There are literally hundreds of options for restaurants for you as well and in general plenty of space. Do not hesitate to ask the community! By 66Nicolas. its totally understandable if you really cannot figure out where to go in Crete as there are many places and the island is so diverse and different from one area to another that makes it difficult to decide. The hile duration is about 6 to 8 hours depending on the pace. Honey can be drizzled on before serving for an extra sweet touch, SUP experience at Falassarna beach during sunset, There are plenty of wineries to choose from, in the foothills of the White Mountains and around the Apokoronas villages, 8-day road trip to experience the best of Chania. Where to eat? The Samaria Gorge has rightly earned legendary status from hikers who have visited Chania. Budget:When it comes to Heraklion with a limited budget, check the great comfort ofSo Young Hostel. The exotic beauty of the area with sand dunes, cedars, white lilies, the black rocks, the rare species of animals and birds that live there, the emerald waters and pink-white sand, create a real work of art! Here youll experience authentic Cretan cuisine, sampling local recipes such as tsigariasto, boureki, kalitsounia, pilafi, dakos, as well as all sorts of delicious grilled meat. From there is a short ferry ride to Loutro (adorable!) Alikianos Memorial. . Enjoy a boat trip to postcard-pretty Loutro. Where to stay? There are some amazing family hotels to choose from but if this is your first time in Crete I strongly believe you should stay in Western Crete and as close as possible to Chania town as it is the most beautiful area of the island. So, Maleme, Platanias, Agia Marina or even Kolymvari are all great options. Sofia Adventures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. The museums of Chania feature excellent archaeological findings and hundreds of exhibits which outline the timelessinfluence of the islands cultural history. Hi Pavlos. Some come for the beaches, many of which have Blue Flag status and pair vanilla sands with calm, clear waters. Blogs are great, but a combination of a blog and a guidebook is key to having the best access to information easily at your fingertips. Alternatively, a shuttle bus runs from the airport to the town. If youll be spending a few days in Chania, here is our guide to visitingSeitan Limania from Chania(which is ourfavorite beach in Crete) and Chanias best Instagram spots. Always have in mind that Crete is a very big island with literally thousands of options for hotels and resorts to choose from. At the beginning of the narrow part of the gorge, near Topolia, is the cave of St. Sophia with its stalactites and stalagmites and a chapel built at the entrance. 9 years ago Save Hi All I have always fancied going to Chania mainly because its not somewhere that seems to be the ordinary Greek holiday ie it sounds a bit different. For your amazing holiday week in Chania, we suggest you indicative options to meet as best as possible the beauties of the place and enjoy relaxation, combined with new experiences. Holidays to Chania. The northern side is more developed and lined up with luxurious tourist resorts and organized beaches. Village hop through Chania at its most authentic. Kamp There is evidence that it has been settled since the Neolithic era, and it thrived in the Minoan era. The island of Crete is so big and diverse that its almost impossible to make everyone happy when It comes to deciding on the best areas to stay on the island. Some restaurants in Chania are in the picturesque ruins of old houses, open to the starry skies above. When it comes to family holiday destinations, the same names always pop into your head; Rome, Mallorca, Paris, and many other traditional holiday places. You may get some extras depending on the hotel but its not worth it in my opinion. My advice would be to stay on the west side of Chania as you would be closer to amazing beaches. While there are more restaurants and bars sitting on Chanias harbor, Heraklions harbor is more peaceful with fewer tourists. If youre planning a trip to Greece, youll want to pack all the normal essentials, but here are a few things we strongly recommend bringing that may not have crossed your mind. Whether you're passionate about culture, an avid shopper, a beach lover or world explorer, you will love a holiday in Crete's second biggest city. In Chania Town and especially in the Old Town area, you will find charming boutique hotels housed in historic buildings. Where to Eat in Heraklion: Restaurants So Good Youll Never Leave We will have a car after leaving the old town so think that staying somewhere different will minimise the driving. Or any other Greek islands your recommend for this . 1. The huge plane tree in the center of Splantzia will offer you its shade to enjoy a refreshing coffee. First read our guide toplanning a trip to Greece, which covers visas, budgets, vaccines, and much more. Walk through the Samaria Gorge. The city of Chania in Greece is 15km from the airport (25-30 minutes). Where to Stay in Chania: 13 Accommodations & Hotels We Love! Minarets and the mosque of the Janissaries (a prominent feature of the venetian harbor) remain from this period, adding to the interesting architectural mix. I honestly believe that Chania is the best town and area to stay in Crete with a baby. . The rich natural landscape is insurmountable, the monuments of civilization countless and especially in summer, the beaches of Chania will make you one of the most fanatical fans of the area! The Monastery of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) is a half-hours drive from Chania into a beautiful and fertile Akrotiri peninsula. Summary of my comparison. Read more. Due to the long history and rich culture, the region of Chania keeps evident its traditional architecture. The saying goes if you cant afford travel insurance, you cant afford to travel is true! $151. Holidays to Chania take you to a thriving city where old Venetian houses have been turned into restaurants, and the harbour is alive with busy bars. july is usually the hottest month in Crete but August can be equally hot and humid. Hiking in Samaria Gorge is a very rewarding experience and one of the things you may do just once in a lifetime. Any time of year you choose to visit Chania in Crete, the options are endless. But, even the classic . Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, TP & other Balkan transit needs. Chania A feast of experiences that capture the soul of Crete Today 28 SAT 25 SUN 24 MON 24 TUE 25 region-id="pin-13"; From its fascinating Old Town to exotic Balos beach and the famous Samaria Gorge, Chania will treat you to an array of unforgettable adventures (and a little home-brewed raki). Whoever spends one week in Chania, should spend one day to cross Gorge of Samaria! Greeka? The town has something for families, couples, and adventurers - and is the second largest in Crete. 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! You can get to Chania by plane from Athens & abroad or by ferry from Athens. Chania is known for traditional leather craft, and there are also excellent boutiques for island-friendly fashions and crafts. The mother of the great statesman Eleftherios Venizelos was from Therisos, and he led the revolt from this strategic mountain pass. I do not recommend visiting in August though as it can become very very busy and quite crowded. Lake Kourna is the only lake with fresh water in Crete. Wandering around the port of Chania, youll encounter the Venetian lighthouse, the Grand Arsenal, Kum Kapi and Halepa. Great deals on holidays to Chania - including last minute, all inclusive & 2023 holidays. Chania Town holidays. The westernmost side of Crete, Chania is a wonderful place for vacations. In Karaoli Dimitriou, you can buy authentic Cretan knives, but beware of imitations the real thing doesnt cost less than 200 euros. In the same family for six generations, Casa Delfino is a luxury, boutique hotel set in a 17th-century Venetian mansion, built for a Genoese sea captain. You can reach it by hire car or taxi. Youll 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. There are umbrellas and sun beds available, small cafes to provide you with the necessary, but also the possibility to rent marine bicycle and admire the unique landscape in the green lake. Thats a great plan for visiting Crete! >>Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.<<. If you love Greek literature, then come to Heraklion to see the grave of Nikos Kazantzakis, the author of Zorba the Greek. Crete is a very bug island and although you can definitely rent a scooter or an ATV , it is not advisable or safe. So, you are probably wondering:western Crete or somewhere else? Creteis a massive island (in case you dont know it). The city was part of the Byzantine Empire, interrupted by some periods of Arab invasion, until it was taken by the Republic of Venice in the 13th century (with a brief interlude of rule by the Genoese), when it acquired the name Candia. Shes written for National Geographic Online, appeared on CNN Arabic and in the New York Times, and ridden more Balkan buses than is good for a person. The biggest width of the gorge reaches 150 meters and the narrowest point is the Doors just before the exit with a width of 3 meters and a height of 600 meters, where the landscape is breathtaking! On Ferryhopper you will find useful information about this beautiful city, its beaches, sights, food, nightlife and all ferry routes. per night. Required fields are marked *. These are Agia Marina and Platanias. Your email address will not be published. you are only planning to visit Crete for 2-3 days (which I do not recommend) and ferries and flights only go to Heraklion, you want to be close to the museums and the amazingKnossos Palace, you dont care much about the beaches and swimming (though there are some really nice beaches at Heraklion prefecture), you want to be closer to the best beaches of Crete, you want a more picturesque town to wander around, you dont really care about archaeological sites and museums. There is also bus service from the Chania airport to the center of town, and taxi service starting from 24 Euro. You have the choice to either head south to Chora Sfakion or stay in the north to explore Crete's underwater world. I know the ins and outs of my country and hopefully my travel blog will help you make the most of your holidays. How many days would you recommend for seeing Crete? Otherwise, we have tons of free resources to help you plan your trip to Heraklion: The Perfect 2 Days in Heraklion Itinerary (Plus Bonus Day Trips!) Set your responsible travel goals with our sustainable travel guide to Chania, including eco-friendly tours & experiences and tips on the best time and way to visit Crete. Lets admit it:Crete is not the first greek island that comes in mind when you are thinking of a honeymoon in Greece. In order to see all monuments and attractions, you need to organize your time quite well. Relax in its shallow blue-green water and sink your feet into the luminescent sand made up of thousands of broken seashells. The 7 Best Hotels in Chania. Yes, there are local buses in Crete (there are alsoSantorini busesandMykonos busesas well) but they wont take you everywhere and not when you want them. A water bottle with a filter. And in southern Chania, the world-famous Samaria Gorge invites you to explore it. We are going on our honeymoon in the summer and we are thinking of Crete. For example, the citys most famous fountain was built with a headless Roman statue at its center. Bathrooms in Greece arent always well-stocked. And it is possible to rent scooters or ATV to go around the island? Go a little further still and youll reach exotic Balos and Falasarna, two of Greeces pin-up beaches. His grave is high up on the city walls because when he died he was at odds with the Orthodox church which banned (and burned) his books. We dont own a car so I am not sure what to choose. The waterfront has some of the more touristy restaurants, but the back alleys are magical. You cant go one day in Crete without someone asking you to have a coffee. The region around Chania is full of gorgeous beaches, history, and natural splendor. Guiding signs are everywhere, so it is quite difficult to lose your way. Right next to Chania town you will find two smaller resort towns. Moving on to Elounda would take the better part of a day out of your holiday time - two days, if your return flight home is also from Chania. Crete is an island, Chania stretching over two coasts so of course, scuba diving is one of the activities in Chania! So, there are thebest places to stay in Crete! The climate in winter (see Crete's weather for November, December, January, February and . Explore Chania Greece through the lens of the talented members on Greeka community. On the western side of Crete and close to Kissamos is the amazing beach of Falassarna. As GB says, most of the main archaeological sites are further East and are quite a long drive away, but as long as that . In Therissos you will find the National Resistance Museum and also the Historical and Folklore Museum. A wide variety of accommodation options are available for those seeking a place to stay in Chania. A visit to the Old Town is the best way to start your week in Chania! For more packing tips, check out our completeGreece packing list. Where would you be able to find the best beaches in Crete? You have to do a bit of walking/climbing down the cliff sides to get to the bottom, but once youre down theres its stunning. It seems that Chania was always one of the most popular destinations in Greece. If youre interested in taking a day trip to Rethymnon, check out ourInstagram guide to Rethymnonnext, and perhaps our guide tothings to do in Rethymnonand thebest Rethymnon hotels. This seaside place has nice secluded beaches to swim and gives a true side of the local character. Family of 4 (2 boys, aged 8 and 10yo) with another family with one 10yo. The Nautical museum is also interesting because of the citys fascinating maritime history. The central hall has a height of 20 meters and a diameter of 70, and if you observe it carefully, you will see a mythical Unicorn to form a rock and a stalagmite! Shops, taverns and restaurants, as well as important monuments are located in the alleys, next to one another in such a way that present is blended with the past. The drive to Sfakia is one of Cretes loveliest. It does get busy in the peak summer holiday months (July and August), so come in May-June or September if you can. The Town is a romantic place to stroll around, with Medieval architecture, elegant mansions and a wonderful Venetian port, the most famous spot of the town. Make your way to the edge of the Kastelli citadel to watch the sunset, which gives the old town a technicolour evening charm. On the southern side of the area, there is the Fortress of Frangokastello. Many places will give you an entire mini-carafe of the liquor, even youre traveling solo. I was actually born in Athens and I have been to almost all of the greek islands and pretty much most of mainland Greece. Luxury:Want to splurge in Crete? Shortly before Elafonisi, lies the Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa, a whitewashed monastery, built high on a large rock of 35 meters with breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea. But what is it like ? Some people like to carry money belts, but neither Stephanie nor I use these. A road trip is the perfect way to discover it. Chania town is a great town for just walking around. If you want to spend hours wandering around a charming city, pick Chania. Our plans have changed because of Covid, we now we have a little one coming along too. Ferries arrive daily to Souda harbor, less than 7 kilometers from Chania town. Aimani Kadyrova Mosque. Copyright © 2023 Discover Greece | Created by the Greek Tourism Sector. If youre interested in learning about Minoan history and culture, then you need to pick Heraklion. Endless beauty at one of themost stunning beaches in the Mediterranean, 3km long, north of which is Ancient Falarsana. Other areas such as Georgioupolis provide mostly big and modern resorts that are equipped with swimming pools and located within a walking distance from the seashore. The gently shallow waters of Agios Apostoloi(just west of town about a ten minute drive) are very popular with families. The most impressive beaches are Balos, Elafonissi and Falassarna, while there are innumerable other amazing beaches around the coastline, from organized resorts to secluded coves. Discover the different ways to get to Chania: Discover the highlights of Chania! Chania city is a great place for old and young alike, and in the surrounding area there are lots of lovely beaches to visit, e.g. Best day trips in the region = tie. If youre curious about how to visit Seitan Limania, check out our guide to visiting Seitan Limania from Chania. Both cities have advantages and similarities, but they are very different places. This is a beautiful region for exploring. This is my blog to help you plan your next holidays to Greece and the greek islands, whether it is Santorini, Mykonos, Crete or even Athens. Chania is charming, but Heraklion is quirky. And more? Do you like the cinema? For a splurge, there are also fabulous jewellery stores. You can see the bones of the people killed in this Memorial Monument. This 18km long gorge is open from May to October and it is located in the southern side of Chania. Launch map. Heraklion and Rethymnon are also very flat with beautiful flat beaches nearby.
Famous Sports Analysts,
Requirements To Be A Sheriff Deputy In Texas,
What Did The First Flashlight Look Like,
Articles W