Places of interest in Chania, Crete | Traveler by Unique

Old Venetian Harbour, Chania

Places of interest in Chania, Crete

Trademark of Chania is its Venetian Harbour. It has been built by the Venetians between 1320 and 1356 and was used in commerce and control against pirates. A place full of historical memories and colorful old building's which overlook the harbor. A splendid mixture of East and West everywhere you look. Turkish mosques, old shipyards, fortress and the Lighthouse add to the charm of the place while modern restaurants, bars and cafes complete the scenery.

Lighthouse of Chania

Places of interest in Chania, Crete

The Lighthouse of Chania, Crete is one of the oldest lighthouses of Europe. Its architecture reminds of a minaret and doesn’t include a sleeping quarter since it is located in an inhabited area.

It was built between 1595 and 1601 has plenty Venetian elements and the material used for its construction are the same with the rest of the old city. It has an octagonal base, a 16-corner middle section, and another circular section.

During 1839 the Lighthouse upgraded with new technological methods, while the stairway of the eastern side and the peripheral parapet are Turkish additions.

Samaria Gorge, Chania

Places of interest in Chania, Crete

It is the longest trekking gorge in Europe, most famous of all and belongs to the European E4 path. Every year thousands of tourists visit the area during the summer period to cross the famous gorge. The gorge is 18km and takes almost 4-7 hours to hike from Omalos to Agia Roumeli, depending on your trekking speed.

While the gorge is officially 18km long, the gorge is 16km long, due to the distance between the settlement of Omalos on the northern side of the plateau and the village of Agia Roumeli. The most famous part of the gorge is the stretch known as the Iron Gates, where the sides of the gorge close in to a width of four meters and soar up to a height of 500 m.

Aradena’s Gorge, Chania

Places of interest in Chania, Crete

Aradena’s Gorge in Crete is one of the most impressive gorges in the region. Its starts from the abandoned village of Aradena and ends at Marmara beach and it is 7km long. Near the entrance of the gorge you can see the iron bridge that connects Anopoli with Aradna. It’s the largest bridge in Greece and ideal for bungee jumping. It is considered as a trekking route of medium difficulty and you can walk down the gorge throughout the year.

Therissos Gorge, Chania

Places of interest in Chania, Crete

Therissos Gorge deserves a visit; it is located near Chania, Crete and its worth visiting the homonymous village as well. The main gorge is 6 km long and its vertical cliffs are impressive.

The well known Therissos village has played a crucial role in the modern history of Crete since its residents have not stopped fighting the Turks, who repeatedly tried to break its resistance.

Fragokastelo castle

Places of interest in Chania, Crete

Fragokastelo castle is a small, well preserved castle very close to the homonymous beach, with a story full of memory and myths.

The so called «castle of Drosoulites" was built from Venetians between 1371 to 1374, aiming to protect them from Sfakians. The castle had been first named “Castle of St. Nikita", but after conquering it Sfakians renamed it to Fragokastelo.

The myth of Drosoulites! Every year during Spring to midsummer according to a local myth just before sunrise you can see dead warrior figures crossing the castle and heading towards the sea. Locals named them Drosoulites because they appear when there is still a mist.

Municipal Market of Chania

Places of interest in Chania, Crete

It is a remarkable architectural gem and one of the most impressive municipal markets in the Balkan region. Chania’s Market is a cross shaped structure with four gates one on each wing. With its unique architecture its local products and small taverns with irresistible delicacies it is considered a must destination.

Lake Agia, Chania

Places of interest in Chania, Crete

Lake Agia is a fresh water artificial lake. It is a peaceful place with flowers, birds and a small church. Walk at its shore and enjoy the natural environment. The little bridges will excite you, while the place is ideal for children too. The lake was once built for irrigation now has resulted in a wonderful small eco system which attracts all kinds of migrating water birds

Kournas Lake, Chania

Places of interest in Chania, Crete

Kournas Lake is a fresh water lake known for its beautiful landscape, lying in a valley among the hills about 4 km from Georgioupolis in Chania Perfecture. The lake is quite small and covers an area of 579.000sqm.

The lake is an ideal place for a walk, swim or water sport activities for the whole family.