Chania district situated on the western edge
of Crete charms foreign and Greek visitors alike
with its stunning ravines and dramatic caves,
its sparkling lakes and the marvelous beaches
decorating its shores. Chania district's numerous
archaeological sites stimulate the interest of
all who set foot there.
Chania, capital of the province, is a delightful
city, combining old and new elements in an attractive
way. Its many graphic neighborhoods have well-laid
out street plans with wide roads, shady squares
and well-preserved Classical mansions.
The Tzami, the Jewish Quarter, the Venetian Port,
the Lighthouse, The Xamam, the Topana, Xalepa,
Koum Kapi, Spiantza , Kastelli Quarters, The Outdoor
Theatre of East Tafrou, The Covered Market and
the Public Gardens are just a few of the many
beautiful areas you shouldn't miss.
Agia
Marina is a well-known tourist resort nearby the
summer resorts of Stalos and Kato Stalos. There
is a water cave in Agia Marina with stalactites
and stalagmites while right across is the small
island of Agios Theodori where the kri-kri, the
wild Cretan goat is raised. To visit you need
a permit from the Forestry Department.
On the shores of the Livikou Pelagous not far
from the exit from Samarias Gorge is Agia Roumeli
and on the Akrotiri(peninsula) there's the island's
airport built on an extensive plateau.
On verdant plains planted with citrus orchards
is the beautiful village of Alikianos. There you
can see the artificial lake Agias, an aquatic
nature preserve and a resting spot for migratory
birds.
Spread out over a lovely bay with blue-green waters
is the village of Almirida which is quite different
from nearby Anopoli which is built on the foothills
of the Lefka Ori (White Mountain Range). Near
Anopoli are the imposing Aravena Gorge, and the
Eligia Gorge.
Charming
villages with traditional houses hidden among
the greenery are Asi Gonia, Vamos, Voukolies,
Vrises, Gavalochori, Epanachori, Elos, Theriso,
Imbros, Kandanos, Kastelli Kissamou, Kefali, Kournas,
Malaxa, Meskla, Mournies, Perivolia, Platanos,
Polyrineia, Sougia, Souda, Stilos, Topolia and
Floria.
Tourist villages are Galatas and Georgioupoli
near the river Almiros and the tourist resort
Kavros with modern hotel facilities. Daratsos
is a tourist area where one shouldn't miss the
heavenly islet of Elafonisos which will certainly
impress you. Make sure to visit the cedar forest
across.
Kaluves is a beautiful seaside village with vivid
island colours and Koumbari is a graphic village
right on the edge of the sea with fish taverns
and a small harbor with fishing boats. From there
you can visit Cape Spatha. You can also visit
the traditional settlement of Tavronitis near
the mouth of the Tavronitis River. Maleme is also
a beautiful seaside village with quite a bit of
tourist traffic. Nearby is the summer resort Pirgos
Psilonerou.
The Askifou Plateau surrounded by the high peaks
of the Lefka Ori is spectacular with numerous
paths and a mountain shelter you can hike to.
The mountain range of the storied Omalou is enchanting
which has among other sites the Tzani Cave. From
Palaiochora you can visit Elafonisi and Anidrou
Gorge and the tourist settlement Grammeno. The
graphic summer resort Platania has a lot of tourism
while on its outskirts is the summer resort of
Gerani.
Falasarna on the west coast has an extensive sandy
beach and turquoise waters while Frangokastello
on the southern coast is a seaside community built
near the famous Venetian fortress built in 1371.
Chrusoskalitissa is a small summer resort built
near the monastery Panagia Chrusoskalitissas.
If you happen to be in the area, visit the Bay
of Stomio with its rocky shore and the limnodexmanes
of the area.
The village Chora Sfakion is a historical village
with many elements of traditional architecture.
It's known for its superb traditional cuisine
but also for its tradition of feuding and vendetta.
Chora Sfakion's harbor is linked to Loutro, Agia
Roumeli, Sougia, Palaiochora and Gavdo by small
ships that make frequent routes. The charming
and remote seaside village of Loutro is worth
a visit with its sheltered cove and island 'look',
as is the Daskalogianni Cave which is only accessible
by sea and the Ancient Theatre.
If you get to Chania, make sure to purchase local
delicacies. Try Sfakiani Tourta, Chochlious(snails
cooked in red wine sauce), Boureki, Kreas Tsigaristo
and Chtapodosalata (octopus salad). |