Chania lighthouse

Chania: Why You Should Visit When You Travel To Greece

If you travel to Greece, whatever you do, don’t skip Chania. I did on my first visit to Greece (the ferry got cancelled due to weather), and I now regret that. I loved everything about Chania. This port town has lots of charming architecture which reflects its Turkish and Venetian past.  The lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the entire world. The port area also has lots of great restaurants with beautiful views of the harbor. It was especially crowed with locals for Sunday lunch and seemed to be everyone’s favorite hangout.

Chania lighthouse

Chania lighthouse

The Chania Port

The Chania Port

I absolutely loved getting lost in the winding streets of Old Town and The Turkish Quarter of Splatzia. Charming old doors framed purring cats who napped in the sun.  The smell of coffee, cigarettes, and orange blossoms perfumed the air as Greek fishermen lazily watched the day go by. I must also mention that I don’t thing I’ve ever seen ocean or sky as blue as it is in Crete.

Old town abandoned houses, Chania, Crete

Old Town abandoned houses

Red door in Chania

Red door

Old Windows

Old Windows in Chania’s Old Town

Orange Trees in Crete

Orange Trees in Crete

Lemons Reaching For The Sky In Chania

Lemons Reaching For The Sky In Chania

Chania cats

Chania cats

 

In the Turkish quarter, things were a little more modern with lots of street art painted on the old buildings. There was a youthful energy with coffee shops, trendy wine bars and restaurants in this district.

Chania street art

Chania street art

Chania street art

Chania street art

There’s also a great beach in Chania town if you just want to spend the day in the sun. It is also surrounded by a few restaurants if you want to take a break for lunch.

Chania Beach

Chania Beach

During your visit to Chania, make sure you visit the Profitis Ilias area. This is where the Venizelos Family Tomb is located and the view from this hill on the city is breathtaking. If you visit in the spring, make sure to walk around the area to see the stunning trees and wildflowers in bloom. Plan to watch sunset at Koukouvaya. This restaurant has gorgeous views and decadent desserts!

Chania trees in bloom

Chania trees in bloom

Wine at Koukouvaya

Wine at Koukouvaya

Sunset from Koukouvaya in Chania

Sunset from Koukouvaya in Chania

Sunset from Koukouvaya in Chania

Sunset from Koukouvaya in Chania

Chania also has some of the best restaurants and food than I’ve had in all of Greece. For more of my Chania restaurant recommendations, make sure you check out my article on my other website, Eating The Globe.

Crayfish with Squid Ink Pasta at Palazzo Almare Restaurant in Chania

Crayfish with Squid Ink Pasta at Palazzo Almare Restaurant in Chania

Chania was one of my favorite spots in Greece for many reasons. It was a gateway to one of the most beautiful islands on earth, it was very walkable, it had delicious and affordable food, friendly people, and interesting architecture. Let me know if you visit when you travel to Greece!

Valen Dawson

Valen Dawson-Author

What About You? Have You Traveled To Chania? What Did You Think? 

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