Chania is one of the most beautiful towns in Crete. Although one of the oldest and most touristic destinations in Greece, it has managed to keep its authentic character. Chania Old Town is characterised by multicultural elements. The Venetian port is perfectly combined with the oriental past and neoclassical architecture of the island. During your vacation in Crete, we recommend you stay in Chania and explore this wonderful city. After only a couple nights there you’ll feel the unique aura. Then, you can rent a car in Chania and explore the whole prefecture of the city, with its majestic beaches as well as the other regions of Crete. Below a list of things to check out in the Old Town:
Old Harbour
The main tourist attraction in Chania Old Town is the Venetian port, which was built by the Venetians in the 14th century. Wooden fishing boats, traditional eateries and cafes on the coastline, as well as the imposing lighthouse and the Ottoman mosque, captivate every visitor and create the ideal scenery for lots of pictures!
Venetian Lighthouse
The Venetian lighthouse, situated at the entrance of the port, is the symbol and most romantic place in Chania. Although the lighthouse is no longer operational and has been replaced by modern lighthouses, it is one of the top attractions in Chania due to its historical interest and magnificent architecture.
Archaeological Museum
Crete has a long and rich history that dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. The Archaeological Museum of Chania is situated in the Church of San Francesco, which was built by the Venetians and later was used as a mosque by the Turks. The museum holds archaeological findings from the Neolithic till the Roman Times with impressive exhibits, such as Minoan jewellery, clay figurines, ceramics and tablets with inscriptions.
Maritime Museum
In the Maritime Museum of Crete, you can learn about the strong relationship Cretans have with the sea which is evident throughout their history. Amazing models of ships, paintings, photos and nautical equipment show you the maritime history of Crete from the Minoan till the modern times. In the museum, you will be impressed by a reconstructed Minoan ship from the 15th century BC.
Ottoman baths
The public baths (aka hammams) are strongly related to the Ottoman and Muslim tradition as according to the Koran only the running water can purify. The hammams were places of body cleaning and socialising. They were built by the Turkish Empire in the 17th century. Today, the hammams are open only for display, as they are no longer public baths but rather a historical beautiful building with impressive mosaics.
Venetian shipyards
The Venetian shipyards were constructed in the 16th century for ship building and are located on the right side of the old harbour. The shipyards were 17 originally, but today only 7 are still operational. However, you can see all of them and admire how the modern architecture is combined with these historical vaulted buildings.
