There are many places to visit both in Crete and in Chania, depending on your interests. Many visitors prefer to explore the nature and different places in Crete. Others are more interested in culture and want to visit museums and archaeological sites. Most tourists though prefer to relax under the sun, on a sand beach with crystal blue waters.

The first and most obvious place to explore is Chania itself. Chania is a very beautiful and interesting city to visit, with its old town, museums, attractions and restaurants. It is very close from the hotel, only 15 minutes by bus. It’s always pleasant to wander in the small alleys of the old town, which was built by the Venetians. All around Chania the visitor can find many shops where he can buy souvenirs, traditional products, fashion items or food. In the old town there are also many restaurants to choose from, with delightfully relaxing views of the old port and lighthouse.

Most sightseeings in Chania are within walking distance. You can visit the old market which is built in the shape of a cross. There are also three major museums: the archaeological museum, the naval museum, and the foclore museum.

Sightseeings:

• The Old Town (stroll in the narrow alleys, smell and taste real Chania).
• Faros (the lighthouse, landmark of Chania).
• The museums (Naval museum, Archaeological museum, Cretan Culture museum, all of them are in old town, near the old port).
• Halidon street and Trimartiry cathedral.
• The hill at Kasteli, particularly Prytania (the headquarters of the University of Crete, with the best view of the old port).
• Agora (the indoor market in the shape of cross).
• Tabakaria (an area east of Chania, by the sea, close to Halepa, where the old tanneries used to be, spooky like going back in time, full of old buildings and factories).
• Halepa (an area east of Chania, close to Tabakaria, used to be aristocratic, with the houses of Venizelos, the ex-French school and other old mansions).

Platanias and Agia Marina are located west of Chania, along the beach. They are the places to go for the younger generation as there are plenty of clubs and bars during summer. There is no shortage of restaurants or shops either.

There are many picturesque villages doting the rugged coastline of southern Crete. If you are adventurous, and want to avoid the masses of tourists, this is the place to be.

Along the coastline there are many small shallow bays and beaches. Some of them are accessible by car, for others, you have to walk for a while. The most well known places and bases for excursions in south-western Crete are Paleohora, Sfakia, Sougia and Plakias.

Elafonisos is a small island which is connected with Crete by a shallow strip of sand. The whole area is a protected natural environment. Half a kilometer to the east there is Kedrodassos, a nice idyllic beach filled with cedar trees. It is quieter than Elafonisos and is worth to search for it!

Gramvousa is the north-western tip of Crete. There is Balos, a protected sandy shallow beach with an island opposite it, Gramvousa. There is an old castle on Gramvousa. Gramvousa can be reached by a boat, while Balos by boat and car. Both places are of pristine beauty with rugged cliffs rising around the area.

Samaria Gorge is the most popular destination for nature lovers in Crete. This national park is located in south-west Crete, its 9 km long and takes about 6 hours to cross it. In Samaria the visitor can sea the terrain, the flaura and fauna of Crete. There is a small river flowing and the walk is pleasant. Go early, so you can stay in the shade and go with your pace.

In Chania prefecture, there are more than 16 large and small gorges. Nevertheless, few are accessible without a guide.

Not far from Chania, on the east, close to the airport, are a number of historical monasteries that are worth to visit. Tsagarolon and Gouverneto are two of those. The monasteries were built around the 16th centuries and are located in beautiful countryside filled with olive trees. From the monasteries there are paths from where you can explore closer the Cretan mountains.

Lefka Ori, or White Mountains, is the main mountainous landmass of western Crete. For the adventurous traveler who has its own transport, it’s the ideal area for discovering the genuine Cretan way of living, following centuries of traditions. Every village and every villager has a story to tell. Its up to you to discover it!

The archaeological site of Knossos is well known as it marked the beginning of the Greek (and European) civilization. Knossos is a short distance from Heraklion, where you could also visit the archaelogical museum, which has many of Knossos artifacts.

Rethymnon is a nice small city which many people would describe as a ‘miniature’ of Chania.

In case you are undecided, our staff could recommend you exactly what you are looking for. Just don’t hesitate to ask!