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36 EXPLORE / CRETE CHANIA CHANIA EXPLORE / CRETE 37

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Historic landmarks from across the ages, picturesque alleys, magnificent views,
heroes and legends abound in Chania.

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nean Architecture, the Archaeo- Chania, any of these stunning vides a multitude of opportuni-
logical Museum and the buzz- landmarks are just a short drive ties for free climbing. The most
ing Municipal Market, where away. Further boasting moun- popular climbing track is found
Top left:
visitors can buy local products. tain peaks, fertile valleys, se- near Chania at Theriso gorge, Chania's old
Then, of course, there are cluded beaches and incredi- with levels of difficulty ranging harbor was built in
the 14th century 619383311.jpg
Chania’s residents, whose zest ble canyons, the famed area from V to VIII. by Venetian rulers
of the island. Now
for life is infectious, evident in of Sfakia begins at the impres- Further afield, the land is filled it's buzzing with
the plethora of cafes, bars and sive cone-shaped formations of with castles, heroes and leg- social life. considered to be a fascinating stunning beach of Falassarna,
restaurants spread along its the Lefka Ori [White Mountains] ends – the result of the island’s Top right: optical illusion caused by light with the wild and remote pen-
fascinating labyrinth of alley- and stretches all the way down tumultuous history and many In the twilight, reflection. insula of Gramvousa also with-
the floodlit
ways and tiny squares dotted all to the shores of the Libyan Sea. revolts, one example being the buildings and Sougia and Paleohora are in close proximity. Other attrac-
restored lighthouse
over the old part of the city. This This is where Europe’s longest bloody massacre at the hands offset the pretty seaside towns offering tions in the surrounding area
place's all about enjoying life. gorge, the 18 km long Samaria of the Ottoman army which took breathtaking sea rest and repose, with Paleohora include the highly scenic region
and sky.
is located. Beginning just below place at Frangokastello in May providing the perfect base to vis- south of Kissamos known as
CASTLES, HEROS the Omalos plateau, its width 1828. In the same region, as Bottom right, from it the peaceful island of Gav- the Ennia Horia [Nine Villag-
left: Next to the
AND LEGENDS varies between 150 and 3 m, dawn breaks daily between historic Church of dos, the southernmost place es], famous for its chestnut fes-
Profitis Ilias, the
while its walls reach 500 m at May and June, strange human Venizelos Tombs in Europe, as well as stunning tival on the third Sunday of ev-
With its traditional villag- their highest points. It ends at shadow-like figures appear on are a landmark Elafonisi. ery October, as well as the ruins
of 20th century
es and rolling hills, western the seaside village of Agia Rou- the coast. Folk tradition refers history. The The port town of Kissamos – of the ancient city of Polyrrhe-
Venetian Arsenals
Crete’s raw beauty is unparal- meli, with hikers often spotting to them as the Drosoulites and or Tarsanades which provides a good base for nia, which was founded by the
leled. If you're staying at Domes the kri-kri, Crete’s native wild explains them as ghosts of the shipyards are walking, touring and relaxing – Dorians and was continuously
still operational
Noruz Chania or Casa Cook goat. Western Crete also pro- slain warriors; they are largely to this day. is situated 16 km away from the inhabited until Venetian times.
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