makes 12 stops near the main attractions. It runs from 10:00 to 19:30 with an interval of 40 minutes. The total tour time is one and a half hours.

Chania is considered the most beautiful city Crete: buildings from the Venetian era have been preserved here, so the old city can be considered an open-air museum.

As beach resort Chania also has something to boast about: along the coast to the west and east of the city, there are about 15 beautiful beaches. Those located in the west are sandy, and those in the east of the city are predominantly pebble beaches. Despite the remoteness from the city, all beaches are equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, so people come to them to relax for the whole day. Families with small children can safely recommend a holiday in Sanya, because the sea off the coast is calm here, and the coast is gentle, so parents do not have to worry about the safety of the child.

Beach holidays in Chania

Chania is located on the northern coast of Crete (), 60 km from neighboring resort– . The city has an airport, but it rarely receives flights from Russia, as a rule, only charter flights from Moscow, so many get here by bus from Heraklion. The bus ride takes about three hours, the ticket costs 15€.

The swimming season in Chania lasts all summer until September. The air during this period warms up to +30, and water up to +25. Nea Chora beach is located in the central part of Chania. This nice beach, but crowded, and if you take bus number 21 or rent a car, you can relax on the beaches in the countryside, which are much more beautiful. The best beaches around the city of Chania:

• Stavros. The distance from the city is 15 km. The shallow sea near the coast and soft sand are great for families with children.
• Agios Onoufrios. From the center to it 10 km. Nice beach for adults and children.
• Hagia Apostles. 5 km from Chania. There are Agia Apostoli 1 and Agia Apostoli 2. The second one is better: a clear transparent sea, a gentle entrance to the water, there is everything you need to relax.
• Chrissy Akti. Magnificent beach with crystal clean water 4 kilometers from the city.
• Stalos. An equipped beach that will appeal to experienced swimmers, as there are often waves and the entrance to the water is steeper than on other beaches in the region. The distance to the city is 8 km.
• Agia Marina. Wide sand beach With developed infrastructure. Swimming is convenient for both adults and children. 9 km away from the city.

The best hotels in Chania

Royal Sun

Royal Sun is located away from the city beach, but its guests do not regret it, because the hotel has a luxurious private pool with a panoramic view of the city.

As befits a three-star hotel, Royal Sun surrounds its guests with care and attention. Guests can reach the city center with a free shuttle service, which is available from 10:00 to 24:00.

Porto Veneziano

The hotel was built on the shore of the harbor, which once included the Venetian galleys. The harbor is visible from the balconies of all rooms. On the territory of Porto Veneziano there is a cozy cafe with tables near the pier, the other part of the tables is located in the courtyard.

The hotel has its own parking, which is rare in the cramped old town. The city beach is 2.5 km from the hotel.

Kydon Hotel

The four-star hotel is located in the old town, not far from the city market. The streets of old Chania are perfectly visible from the balconies of the rooms. You can walk to the beach in 15 minutes from the hotel.

Tourists who stayed at Kydon note among the advantages of the hotel: excellent orthopedic mattresses, hearty and varied breakfasts, parking and cleanliness of the rooms.

Arkadi Hotel

Arkadi Hotel is great for exploring the sights of the old city, as the hotel was built next to the historical center. The walk to the beach takes 10-15 minutes. Near the hotel there is a bus station from where you can go to other resorts of Crete.

All rooms at Arkadi Hotel are soundproofed, air-conditioned and have a balcony. Some of the hotel rooms have a sea view, the other part overlooks the streets of the city.

Criti Hotel

This 3-star hotel has a large swimming pool with sun loungers. From the windows of the rooms you can see the sea, because Kriti Hotel is located just a hundred meters from it. But the coast in this place is not suitable for swimming, so you need to walk to the beach (20 minutes) or catch a taxi.

Comfortable rooms are equipped with a safe, LCD panel, hairdryer, minibar and air conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is available on site.

Where to eat in Chania?

Local cuisine is well prepared in the following establishments:

• To Maridaki. Deliciously prepared seafood. Average bill: 45€ for two.
• Kouzina e.p.e. Inexpensive place where locals prefer to eat. The portions are large, the food is tasty. Dinner for two will cost 30€.
• MeNou & Krasi. Modest restaurant by the beach. Seafood dishes are 30% cheaper than the city average.
• Restaurant tables are set among the ruins of some old building. Looks very interesting. Dinner for two at this romantic place will cost about 50€.
• Taverna Kavouras. Nice place with tables open area. Dinner for two costs 25-30 €.

Inexpensive and tasty fast food is sold at 3 Kings (hot dogs cost €1.4-3.2, hamburgers cost €2.5-4).

Sights of Chania

Near Chania rich story, so there is no shortage of historical sights here. A tour of the city and its surroundings can take a week, but if you choose the most Famous places Chania and stop at those located in the city center, then this list will include the following objects:

Egyptian lighthouse

This is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world: it was erected at the entrance to the Venetian harbor at the end of the 16th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was reconstructed by the Egyptians (hence the name), when the regent of Egypt ruled on the island. The Egyptian lighthouse is a symbol of Chania, its business card and the most popular type for postcards.

Fort Firka

The military fortification on the shores of the Venetian harbor was built back in the 13th century, after which it was rebuilt and changed its owners: the fort was occupied by the Venetians, Turks, and Greeks. Now there is a curious Naval Museum, which keeps the memory of the city. It also has a collection of sea shells found in the waters of Crete.

Mosque of Kyuchuk Hassan

It was built in the 17th century, at a time when the Turks owned Crete. The minaret of the mosque has long been destroyed, but the main building and its dome have been preserved. Today the mosque is not used for religious purposes, exhibitions are held here. The mosque is located on the banks of the Venetian harbor, not far from the fort and the Egyptian lighthouse.

Pros and cons of holidays in Chania

Minuses: before the best beaches you need to get there by car, because they are remote from the city center; the airport does not accept regular flights from Russia, so you need to get to the resort by bus.

Pros: almost 20 beaches off the coast, most of which is great for families with children; Beautiful historical Center cities, various sights.

The city of Chania, formerly Kydonia, is located in the northwest of Crete on the shores of Souda Bay. In the old part of the city, the streets are narrow and the traffic is heavy, so if you go to Chania by car, be prepared for parking problems. Therefore, plan to look for parking somewhere on the outskirts of the city. On our last trip in June, we had a hard time finding a place to park our car near the central market of Chania. If you are going to go to Chania by bus, you will get to the bus station. The old part of the city is not far from it, you can walk.

In Chania, it is pleasant to walk along the promenade among many shops and cozy taverns, where you will be served delicious and satisfying food. You can just order a cup of coffee and admire the old medieval port and look at tourists passing by, sitting almost on the shore of the bay. Greeks, coffee drinkers and you will not see those reading the newspaper in these taverns. Locals sit mostly in the old town. The best taverns in Chania are located in the eastern part of the city. Their peculiarity is that they do not have doors. Tables are located right on the street. It is here that you will feel the flavor of the ancient Greece and you can enjoy live music and even dance your favorite Sirtaki Greek dance. In the tavern you will be served real Greek moussaka or squid rings in batter, and then you will order a cup of Greek coffee. And you will certainly be served a compliment from the institution in the idea of ​​ice cream or some kind of dessert. Just do not ask the waiter to serve Turkish coffee, the Greeks are very offended by this.

In old Chania you can ride a cab. This pleasure costs around 30 euros.

Old city Chania is divided into four quarters: Kastel, Splantia, Ovrayki and the harbor of Chania. If you are interested in shopping in Chania, then go for a walk in the Topanas quarter or the Venetian quarter. Here you can buy all kinds of souvenirs from Greece , leather goods, shoes, various decorations, including a Greek fur coat.

Ancient streets of Chania.

The market in Chania can be called one of the most visited attractions. It is covered and has the shape of a cross. This is the oldest new building in the old part of the city. Here you can buy as a gift the famous Cretan olive oil, honey, olives of different varieties, all kinds of Greek sweets, various seasonings for all occasions and much more. And the prices will be much lower.

Fresh fish at Chania Market.

Usually all the fish is sold by lunchtime. If you live in an apartment with your own kitchen, then do not miss the opportunity to try fresh Cretan fish.

Seasonings for food, olives and something else.

Central entrance to the market of Chania.

There are a lot of hotels in Chania, all of them will satisfy the needs of any tourist. There are hotels on the first line and in the city itself, which are housed in old Venetian houses with a five hundred year history. If you want a hotel on the beach, then look for it in the western part of the city.

Taverns on the waterfront. A cup of coffee here costs an average of 2.5 euros, freshly squeezed orange juice 3 euros. Many waiters speak Russian. Taverns are open day and night.

This is what Chania looks like from the sea.

From Chania, you can make numerous excursions to the western part of the island, which is considered the most picturesque. Classical and cult excursions are considered trips to gramvuza island , to Balos bay and Elafonisi beach. Even more interesting and fascinating excursion in the Samaria Gorge. The cost of such excursions depends on the travel agency where you buy the tour.

Sea gate of Chania. On the left is the maritime museum.

On such boats you can ride on the open sea or to the islands.

Cozy taverns of Chania.

Recently, a double-decker tour bus has been running around Chania. During a trip on such a bus, you can get off at one of the twelve stops and on the same ticket, having worked up, continue the journey again on the next bus. Tickets can be purchased near the market at special kiosks. The price of one ticket for a sightseeing bus in Chania for the whole day is 17 euros. There are also children's tickets.

The beaches in Chania are sandy and with a gentle approach, equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. The most famous and popular of them are Nea Chora beach, Golden beach and Kalamaki Beach. They are quite comfortable and are located in the western part of the city. Further along the coast, the beaches stretch west from the city for twenty kilometers up to the village of Kolymvari. All beaches in Chania are municipal, everyone can swim and sunbathe on them. The water here is very clean and transparent, waves and wind are rare. Many of the beaches of Crete in these parts have been awarded the blue flag. You can bring your own umbrella and bedding and settle down in any place you like. Also along this coast there are quite a few hotels and apartments located in popular villages such as Kato Stalos, Agia Marina, Platanias, Gerani and Maleme. Platanias is famous for laying their eggs here. sea ​​turtles carriage-carriage.

Six kilometers east of Chania is the city of Souda. There is a NATO air force base nearby, from where fighter jets periodically take off for training flights. Also in the Court sea ​​port. Opposite is the island of Suda, where tourists are taken to look at the ancient fortress

What to see in Chania.

In the fortress of Firkas. Here you can see models of warships, marine instruments and devices, paintings on marine subjects and much more related to the sea. The museum is located in the eastern part of the old city. Boys will be interested in this museum.

Two story brown building Maritime Museum.

The Archaeological Museum in the Jewish Quarter (Ovrayki) is located in the building of the Gothic church of San Francisco, which the Turks converted into a mosque. It contains many antiquities that were found in the Chania region during excavations. During a walk around Chania, it will be no less interesting to see the houses of the Venetian nobility, which now house cozy hotels and apartments.

Venetian port. The mosque of the Janissaries and the Venetian arsenal have been preserved here. The mosque was built in 1645 and is the oldest Turkish building in the city.

Venetian lighthouse.

Chania looks amazing! You will definitely have a thought that you are in Paradise, everything looks so cozy and romantic.

Have a good rest!

Chania is considered the most beautiful city of Crete. For a long time it was even the capital of the island. Many sights are perfectly preserved to this day. About the most interesting places in the city itself and its environs, we will tell in this article. And for those who want to get to know the city and its surroundings better, we recommend a familiar guide - Katerina, about whose excursions Grekoblog.

Old town in Chania

Chania, like many others Greek cities with history, is divided into two parts - Old and New. Of course, the Old Town deserves attention with its narrow streets, reminiscent of Venetian, medieval fortress, temples and museums. This part of Chania is divided into several quarters, each of which is beautiful and interesting in its own way.

Medieval houses in Chania are best preserved in the Venetian quarter of Topanas. The Firkas fortress dating back to 1629 is also located there: on its territory there is the Maritime Museum, where you can get acquainted with the history of navigation, see ship models and various ship utensils.

In the Jewish quarter of Chania, Venetian houses are also well preserved, as well as part of the fortress wall and the Shiavo bastion. It is impossible not to mention the Turkish quarter of Splandzia, on the territory of which the Arsenal is located, as well as two churches - St. Nicholas and the Holy Unmercenaries.

Walking around the Old Town, by all means look into the port, not far from which you can see the Janissaries Mosque. Worth a visit and covered market, whose building has the shape of a cross, and the museums of Chania - Historical and Archaeological.

Monastery of Agia Triada

Agia Triada, or Holy Trinity Monastery, is one of the richest, most beautiful and well-maintained monasteries in Crete. This landmark of Chania, surrounded by olive groves, orchards and vineyards, located 15 kilometers from the city on the peninsula of Akrotiri.

The construction of the monastery was started in 1611 by monk brothers Jeremiah and Lavrenty Tsagarolon, their surname is often added to the name of the monastery complex. During its existence, the monastery was rebuilt several times - first after Turkish invasion, then - after the Greek revolution.

Today Agia Triada occupies quite large area, which hosted Cathedral, the Church of Christ the Savior, a library, a museum, a seminary, monastic cells, as well as an oil mill and a winery.

The inhabitants of the monastery have long and to this day produce excellent wine, olive oil and fragrant honey - they can be bought in the monastery shop, open from 8 am to late evening.

Ancient city of Aptera

The ruins of the city of Aptera, the first mention of which dates back to the XIV-XIII centuries BC, are located between the cities of Chania and. Aptera means "wingless" in Greek. They say that this name was given to the city by the Sirens, who lost the competition to the Muses, who took away their wings.

At the time of its heyday, Aptera was a significant commercial and military site with two ports, developed agriculture, construction and craft activities. The wealth and grandeur of the city is evidenced by the coins found at the excavations, minted in Aptera.

Today, on the territory of ancient Aptera, you can see sections of the fortress wall that once surrounded the city, the ruins of the Roman theater and the temple of Demeter, the monastery of John the Theologian, domed cisterns, which were either part of the water supply system, or granaries. We strongly recommend that you visit this attraction of Chania.

Samaria Gorge

The largest Samaria Gorge in Europe is located at a distance of 43 kilometers from Chania, near the village of Omalos. The 13-kilometer Samaria Canyon starts at an altitude of 1227 meters on the Xyloskalo Plateau and ends about two kilometers from the sea in the village of Ayia Roumeli.

Since ancient times, the gorge has been inhabited, but in 1962, when national park, the inhabitants of the village of Samaria were resettled. The village houses housed park employees - security guards and rescuers, equipped with a first-aid post and a pharmacy.

Several ancient churches have been preserved in the gorge: Hosia Maria, Agios Nikolaos, the Church of St. Mary of Egypt, the Church of Christ - some of them are open to the public. The flora and fauna of the Samaria Reserve is rich and diverse - 450 species of plants and many animals and birds, including very rare ones.

The walking tour lasts 4-8 hours: the duration depends on the level of physical fitness of tourists, since the route laid through the gorge can hardly be called an ordinary walk. Hiking in the canyon is allowed from mid-May until the end of October, because in winter and spring the river flowing along the bottom turns into a stormy and rather dangerous stream.

Grekoblog has dedicated more details to the Samaria Gorge, as well as ways to visit it with excursions or on your own.

Lake Kourna

Lake Kourna, or Kournas, is an important attraction not only of Chania, but of the entire island. The only one in Crete freshwater lake located about 40 kilometers from the city, on the eastern slope of the Lefka Ori ridge - the White Mountains. On one side of the lake, mountains rise, reflected in the transparent water surface, on the other, a picturesque green valley.

Once the lake was called Koresia after the name of the temple of Athena of Koresia standing on its shore. The temple has not survived to this day, only mentions of it in historical chronicles remain.