Frangokastello is a very tranquil village on the Libyan coast. Description: A lovely village surrounded by lush greenery, Stylos gives a clear view of rural life in Crete. Greeka team and its community members will be delighted to help you! There is a flat fare of 30 EUR, as long as you are travelling into the central zone of Chania city centre. You might also want to read: How to easily get from Heraklion to Chania. On a hill next to the village, there is the strong Fortress of Izzedin. Tasting tip: If youre into whites, go for the Dourakis Kudos Malvasia Aromatica, golden yellow wine with rich aromas of citrus fruits and dried nuts. Other things you can do while visiting the Chania region is swim in one of the most beautiful beaches, hike the gorge of Samaria or go to Therissos gorge and eat at the homonym village one of the most delicious lamb chops you have ever eaten at Antartis tavern. You will be able to bottle your wine, enjoy the beauty of the local gorges, have a Pantagruelian lunch in a local taverna, and learn everything about the culture of the Greek kafenio. You can buy the ticket from the automatic machines (1.50) or directly on the bus (2.00). If you decide to stay in Chania, keep in mind that the old town of Chania around the old harbour doesn't have a public beach. You could also try Sougia & Paleochora, both of which are also on the south coast. It is surrounded by lush greenery. Inside the complex, you can also check out the folklore museum and the Byzantine Museum exhibiting an interesting collection of religious art and everyday objects. Here you'll the villages in Crete - from Agios Nikolaos to Zaros and Almyrida to Zakros. Often counted among the most impressive roads in the world, the drive from Kallikratis to Kapsodasos is a sharply winding and precipitous zig-zag road with impressive views of the southern coast of Crete. Stroll at Chania Old Venetian Port Where to Stay near the Chania Old Port 3. Top it all off with some local organic ice cream and perhaps a shot of raki cheersing yiamas with your new-found friends! Its one of the traditional dishes from the region of Sfakia. It serves traditional Cretan dishes made from local products. Must-see near Lake Kezenoy-Am. The religious monuments to see in Chania 6. A small, almost hidden place in the modern city serving the most delicious gyro wrap you could ever imagine. Do you have any other suggestions on this to do in Chania, Crete? Book Your Melissakis Family Olive Mill Tour Here. Once the leather production area of Chania, Tabakaria is an abandoned industrial neighborhood that flourished between wars, the Tanneries, thanks to its proximity to the salty water of the sea, was an ideal place to work and cure the high-quality leather which was then sent to the Road of the Boots in Chania town (as well as shipped to other areas in Greece). Another spectacular beach one must visit when in Crete is Balos. The highlight of this hotel is the roof terrace with stunning views of the Old Town. Description: A lovely village with plane trees and running water, Vryses is a nice place to visit east of Chania Town. The fourth day Apocoronas villages : Vamos (for sure) and possibly Armeni, Nio Chorio, Stilos (visit the church Mother of God,12th cen. During the high season (April to October) there are charter flights to Chania from many European airports. >> Check these rental homes if you plan to stay in Paleochora. To experience one of Chanias most magical beaches, head 75 kilometers southwest of Chania to the uninhabited island of Elafonisi. The resort and spa boasts a range of sleek room options with everything from Superior Garden View Rooms to a spectacular Honeymoon Suite with a private pool! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-90169735', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');village, Roustika, Elafonisi, Spilli ? Delicious. When you fancy a drink or a bite to eat, head over to the Onyx Lounge Bar, the Eros Pool Bar, or Myrto, the main restaurant, for delicious dishes and refreshing drinks. 61. Established on the street that sets the boundaries between Modern Chania and the Old Town, the Agora, or Municipal Market is a fantastic place you must visit when on Crete. If you want to do something a little different for sunset rather than sit at the same beaches or bars as other tourists, join this exclusive Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with a 3-Course Dinner with Crete Local Adventures. With a charming medieval town, some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, intriguing castles and a unique natural landscape, this region is full of amazing places to see! Although the lake is relatively small and generally shallow, the flora and fauna in the area are rich and varied. Greece Crete Chania Prefecture Chania Town Things to Do in Chania Town Things to Do in Chania Town, Greece - Chania Town Attractions Things to Do in Chania Town Popular things to do Day Trips Wine Tastings Churches & Cathedrals 4WD Tours Cultural Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks Private Sightseeing Tours Dining Experiences At the base of the Mediterranean diet, the secrets of its unforgettable tastes lie in the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients as well as in the wise combination of herbs, spices, and extra virgin olive oil. Or check out all my posts about Chania! Youll find the bus stop right outside the terminal its not difficult to locate. If youre interested in discovering more about the complex and sometimes mysterious past of the island, here youll be able to admire objects coming from the ancient settlement of Phalasarna, on the westernmost coast of Chania. Here, youll be able to discover the unique gastronomic products that shape the healthy and tasty traits of the Cretan diet. Not far from Kissamos lies one of the nicest beaches of Chania, Falasarna (sometimes spelled Falassarna). Here youll find olives, meat, and typical Cretan pastries like kalitsounia, a salty or sweet cheese pie. I was a bit reluctant at first if I could manage to hike the Samaria Gorge. Elafonisi Beach is probably the most popular of all. And its not odd to find travelers coming back year after year to explore more and get to know the place even better. The Chania region has anoptimal climate for growing olives and uses traditional techniques, such as cold-pressing, for the highest quality, incredibly pure, extra-virgin olive oil. Back in town, not far from the old town, the suburbs of the city center harbor a magnificent surprise for those into photography, light, shades, and abandoned places. It offers elegant rooms with Internet, Tv, and air conditioning, among other amenities. Discover 36 villages of Chania in Crete island | Greeka Report Issue 1. . Kissamos, Paleochora, and Sfakia are the most famous. Crete Villages and Towns. The Villages in Crete - Greek Island of Crete (Address: 67 Mulberry St, Subway J . Description: Voukolies is a lovely village built on the west banks of Tavronitis River. This gives us the freedom to explore as and when we choose and always works out cheaper than taxis. Description: Chora Sfakion, or just Sfakia, is a historical place for Crete, as many fighters of the Cretan Revolution came from there. While the decor of the rooms is fairly comfortable, there is so much to do in the surrounding area, and the pool is so alluring that youll hardly spend any time in your room anyway! 52 Stunning Things to Do in Chania Region - Crete The mountainous landscape of the Chania region with its imposing White Mountains, breathtaking gorges, high plateaus, and green valleys is nothing but the most suitable scenario for an off-road safari. We rented our car through the Rental Centre Crete. Just do Rethymnon. The bus journey only costs 2.50 EUR (1.90 for students/1.25 for those holding a disability card) and tickets can be purchased from the driver using cash. In this article, I share some of those unique places that the region has for you to visit and discover, this is my list of the best things to do in the Chania Region. Explore Chania town 2. ACCOMMODATION: Find affordable hotels and rental homes here. And dont get there too late, their food sells fast! Beyond the shops and tavernas of the main square, you can visit a winery nearby and there's also an excellent cheese factory. Here you also pay a visit to the small zoo or enjoy a movie in the open-air cinema. Location: 12 km from Chania Town Similar to the Scala de Faro is also the Domus Renier Boutique Hotel. This wide, emerald-green lagoon, with crystal clear waters, is a popular shore among locals and visitors alike. And more? The place, a hidden paradise for naturism, is a great day trip from Chania, Loutro, Paleochora, or Chora Sfakion. Aimani Kadyrova Mosque. Stelios, the proud chef will present you with the dishes of the day and, if in the mood, will proudly show you whats cooking in the kitchen. FERRY TICKETS ONLINE: Book your ferry tickets here. Ruins of Roman bathhouses, Roman cisterns, and a recently excavated theater can be found at the site. Souda is the nearest travel hub at 7.66 mi away from Chania. If so, you can visit Aptera, which is a very interesting archaeological site (it's Greek & Roman). To visit, you can catch a boat in Paleochora or Chora Sfakion and sail south for a few hours. View our organized tours & activities or book a car rental at the best prices! Chania (also spelled: Hani)is the capital city, a place where different civilizations have flourished throughout the centuries. Another option is the taxi, which has a flat fare of 30. From Paleochora, boats go on close excursions. This family restaurant serves exquisite goat, fried sardines, and spoon sweets under the shade of a vine producing some of the biggest bunches of grapes Ive ever seen. You will learn everything about olive oil making and will be able to taste the fragrant extra virgin olive oil produced on the island. The lake is connected to the valley of Fassa, the dampest in Crete. The picturesque village of Loutro is situated south of Chania in the Libyan Sea. Click here to book a day trip to Elafonisi. Paleochora is a fantastic southern town facing the Libyan Sea. TheVenetians built the fortress between 1371 and 1374 to deter pirate attacks and to bring order to the area of Sfakia, whose inhabitants are known for their rebel spirit. We recommend a stay at the magnificent Artion City Boutique Hotel in Heraklion and Consolato Boutique in Chania. Lake Agiais a manmade lake in the Chania region which was originally built to function as a water supply for the island. Located at the seafront of the old harbour of Chania, Apostolis is a family run restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood. This includes up to four travellers and four pieces of luggage and the price stays the same whether you arrive during the day or at night. The Venetian arsenal 7. Chania Bus Station: Directions, Timetables - Pazook Travel Journal The only freshwater lake in Crete, Kournas Lake is set in a valley amidst a beautiful hilly landscape. Having a Sfakian pita at the port of Chora Sfakion while waiting to board your ferry for Gavdos or Loutro is a must when visiting Chania. It may have been karma or not, but the factory went out of business. Enjoy the old town and harbour. Towns and Cities Near Chania and suburbs - Distance Calculators, Route Here, discover the local varieties of plants, fruits, and flowers and take a rest in the many gardens or by the lake. How to get around Chania with kids. You can visit all the main Chania attractions and landmarks on foot, no need to get around by bus. There are a number of activities to do at the farm, including cooking workshops, yoga classes, olive harvest workshops, wine seminars, olive oil soap workshops, and neuroscience for kids. Every week, a bazaar takes place in the main square selling local products. Because olive oil is such a prominent feature in the Cretan lifestyle, you should visit a traditional olive mill. We started our excursion from the old port, from which we were able to get some amazing photos of the harbor. If you want to explore Rodopou Peninsula but dont dare drive along the solitary roads, then choose a sailing trip to explore the fascinating coast of the area. 13 Best Things to do in Chinatown NYC 2023 The Ultimate Guide A 5-star boutique property situated in the old town close to the Archaeological museum and 18 minutes on foot from the beach. We stopped for lunch at Therssos village, where we were served traditional Cretan lamb and sausages. Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with 3-Course Dinner, 17. Close to the bay of Souda, Chanias commercial port, theres a hidden place thats a landmark in the history of the island. She not only wrote an article for this blog about the different wines of the island but is also the best when it comes to educating people on wine with simple words and creative examples. . Your email address will not be published. Does anyone have any recommendations? There you will have time to climb to the castle, where you will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views. The Tiny Book is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees linking to Amazon.com. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and to analyze site traffic. The town is centered around the main square, where you can find the buses to Agios Nikolaos and Plaka. Required fields are marked *. You might also like: Greek Drinks you should try. Located in the scenic Tabakaria neighborhood on the waterfront, Thalassino Ageri serves Mediterranean cuisine, fresh fish, and seafood. Location: 30 km south east of Chania Town Flushing is undoubtedly NYC's best Chinatown. Do you have a question about Greece and the Greek islands? When visiting, take some time to sit in one of the many waterfront tavernas and order some local snacks, such as a plate of delicious cheese kalitsounia covered in local thyme honey. 9 Most Beautiful West Crete Beaches Near Chania You Must See: Western Crete Itinerary Updated on March 15, 2023 by Chloe Smulian The ultimate travel guide for finding the best beaches in west Crete, Greece Discover the 9 best beaches you must visit in west Crete near Chania. We plan to spend 2-3 days in the town of Chania and would like to visit small,old, authentic, picturesque villages/towns around it. Thanks for visiting! THE 10 BEST Chania Town Sights & Landmarks to Visit (2023) 2 Fantastic Days in Chania: A Unique City Break in Crete, Tours in Chania: Top Day Trips from Chania, Crete, Convenient and Beautiful Vacation Homes in Chania, Crete, Mouthwatering Street Food You Need to Taste in Chania, Crete, Where to Stay in Chania: Great Accommodation Guide, Where to Have the Best Breakfast in Chania, Crete. you can easily travel between main towns of Chania, Rethymno, Iraklion and Agios Nikolaos. For a more rustic feel and delicious homemade food, I walk a few meters to Zorbas. Description: Therissos is a picturesque village built on the slopes of a mountain range. Set your GPS to reach the small coastal town of Kissamos and devote some time to exploring the local archaeological museum. 1 review villages to visit around Chania 5 years ago Save We will be staying in Chania, Crete for 7 days. . Tips to Explore the Minoan Palace of Kato Zakros, Crete, Fantastic Things to Do in Paphos for an Unforgettable Vacation in Cyprus, Complete Guide to Driving in Cyprus (+ 5 Breathtaking Scenic Road Trips in Cyprus). Some are well-preserved, and some are really old. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Chechnya - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor I have one more day to plan :). On their more than 25 acres of vineyards at the hills of the White Mountains, the Mavredakis family produces native and international varieties of wine, including Cretes most well-known red grape variety, Romeiko. Location: 4 km east of Chania's Town center The Archaeological Museum of Chania 8. If you are visiting Lake Kezenoy-Am, make sure to drive the extra 2-3 km to see the Hoi village ruins. 311. Rent a car for a couple of days and drive around Chania . You can stroll on the banks of the lake, eat in one of the restaurants overlooking the lake, swim or just ride a pedalo and feed the ducks. In total, the route features 27 hairpin turns that will take you from a height of 800 meters to the level of the sea. A lot has changed since then, but the Venetian lighthouse is still standing proudly. Description: Kalami is a lovely village in close distance to Chania Town and Souda. What to do in Chania, Crete Explore atmospheric Chania Old Town You'll discover the secrets of Chania step by step: the picture-perfect lighthouse at the port, the Kk Hasan mosque, the renovated Grand Arsenal, the Splanzia ruins and the Kum Kapi at Miaouli Beach. A certain degree of fitness is required in order to pass it because it is long and the terrain is tough (16km until the village of Ayia Roumeli). >> Check out my complete guide to Hiking in Imbros. Kissamos itself is bit unremarkable, I think. We plan to spend 2-3 days in the town of Chania and would like to visit small,old, authentic, picturesque villages/towns around it. Do not hesitate to ask the community! Chania harbors some stunning vistas anywhere you decide to go. So one day we will travel to Rokka and Polirrinia. Other than the collections inside the premises, dont overlook the state-of-the-art premises, a bioclimatic triangular building projecting out over the sea. Book Your White Mountain Jeep Safari Tour Here. There are more than 35 fantastic wineries you can visit all over Crete. Also on the southern coast of Crete, this gorgeous fishing village has the typical Cycladic traits of white buildings with blue shutters amphitheatrically facing the tranquil bay of Loutro. Click here for more information and for the latest price. The gorge is home to 450 species of plant and animal, 70 of which are endemic to Crete. To really immerse yourself in Cretan wine culture, take a tour of Mavredakis Winery. Description: It is a suburb of Chania's town and one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in this region, full of impressive mansions and neoclassical houses. Then use this article to discover more than 50 things to do in Chania Region. Kissamos, Paleochora, and Sfakia are the most famous. Located about 70 km from the center of town, its a great idea to take a day trip and discover this vast pink sand beach with incredible turquoise waters and which is included in the list of the best beaches in Europe every single year. I know that I've not explained how to get to any of these, so just look at a map of Western Crete & you'll see that they're all well within your 70 kms. If you are traveling with children, they will love it. A lot has changed since then, but the Venetian lighthouse is still standing proudly. Where to stay? The hotel is built in a historical building of the 15th century but was recently renovated and offers luxurious rooms equipped with Internet, Smart TV, air conditioning, coffee facilities, slippers, bathrobes, and toiletries. Thanks to the hotels location on the northwest of the island, perched out on the end of the land, Mr. and Mrs. White is the perfect place to watch the sun go down with a cocktail in hand! The beautiful village offers some basic accommodation along with some restaurants and cafes. 1. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The bus is cheaper, but the ride might take about an hour. Join Vasilis, a US ex-pat of Cretan origins who moved to Crete following the dream of giving a new life to his grandpas land. After your walk, its a great idea to enjoy lunch in their tavern. You might also like: Cheap Greek Islands to Visit. Lake Kourna is the only freshwater lake in Crete.The lake is fed by streams from the nearby mountains and hills. It has very few inhabitants and its location is convenient for excursions in the region. Our Crete Road Trip: Chania Region - A Midlife Fulltime Travel Couple This flat pie filled with goat cheese is served hot and topped with local honey. FLIGHTS: UseSkyscannerto compare prices before booking a plane ticket. Here are the best things to do in Chania Crete: Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. From there, you could go up into the hill villages at the foot of the White Mountains, such a Provarma, Macheri & Ramni.. . It depends on the kind of traveler you are, you can either hike through the gorge or end up by the beautiful beach of Glyka Nera. Finally, we drove through the Therissos Gorge before arriving back in Chania. There are a few wineries worth visiting in Chania and Manousakis Winery is one of them! The delightful but long ride along the winding bends of the Cretan mountains will be well rewarded when you arrive at your destination. . Most dishes are prepared with the gardens produce, and the views from their terrace are stunning. Chania Crete: 12 Best Things to Do (2023) - Travel the Greek Way At the westernmost side of Crete, Chania is a wonderful place for vacations. Now i have a homework to do :). You can connect with her on Facebook or Instagram. One more isolated place you can visit in south Chania is the overwhelmingly beautiful beach of Kedrodasos, not far from the pink sand beach of Elafonisi, and quite hard to access if you dont set your GPS coordinates right. The Old Venetian port and the lighthouse of Chania 2. Location: 27 km south west of Chania Town Our guide to the best 15 day trips from Chania introduces you to some of the best beaches on Crete, and the astonishing scenery of the White Mountains to the south. If you head to the beautiful lagoon, . Location: 20 km south east from Chania Town Visiting Chania with kids - Places to Take Toddlers and Kids The Nautical Museum of Crete exhibits just about anything related to life at sea from the bronze age until the present. The second day we will hike the Samaria Gorge. villages to visit around Chania - Chania Town Forum - Tripadvisor Right opposite the natural bay of Souda, close to the village of Megala Chorafia, follow the signs up the mountain to explore Ancient Aptera, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region of Chania.