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Ten Things to Do in the Picturesque City of Chania, Crete

Chania
Chania, Crete. Credit: Greek Reporter

The picturesque seaside city of Chania is located in western Crete and it features a well-preserved historical center as well as a modern city that extends enough to reach the mountain range of the Lefka Ori, or the White Mountains. Here are some of the things to do in Chania.

Visit a mountain village

All over the prefecture surrounding Chania, visitors will find traditional hamlets and villages perched on the slopes of the Lefka Ori.

Chania port
Chania picturesque port. Credit: Greek Reporter

These places of untouched beauty offer a unique opportunity for contact with nature as well as with the local cuisine which is simple and tasty.

In the mountains, it is possible to discover local species of plants and animals, some of which are unique to the island.

Explore the beaches surrounding Chania

The prefecture of Chania hosts some of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Crete.

Falassana on the west side is well known for its privileged location for water sports and unique sunsets.

On the south, world-famous Elafonisi, with its crystal waters and pink sand, enchants thousands of visitors every year.

For the more adventurous type, the peninsula of Gramvousa and the unique landscape of Balos beach are worth the trip over the dirt path.

Discover the history of the city of Chania

A city that has been continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years certainly has a few things to offer to those interested in history.

Home to different rulers and occupiers, Chania displays every style of architecture in Greece. The Venetian harbor combines the various minarets of mosques that are still standing and the many Byzantine churches of the city.

Certainly, there is no shortage of monuments and buildings telling the legends of the Venice of the East, as it used to be called.

A walking tour of the city that combines traditions and gastronomy can be the perfect opportunity for a different way to explore Chania.

Indulge in the local gastronomy of Chania

food
Restaurant in Chania. Credit: Greek Reporter

The Cretan diet has been long recognized as one of the healthiest in the world and there is no better place to try it than on the island.

Main ingredients include the traditional Mediterranean products, such as olive oil, vegetables and Greek yogurt, but also include wild greens, local varieties of cheese and delicious cuts of meat, such as goat or sheep.

Everything is cooked in a no-frills way but with a judicious use of herbs and spices — the base of the unique Cretan flavors.

Chania
Credit: Greek Reporter

Shop till you drop

A visit to the Municipal Market, or Dimotiki Agora, is the best excuse to take back some of the traditions of the island.

Considered to be an architectural gem and one the most important public markets in the region, the Municipal Market gives visitors the opportunity to shop for local produce of excellent quality.

Olives, honey, spices, herbs and cheese are some of the Cretan tastes that tourists usually choose to return with.

Taste Cretan wines

Different wineries can be visited all over the island, and some of them are located in the prefecture.

Either venture yourself in a self-made journey of discovery or rely on the wise suggestions of the only local wine tour run by a sommelier. In both cases be certain that you will enjoy some of the best wines currently being produced in Greece.

Chania
A view of the seafront at Chania. Credit: Greek Reporter

Test your Skills in Extreme Sports

Have you ever jumped from a bridge? If this is something that entices your curiosity, Crete is one of the places where it’s possible to feel some extreme adrenaline.

Every summer, Aradena — in the region of Sfakia — turns into the gathering point for bungee lovers who dare to jump into the gap of the gorge from a bridge standing at 138 meters high.

If the idea is too much for you, try a hike in the area — the unique landscape will amaze you equally and offer unforgettable experiences.

Learn About the Local Olive Oil

About 27 kilometers (17 miles) from the city of Chania, it is possible to visit one of the oldest living olive trees in the world.

It is located in the village of Ano Vouves and it is still producing olives that result in an excellent quality extra virgin oil.

In the area, there is also a museum and an old olive-oil factory, both of them open to the public and teaching visitors all the secrets of the history of this local treasure.

Sail the Cretan Sea

Home to three beautiful peninsulas — Gramvousa, Rodopos and Akrotiri — sailing the shores of northern Crete can turn into a surprise for many.

Whether you go for a version of extreme luxury yachting or decide on a more modest sailing trip, cruising the Cretan seas will allow you to dive in some of the bluest waters of the Mediterranean, or even trying your fishing skills.

Where to stay in Chania

Chania flair
Flair Hotel in Chania

Chania Flair, the new Adults Only Boutique Hotel was built in 2020 in a very quiet location within the city of Chania, in the Nea Chora district and is only a few steps (60 m) from the fine sandy beach and a few minutes walk from the dreamy old town with the Venetian harbor.

Flair Chania
The beach at Flair Hotel

The lively city center with its countless shopping and entertainment possibilities is also only a few hundred meters away.

The 5 star hotel impresses with its elegant design, high-quality furnishings and its privileged location between the sandy beach, city and old town.

“Chania Flair is neither a typical city hotel nor a secluded holiday resort,” says Labros Tsiledakis, Executive Manager of Chania Flair. “It is the new approach to a relaxing holiday: to feel the pulse of a romantic Venetian harbor city and at the same time enjoy a relaxing, regenerating beach holiday! With the quality guarantee of Corissia Hotels.”

Chania Flair
The sun terrace

In the hotel building you will find spacious lounges with garden area as well as a reception area which is open 24 hours a day.

On the sitting and sun terrace on the top floor, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the bay of Chania and the White Mountains of Crete with a drink of your choice. In the Rooftop Fitness Studio you will find state-of-the-art equipment where you can enjoy your fitness training with a magnificent view of the sea free of charge.

Chania Flair Hotel
The swimming pool

All rooms are large, bright and very comfortably furnished. All hotel areas are easily accessible for guests with walking disabilities.

Chania Flair Hotel
Chania Flair Hotel

Chania Flair is a CO2-neutral hotel: very high energy efficiency and climate-neutrality through state-of-the-art construction and use of sustainable, renewable energy sources.

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