Description: A small village in the mountains, Papadiana is located in the southern side of Crete, on the way to Paleochora. As you can see there are so many things to do that its hard to choose where to start! The famous mountain of Stavros gives shape to the magnificent landscape of the area. Things to do Villages Chania Villages The charming town of Chania Discover Chania Town Greeka.com Apart from the picturesque Town of Chania, this prefecture of Crete has many beautiful mountainous villages and seaside settlements. Located in the old harbour of Chania, Salis Restaurant serves Cretan flavors with a modern twist. 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. There is a flat fare of 30 EUR, as long as you are travelling into the central zone of Chania city centre. Crete - Wikitravel - The Free Travel Guide Description: Gavalochori is a lovely village close to popular tourist places east of Chania Town. BOOK YOUR TRIP!Plan ahead to get convenient offers and deals. You can read more about the winery in this guide I wrote. Women of Gavalochori have long tradition in lace needling. Description: Chania Town is the capital of the prefecture and one of the most beautiful towns in Crete. Dont expect a place to sit, or much comfort, just buy your wrap and enjoy it. Welcome to Greece Travel Ideas. It gets very popular in summer. I was a bit reluctant at first if I could manage to hike the Samaria Gorge. Chania Crete - Complete Travel Guide | Discover Greece It has stone houses, an ample square, plane trees and running water. Location: 80 km south east of Chania Town Get around Chania . 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). Its from Omalos that adventurous hikers depart to face the 14 km walk along the gorge of Samaria. Discover Town of Chania Greece: Description, photos and map of Town Village but also things to do, hotels and restaurants. This will certainly be a meal to remember! We enjoyed some Greek coffee, raki, and homemade cheese and herb pies. Ruins of Roman bathhouses, Roman cisterns, and a recently excavated theater can be found at the site. The Cathedral is also known as the Panagia Trimartiri because it has three aisles, one dedicated to the Virgin Mary, one to Saint Nicholas, and one to the Three Cappadocian Fathers. When visiting Crete, spend at least half a day exploring the Old Town of Chania, walk along the colorful cobble-stoned alleys, and admire the magnificent Turkish and Venetian buildings, the Egyptian Lighthouse, and the Jewish neighborhood or the Mosque of the Janissaries. The beach here is wide and shallow, something quite unusual in the south. 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! Have you been to Chania Crete? Many hotels and accommodation are located around these villages. The Venetian harbour was built by the Venetians between 1320 and 1356. How to get there It's near Fournes, which is on the road to Omalos. We started our excursion from the old port, from which we were able to get some amazing photos of the harbor. 13 Best Things to do in Chinatown NYC 2023 The Ultimate Guide Your email address will not be published. Location: 11 km west of Chania Town Description: Kalyves is gradually developing as a family tourist resort. Description: A lovely village with plane trees and running water, Vryses is a nice place to visit east of Chania Town. The beach lacks any kind of organization so its a good idea to be fully ready to visit. This Cretan harbour town in Greece has a lot going on for you: small local shops, waterside restaurants, and lots of little alleys to get lost in. Every July, Vamos . Temple of Our Lady of The Sign. Crete Villages and Towns. The Villages in Crete - Greek Island of Crete >> Alternatively, you can book a tour that covers all these and more on a day trip! Visit a shepherds refuge, learn about olives, and cheese making, enjoy a traditional lunch, and marvel at the unique landscape of the Cretan mountains. Notos Mare offers a variety of private day excursions, from romantic full moon trips with dinner under the stars to family-friendly day trips. Description: Anopolis is a traditional mountainous village located on the southern side of Crete. One of the must-see places in Akrotiri is the Holy Monastery of Agia Triada, one of the many beautiful monasteries in Crete. . The Archaeological Museum of Chania 8. 10 Of The Best Chinatowns To Visit In The U.S. Description: A small village in the mountains, Kefali is surrounded by lush greenery and gives a true view of Cretan landscape. Souda is the nearest travel hub at 7.66 mi away from Chania. Youll find the bus stop right outside the terminal its not difficult to locate. If tourists can't get enough of the Chinatowns in San Francisco and Los Angeles, they might as well head to Oakland to visit its humble Chinese enclave. It is the ideal place for an afternoon walk. 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. For a quick reference, however, you can check out the following places, which are among my favorite for a stay in the Old Town: You might also want to read these blogs about Chania, Crete: Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. Among the many delicacies you can taste on the island, the regional dishes of Chania shine with a light of their own. Im Chrysoula, born and raised in Athens, Greece. The natural feel of the outdoor kitchen made the experience even more unique as we made our own cheese, tzatziki, salad, and pork. Falasarna, which directly faces the West, is probably the best place on Crete to admire the sunset. Find out everything about your holidays in Chania in our guide! >> This is the most popular day trip on the island, chosen by hundreds of travelers every year, so booking in advance is key! Here, you can have a picnic in the vineyard, learn about local food by enrolling in a cooking class, or visit on a guided tour. The Omalos Plateau stands between 1000 and 1200 meters above sea level and offers a fantastic view of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). Theres no menu to choose from. Fort Firkas / Chania Maritime Museum 4. Scientists have explained it as a meteorological phenomenon but have yet to agree upon which one. Because olive oil is such a prominent feature in the Cretan lifestyle, you should visit a traditional olive mill. The collection includes ship models, nautical instruments, and photographs, among other things. 61. Lake Kourna is the only freshwater lake in Crete.The lake is fed by streams from the nearby mountains and hills. On a hill next to the village, there is the strong Fortress of Izzedin. You will learn everything about olive oil making and will be able to taste the fragrant extra virgin olive oil produced on the island. INSURANCE: If things go wrong, youll get coverage against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. Description: A lovely village in the inland of Crete, Topolia is surrounded by wild nature and some greenery. Our Crete Road Trip: Chania Region - A Midlife Fulltime Travel Couple Chechnya 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor You can arrive in Chania by plane (International Airport of Chania CHQ), or by ferry (Port of Souda). This will allow you to see an alternative side of the city, stepping into shops and restaurants you may have simply passed by had you walked around on your own. Your choice of transport will depend on the number of travellers in your group, the amount of luggage you have, your budget and time frame. Located at the end of a road lined with centennial trees, a flock of stone stairs leads your way up to the main courtyard of the monastery. Take a few minutes to go over the extensive coin collection and the magnificent mosaics exposed in the museum. If you are traveling with children, they will love it. As of April 2022, you can visit the new, amazing premises of the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Inside the garden, walk under the shadow of centennial trees, and check out the clocktower, a landmark of Chania. 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. Yes, Im that lucky! I will group them in a group of 2-3 villages in the same area. Or you can also drive up to the top of the gorge and admire one of the most imposing wooden bridges in Europe. I'll add Rokka and Polirrinia to the list. Wandering around the Old Town's maze-like alleys with the beautiful Venetian mansions, the fountains. You can either swim on Loutro Beach or take a boat to Glyka Nera Beach (Sweetwater Beach) or Marmara Beach. Village-hopping in Chania, Crete | Discover Greece villages to visit around Chania - Chania Town Forum - Tripadvisor Places To Visit in Chania: . Location: 16 km south of Chania Town 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 old town of Chania 3. Among the many marvelous beaches in the Chania region, Glyka Nera is a dreamy destination you can only reach hiking from Chora Sfakion or traveling by boat. For tips and suggestions, check here. Description: Therissos is a picturesque village built on the slopes of a mountain range. 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. Choose any of the tavernas to taste an authentic and super tender Cretan goat dish, tsigariasto, paired with homemade wine. It opens to the public in early May and closes in October. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ad1c669ddae8c04eb5c3b143eee233c5" );document.getElementById("if34fc3a20").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Towns and Cities Near Chania and suburbs - Distance Calculators, Route That will be enough, Rethymnon https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157654700502270, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. To immerse yourself in Cretes history, a visit to Ancient Aptera and Koules Fortress is a must. _ She focuses both on the must-sees that characterise a destination and on daily life in the places she visits. There are many restaurants and cafes around the harbour where you can sit and enjoy the breathtaking sunset. 52 Stunning Things to Do in Chania Region - Crete CreteTravel The tour also takes you to Xirosterni, where you will discover the secrets ofraki, Cretes famous spirit. There you will see the old leather processing houses called tanneries that were in operation until the early 19th century. The Botanical Gardens (although not a village) is worth a visit. The region of Chania is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating places in Crete. Not far, the river Almyros meets the sea where the difference in temperature between the cold river and the sea can have a surprising effect even during the hottest summer days on the island. I learned about the difference between virgin and extra-virgin olive oil and, to top it off tasted some delicious olive oils that were produced there. See the remains of a Byzantine fortress at Kastelli and elements of Venetian and Ottoman architecture at the Church of Agios Nikolaos. The Greek Orthodox Cathedral at Plateia Mitropoleos was built in the same spot where a Venetian church used to be. >> You can either discover the gorge on your own or join an organized tour for more fun! 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). Click here for the ferry schedule and to book tickets to Chania. 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. The village of Theriso is a favorite place among Cretans, who often visit at the weekend and gather in the several tavernas to enjoy good company and better food. THE 10 BEST Chania Town Sights & Historical Landmarks Chania Town Landmarks Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Boat Tours & Water Sports Sights & Landmarks Does anyone have any recommendations? book a tour that covers all these and more on a day trip. Its located in the beautiful village of Vatolakkos, almost at the foot of the White Mountains. Once inside, pay a visit to the museum and the Baroque church but dont overlook the magnificent gardens with fruit trees and gorgeous flowers. You can go inland & visit the Theriso Gorge or visit Stylos, which is an authentic village with few tourists. The beautiful village offers some basic accommodation along with some restaurants and cafes. Location: 48 km south west of Chania Town Your email address will not be published. Fun Things to Do in Chania Town with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. 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 bus runs from 6:00 to 22:45 during the week, so if you arrive later than 22.45 you will need to take a taxi. The construction is in a strategic position, right on top of the port of Souda. 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. Cooking Lesson and Lunch at a Traditional Farm, How to Get From and to the Airport in Chania Crete, Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with a 3-Course Dinner, 12 Best Day Trips from Athens- A 2022 Guide, Best 36 Things to Do in Rethymnon, Crete 2022 Guide. Check the best places to stay in Elafonisi here. 47 Chania Sights & Attractions | Greeka ACCOMMODATION: Find affordable hotels and rental homes here. It was through these fields that the Allied soldiers marched south, escaping from the Nazi forces that invaded the island during WWII. Hotel facilities include spacious rooms with air-conditioning, direct access to the beach, swimming pools, a childrens playground, bars, and restaurants. The uninhabited island of Imeri Gramvousa is located west of Chania. But Chania is also a remarkable place to visit any time of the year. With ruins belonging to the Geometric, Hellenistic, and Roman periods, Ancient Aptera is a treasure chest of archaeological findings. Just do Rethymnon. Other breathtaking Cretan villages and small towns around the Chania area are, in the far west, Kissamos Kastelli, the popular Platanias and Agia . While you visit, make sure to ask your captain for a stop at Menies, a fantastic solitary beach with crystal-clear waters and whitish sand mixed with pebbles. Another village youll see is Emprosneros, where you can taste and learn about the production of great local cheeses. The small village of Vrysses is located a few kilometers from Chania, at the beginning of the road that takes you through the mountains to the small town of Chora Sfakion. Disclaimer: Posts include affiliate links to products or services. When traveling south to visit Imbros, Loutro, or the Askifou plateau, dont forget to stop in the village for a short, refreshing stop. I consider Loutro to be a hidden gem that shouldnt be missed. Now i have a homework to do :). >> Looking for a place to stay? It may have been karma or not, but the factory went out of business. We were able to swim there before the boat took us back to Chania port at sunset. Private Airport Transfer with Welcome Pick-Ups. The beguiling city of Chania is one of the best places to visit in Crete, and it's also one of the best bases for exploring Crete on day trips. The harbour of Chania was built by the Venetians in the 14th century. For the most popular ones, we also provide information about sightseeing in the area, a selection of hotels and reviews. Location: 84 km south of Chania Town Here, in Vrysses, you can sit at a local caf to savor a dish of rich and creamy Greek yogurt topped with local thyme honey and toasted nuts. Enjoy the old town and harbour. The small lake is home to a numerous variety of local flora and fauna and is a very tranquil place to enjoy a refreshing drink in the afternoon. It can be reached only on foot or by ferry from Agia Roumeli. 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. Parking in Chania has been made easier with the new. Ideally they should be located no more than 70km away from Chania. Situated in the village of Alikampos, close to the magnificent gorge of Imbros and just a few minutes away from Vrysses. Description: Although Vamos is so close to Chania Town and some popular villages in the region, it has not been affected by tourism and keeps its authentic Cretan character. Weather conditions in the northern part of the island are ideal for growing grapevines. Location: 30 km west of Chania Town (Address: 67 Mulberry St, Subway J . Chania harbors some stunning vistas anywhere you decide to go. Rodopou is the most solitary and wild portion of Crete. In the airport hall of arrivals, there are many rental car offices to choose from. Originally built in the late 14th century by the Venetians, the Frangkokastello was the sight of the 1828 Battle of Frangkokastello, an infamous battle during the Greek War for Independence, where Turkish forces massacred over 350 Cretan and Epirote soldiers. Old Town and harbour Restaurants. The Cretan diet is a millennial set of unwritten cooking rules and techniques that Cretans have been using for ages. Click here for more information and for the latest price. 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. In the end, it wasnt that difficult, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences. Its located on the southern coast of Chania and its famous for the freshwater springs that populate the pebbled coast at the foot of the mountains. It is surrounded by lush greenery. I recommendSafety Wingfor peace of mind. The picturesque village of Loutro is situated south of Chania in the Libyan Sea. Look for the various sculptures dotted around the waterfront. They are all presented with a detailed description, photos and their location on a map of Chania. This tour is a super convenient day trip in the region, ideal to discover the villages in this historic area, east of Chania, at the foothills of the White Mountains. Some of the most popular places to visit around Chania are easy to get to by bus. Your evening will culminate with wine-tasting and a three-course gastronomic meal packed with Cretan specialties. Another breathtaking place you can discover in Chania is the magnificent gorge of Aradena. Mountain villages provide a view into the "inner Crete". Every week, a bazaar takes place in the main square selling local products. To visit, you can catch a boat in Paleochora or Chora Sfakion and sail south for a few hours. The monastery and the church stand on top of a steep rock overlooking the blue waters of the Libyan Sea. The Old Town of Chania is a universe of its own, so if you want to know everything about it, you just need to check these Things to Do in Chania Old Town for a plethora of ideas and places to see in town. Description: Akrotiri is not actually a village but a peninsula that lays east of Chania. Should I add any other stops can I add to that trip? You might also want to check my guide on where to stay in Crete. Speaking of food, if youd like to try out some more typical Cretan food, head to the market hall. You might also be interested in my other Crete content:The best things to do in Crete.The best beaches in Crete.Things to do in Rethymno, Crete.Things to do in Heraklion, Crete.Crete Road trip. THE 10 BEST Chania Town Sights & Landmarks to Visit (2023) Sougia is a pretty, forgotten village in the southwest of Crete which has been quite immune to the massive growth of tourism on the island and in Chania in particular. If you are visiting Balos Lagoon by boat, then this is going to be part of your itinerary. Thank you very much for the prompt response! You might also like: Greek Drinks you should try. My TOP 5 Things to Do in Chinatown NYC. FLIGHTS: UseSkyscannerto compare prices before booking a plane ticket. This shallow lagoon formed at the very end of the Gramvousa peninsula is one of the most photographed places on the island. Nearest Designated Shoreline to Chania Greece (Beta ). >> This sailing and snorkeling tour of Chania is great to discover the spectacular waters of Crete. Similar to the Scala de Faro is also the Domus Renier Boutique Hotel. 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. At the site, check the impressive walls and archways that make the roofs of the underground Roman cisterns, a fantastic work of fine engineering. Theres not much to be done in the village other than lazing on the beach for hours or exploring the surrounding region by choosing one of the many walking paths. The White Mountains are home to over 30 peaks that reach over 2,000 meters and several gorges, the Samaria Gorge being the most notable. The second day we will hike the Samaria Gorge. Cretan tastes are destined to conquer you, so what better souvenir from Crete than joining a cooking lesson where you cannot only learn how to cook the traditional meals of Crete but also taste what youve prepared with your own hands? The 11 Best Chinatowns Outside China | Booking.com ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-90132307', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car? Do you like Here you'll the villages in Crete - from Agios Nikolaos to Zaros and Almyrida to Zakros. Along the way, you can stop to take unique pictures, visit the Cave of Agia Sofia, or discover Cretan goats on the slopes of the mountains. There you will have time to climb to the castle, where you will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views. BEST TOURS: Find the best local experiences. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 1 Chania or Heraklion 1.1 Quick Comparison 1.2 If You Have to Choose 2 Chania City 2.1 Chania Old Town 2.2 Main Sights 2.3 Chania City Beach 2.4 Chania Regional Unit 2.5 Best Beaches in Chania Region 2.6 Where to Stay in Chania 3 Heraklion City 3.1 Heraklion Old Town 3.2 Main Sights 3.3 Heraklion City Beach 3.4 Heraklion Regional Unit The Olive Farm is located just 30 minutes outside of the city of Chania, at the edge of the tiny village of Litsarda in the foothills of the White Mountains. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aed7fba0d0b15b9b317c5a64170698e6" );document.getElementById("a31670a0aa").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Actually, the best gift you could have given her is a lifetime of adventures. Visiting Chania with kids - Places to Take Toddlers and Kids 1. This harsh land is located west of Chania town and among the places to see, dont miss a swim in the crystalline waters of Afrata beach or a stop at the gorgeous Odigitria Monastery, one of Chanias prettiest religious buildings. Delicious zucchini pies with mint and cheese (boureki), cheese pies, grilled goat and mutton, and honey-drenched sweets are among the most fantastic flavors on the island. Religious Sites. Read more: Amazing Things to Do in Chania Old Town. The Best Places to Visit in Crete. Locals know: The Municipal Market of Chania will be closed for renovations until December 2023 (or a bit more). Recommended accommodation in Agia Marina: The Santa Marina Beach Resort is located in the coastal village of Agia Marina, just 8 km away from Chania Town. The Samaria Gorge is situated in the Samaria National Park in the White Mountains. Chania Bus Station: Directions, Timetables - Pazook Travel Journal Kissamos, Paleochora, and Sfakia are the most famous. 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. The advantage of taking a cruise ship is that it will take you to the island of Gramvousa. . This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. Thanks for visiting! Description: Alikianos is a small village in close distance to Chania Town. Near Vryses, visit Dourakis Winery, in the village of Alikampos. When in Chania, the place to go is Oasis Souvlaki. 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. 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. Location: 60 km south of Chania Town Where to Stay in Crete First Time: Best Areas & Towns - Easy Travel 4U Want to discover the most beautiful villages of Chania with ease and totally carefree? The village has a gorgeous city center overlooked by the ruins of a Venetian fortress that faces both sides of a peninsula. Where to stay? This gives us the freedom to explore as and when we choose and always works out cheaper than taxis. The 13th-century chapel of the Virgin Mary and the Karydi Monastery, with an arched olive oil press, are also well worth a visit. Cheap prices, simple ingredients, and a secret sauce made this the best quick bite you can grab in Chania on the go. 2. Chania Town: Photos, Map, See & Do - Complete Guide to Greece & Services Description: Paleohora is the most popular resort on the southern side of Chania Crete. Loutro is one of my favorite places too. 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! During the Minoan period, Aptera was one of the islands most important city-states. Some are well-preserved, and some are really old. Region: Rethymnon Latitude: N 35.368167 | Longitude: E 24.476266. NEWS Location: 25 km south of Chania Town I flew from Athens to Chania with Aegean Airlines.