Chania
Chania, the second largest city on Crete, is a historic and cultural gem. Known as a maritime crossroads of three continents, it offers an unspoiled natural landscape and rich cultural heritage filled with vibrant colors, scents, flavors, music, and open-hearted locals. Chania, with a population of over 140,000, has a history spanning 4,000 years. It has been influenced by various civilizations, including Romans, Arabs, Venetians, and Ottomans, creating a unique architectural and cultural mosaic that lures people from across the globe, and rightfully so.
A few words for Chania
Travelers can reach Chania by daily ferries from Piraeus or via its international airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis. The city is well-connected by the North Cretan Highway, facilitating exploration across Crete. The most know, instagramic landmarks include the Egyptian Lighthouse, the Old Town’s Venetian Harbor, St. Nikolas Minaret, the Municipal Market, the Venetian Shipyards (Neoria), the Metropolis Church, and several museums.
Chania’s natural beauty is epitomized by the White Mountains, Samaria Gorge, and stunning beaches like Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi. The local hospitality, characterized by a welcoming shot of tsikoudia and traditional pies, promises an unforgettable visit, making Chania a destination that many vow to return to.
The one thing that all visitors enjoy during their stay in Chania, regardless of age, ethnicity, interests etc is the delicious food! Cretan food is quintessential Mediterranean, a healthy, based on an organic selection of local produce and locally bread animals such as goat meat and pork meat. Many of the local dishes are vegan before the term was invented since cretans relied heavily on what the land and the trees produced in abundance. The mountain tea (malotira), the local cheese (malaka) , thyme honey, olive oil, olives, wild herbs and greenery, hand picked are the basic ingredients in many savoury dishes. Hold your appetite before you visit Crete! It is a gastronomical feast!
