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EXPLORE / CRETE

CHANIA

SPELLBINDING

TIMELESS

BEAUTY

The vibrant, cosmopolitan destination of Chania
offers visitors some of the most authentic and
fulfilling experiences in Greece that are sure to be
cherished forever.

CINEMATIC BEAUTY two, with the old town consist- chapels and churches. Walking Historic landmarks from across the ages, picturesque alleys, magnificent views,
ing of five districts surrounding through the old town is a fa- heroes and legends abound in Chania.
With a history spanning over the Venetian port. scinating experience. To name
four millennia, the stunning city Vestiges of the city’s past can just a few of the most impor-
of Chania is one of the oldest be seen in its dozens of Vene- tant attractions, there’s the pic- visitors can buy local products. Libyan Sea. This is where Eu- them as ghosts of the slain war-
settlements in the world, which tian and Ottoman buildings turesque Venetian port whose Then, of course, there are rope’s longest gorge, the 18 km riors; they are largely considered
has blossomed into a cosmo- and architectural details, with 16th century lighthouse, sea- Chania’s residents, whose zest long Samaria is located. Begin- to be a fascinating optical illu-
politan bucket-list entry that's mosques, Turkish bathhous- walls and buildings have fea- for life is infectious, evident in ning just below the Omalos pla- sion caused by light reflection.
celebrated as an alternative es and beautiful mansions giv- tured in many films, Firka For- the plethora of cafes, bars and teau, its width varies between Sougia and Paleohora are
to jet-set favorites Ibiza and en a new lease of life by ongo- tress, Giali Tzami, the highly restaurants spread along its fas- 150 and 3 m, while its walls pretty seaside towns offering rest
Mykonos. Once Crete’s capi- ing restoration works. Some of interesting Maritime Museum cinating labyrinth of alleyways reach 500 m at their highest and repose, with Paleohora pro-
tal (from 1898 to 1971) and the city’s old townhouses have and Grand Arsenal, the old and tiny squares dotted all over points. It ends at the seaside viding the perfect base to visit
hands down the island’s most been transformed into atmo- Venetian shipyard which now the old part of the city. This village of Agia Roumeli, with the peaceful island of Gavdos,
evocative urban area, Chania is spheric restaurants and bou- houses the Centre of Mediterra- place's all about enjoying life. hikers often spotting the kri-kri, the southernmost place in Eu-
split into the old and new city tique hotels. Meanwhile, the nean Architecture, the Archaeo- Crete’s native wild goat. Western rope, as well as stunning Ela-
by ancient Venetian walls that Byzantine era is also highly visi- logical Museum and the buzz- CASTLES, HEROS Crete also provides a multitude fonisi.
define the border between the ble, evident in Chania’s frescoed ing Municipal Market, where AND LEGENDS of opportunities for free climb- The port town of Kissamos
ing. The most popular climb- – which provides a good base
With its traditional villag es ing track is found near Chania for walking, touring and relax-
and rolling hills, western Crete’s at Theriso gorge, with levels of ing – is situated 16 km away
raw beauty is unparal leled. If difficulty ranging from V to VIII. from the stunning beach of Fal-
you're staying at Domes Noruz Further afield, the land is filled assarna, with the wild and re-
Chania, Autograph Collection or with castles, heroes and legends mote peninsula of Gramvousa
Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury – the result of the island’s tumul- also within close proximity. Oth-
Collection Resort, Crete, any of tuous history and many revolts, er attractions in the surrounding
these stunning landmarks are one example being the bloody area include the highly scenic
Chania's old
harbor was just a short drive away. Further massacre at the hands of the Ot- region south of Kissamos known
built in the boasting mountain peaks, fer- toman army which took place as the Ennia Horia [Nine Villag-
14th century by Fom top left: The
Venetian rulers Venetian Arsenals tile valleys, secluded beach- at Frangokastello in May 1828. es], famous for its chestnut fes-
of the island. or Tarsanades
Now it's buzzing shipyards are still es and incredible canyons, the In the same region, as dawn tival on the third Sunday of ev-
with social life operational to this famed area of Sfakia begins at breaks daily between May and ery October, as well as the ruins
(top). day. Next to the
Snapping a historic Church of the impressive cone-shaped for- June, strange human shadow- of the ancient city of Polyrrhe-
shot at the Profitis Ilias, the
lighthouse, at Venizelos Tombs mations of the Lefka Ori [White like figures appear on the coast. nia, which was founded by the
the entrance are a landmark Mountains] and stretches all the Folk tradition refers to them as Dorians and was continuously
to the town's of 20th century
harbor (left). history. way down to the shores of the the Drosoulites and explains inhabited until Venetian times.

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