 Chania
is located along the northern coast of Crete, and is the second
largest city of Crete and the capital of the Chania Prefecture.
Chania
enjoys a normal Mediterranean climate, with sunny and dry summers and mild
and rainy winters. Between April and October you can expect practically
every day to be clear and sunny. Minor early heat waves have been known
to occur in March or April, during a Saharan dust event, but typically
heat waves are not terribly common. Snows and frosts are also not common
in Chania. For the most part, the weather is always beautifully clear and
warm.
Chania
is filled with beautiful ancient visions and places to see. Despite the
fact that during World War II Chanias Old Town was bombed heavily,
it is still considered to be the most beautiful urban district located
on Crete. The central area of the old town, Kasteli, has been inhabited
since the Neolithic times, and is found on a small hill next to the seafront.
The Old Towns main square is the Eleftherios Venizelos Square.
Here you will find the heart of activities for tourists.
Other beautiful
landmarks to visit while in Chania are found in Kasteli.
The Kasteli Archaeological Area and part of the Byzantine walls
are very popular destinations to see. The remains of the Government House
of Palazzo of the Venetians dates back to the 17th century, and the former
Santa Maria de Miracoli Monastery was constructed in 1615. In Splantzia
you will find the Dominican Monastery of St. Nicholas from the early 14th
century, the Church of St. Rocco from the early 17th century, and the Minaret
of St. Nicholas.
Head to the
shore, and on the harbor you will find the Faros, a lighthouse from the
15th century. Other things to see on the harbor include the Mosque of the
Janissaries, the Venetian Shipyards, Neoria, from the late 16th century,
and the Bulwark of St. Nicholas of Molos.
On Halidon
Street are located the Stivanadika, or traditional leather stores, and
on bulwar Sabbionara you can visit the Church of Agioi Anargyroi and the
Bulwark San Salvatore. Be sure to leave time to visit Kissamos,
where you will find that the ancient Greek traditions and myths are still
alive.
In Polirrinia
you will find a majestic reservoir with an altar and ruins from the Roman
era. Other places to visit while in Chania include Falassarna,
Gramvoussa, Agnion, Potamida, Agia Sofia, and Diktinna, where there
are Byzantine Churches dating back as far as the 10th century. Many things
here can be explored on foot, including walking through the mountains and
viewing the beautiful waters flowing down the mountainside.
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