The old town is built around the Venetian port and is also a relatively integral area where Venetian buildings, and later Turkish elements, compose a unique architectural style. Due to the historic center of Chania with its Venetian walls defining the borders between the old and new city, the city has been pronounced as preserved. It consists of five connected districts surrounding the Venetian port. Its design was made by Venetian engineer, Michelle Sammichelli.

The Lighthouse, built in 1570 by the Venetians and reconstructed in 1830 by the Egyptians, is located at the end of the rock, protecting the port from the north. On the east of the old town, there is the Splantzia district built on the former Turkish district. Here you will see the only Orthodox Church that had the permission to operate during the period of the Venetian and Turkish occupancy. You will also see the Fountain Square.

On the southeast of the old city lies the Hebrew district, which reflects the times when the Hebrew community of Chania was obliged by the Venetians to move to a delimitated area called Judeca, where two synagogues were operating. Pretty close to that, you will find the Folklore Museum of Chania and Saint Francisco church which houses the city’s Archeological Museum. Also, do not miss the famous Stivanadika, where the Cretan boot-makers workshops are located. Stivania is the boots worn as a part of the traditional Cretan men’s costume. Today this street is full of souvenir shops as well as shops selling local leather goods.

The Gorge of Samaria is situated in the National park of Samaria, in the White Mountains in West Crete. This majestic gorge is considered one of the great attractions of Crete and many tourists want to visit it. But it is a (5 to 7 hours) walk on rough terrain, so you will need to have a certain degree of fitness and walking experience to enjoy it.

BY AIRPLANE – Chania Airport is connected with regular domestic flights with the main airports of Greece. The flight from Athens lasts about 50-55 minutes, and the airport is located at 14km from the city of Chania.

BY FERRY – Chania is connected daily to the port of Piraeus. The trip takes around 8 hrs. The port of Chania is in the Souda area, about 10km from the town of Chania.