Trip to Chania
Chania, located on the western side of Crete, is a beautiful city with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. It’s a place where you can spend days exploring the Old Town, walking along the Venetian harbor, and discovering the beautiful beaches and mountains of the region. In this blog post, I will share my experience of traveling to Chania and highlight some of the best things to see and do in this amazing city.
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Crete in October
When I got the invitation for the trip to Chania, three things came immediately to my mind: amazing food, amazing weather, and generous warm-hearted people. It was impossible to say NO to the invitation. Even with back pains, I packed my luggage (I have two, one was already packed with clothes from Paris) with summer clothes and a swimsuit, and left for my home country, Greece.
I never thought that in the mid of October I would walk barefoot in the sand in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, in Balos. And that I would still be wearing white summer dresses while the rest of Europe was freezing cold. Now I know. I know a place where there is still summer while winter has already begun in Vienna.
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How to get from Vienna to Chania
Getting to Chania is relatively easy. The city has its own airport, and there are also regular ferries from Athens and other islands. I flew from Athens to Chania, which took around 45 minutes. The airport is located around 14 kilometers east of the city center, and there are several transportation options available, including taxis, buses, and car rentals.
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Where we stayed in Chania
Chania offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. I stayed in the Old Town, which is a great location as it’s close to all the major attractions and has plenty of bars and restaurants. I chose a traditional guesthouse, which was beautifully decorated and offered all the amenities I needed.
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Exploring the Chania Old Town
The Old Town of Chania is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city. The narrow streets, the beautiful architecture, and the historic buildings all combine to create a unique and charming atmosphere. I spent hours wandering around the Old Town, admiring the Venetian and Ottoman architecture, and browsing through the many shops and markets.
One of the highlights of the Old Town is the Venetian harbor. This picturesque harbor is home to many colorful fishing boats, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset. I enjoyed sitting at one of the many waterfront cafes and watching the world go by.
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Best things to do in Chania
Here are some things to do in Chania:
Explore the Old Town: Chania’s Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming shops and restaurants. Take a stroll and admire the Venetian architecture, the Ottoman-era buildings, and the lively atmosphere.
Visit the Venetian Harbour: The Venetian Harbour is one of the most picturesque spots in Chania. Take a walk along the waterfront, admire the old lighthouse, and enjoy a drink or a meal in one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Discover the Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum of Chania showcases the rich history of the island of Crete, from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. Don’t miss the impressive Minoan collection, including the famous Phaistos Disk.
Go to the beach: Chania has several beautiful beaches, such as Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and the stunning scenery.
Hike the Samaria Gorge: The Samaria Gorge is a stunning natural park located in the White Mountains of Crete. It’s a great place to go hiking and admire the rugged beauty of the island.
Visit the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete: This botanical park is a lush oasis of plants and trees from all over the world. Take a walk, learn about the local flora and fauna, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Taste the local cuisine: Crete is known for its delicious cuisine, which features fresh seafood, olive oil, herbs, and vegetables. Try some traditional dishes, such as dakos, moussaka, and dolmades, and wash them down with a glass of raki, the local spirit.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Chania. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or gastronomy, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this charming city.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
Chania is surrounded by beautiful beaches and mountains, and it’s worth taking a day trip to explore the region. One of the best beaches is Elafonisi, which is located around 75 kilometers southwest of Chania. This stunning beach has crystal clear waters and pink sand, and it’s a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
The Samaria Gorge is another must-visit destination for nature lovers. This 16-kilometer-long gorge is located in the White Mountains of Crete, and it’s one of the longest and most impressive gorges in Europe. The gorge is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and it’s a great place for hiking and exploring.
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A trip to Chania
Our daily schedule was based on the “senses” concept: hearing, sight, touch, smell, and taste.
We visited so many beautiful places like the Kalathenes village, Chora Sfakion, and the fishing village of Loutro. We touched and smelt Cretan herbs at the Botanical Park.
We had wine tasting and unforgettable dining experience at Salis restaurant.
We ate sea food at Apostolis restaurant and had our last dinner at Santa Marina beach. Not to mention the full moon we saw on our last night in Chania’s old town. Especially that made it more difficult to leave Chania the next day.
Oh yes! I ate a little bit more than I was supposed to. But we were in Crete. When they place in front of you five dishes of fresh lobsters with spaghetti and traditional Cretan cheese pie, you just cannot resist the temptation. If you plan a trip to Chania, you can rest assured that the Cretan people will treat you right.
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Chania is a beautiful city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Old Town, visiting the museums, or discovering the surrounding area, Chania has something for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Chania, and I would highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Greece.
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