Chania Greece

The Chania prefecture is the westernmost region on the island of Crete, and within its borders a myriad of adventures, sights and sounds await the visitor to this humble, yet sure of itself destination. The town of Chania, sharing the name of the prefecture, is the capital of the area, and its charm is undeniable. Chania Town is likely the best preserved city in Crete, maintaining Venetian and Turkish structures from eras gone by, as well as a wealth of historic sites dating back through various civilizations and cultures. The city’s old town offers a feel of the past, whereas the new town offers a more cosmopolitan edge.

The Chania prefecture is full of activities and full of life, the landscape defined by coastal areas where beach Chania selections are sure to please, and inland gorges and mountains rich in natural beauty. While Greek island hopping seems like the thing to do for some, others could be quite content spending either the bulk, or all of their vacation focusing on Chania travel alone. Chania Greece is a proud prefecture with everything to offer the curious visitor. The people are warm and known for their hospitality, and especially in the mountain villas Chania travel awards you with an unspoiled look at Cretan life.

Visitors to Crete are quite often immediately impressed with the island’s natural diversity and the friendly Cretan locals. Others are intrigued by the diversity found in the island’s different villages. In Chania, one of the more touristy villages is that of Platanias. Located approximately 9 miles west of Chania Town, Platanias offers beautiful stretching Chania beach options and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. It is ideal for those looking for developed facilities, a mix of lodging options and an array of taverns, restaurants, bars and clubs. Busses linking Platanias with Chania transport tourists who often have pre-arranged Greece vacation packages to their resorts or Chania villa rentals in Platanias, or those just visiting the beaches for the day.

For a village in Chania Greece that has a different feel, head to Therissos. Situated some 1,900 feet among the White Mountains, Therissos offers beautiful views and savory taverns offering local takes on Cretan Greek food. For a side trip in Therissos, hike the short trip to the cave on the Kladissos River where Neolithic and Minoan traces reveal the long history of the island. For another welcome view into authentic Crete, consider spending a day or more in the village of Hora Sfakion. Hora Sfakion is found nestled among the White Mountains as well, and offers a number of good hiking and sightseeing opportunities, among the most popular being a hike to Samaria Gorge. From Hora Sfakion, exploration of the unspoiled and natural expanses of the south coast of the island usually begins, and the traditional village will have you slowing things down a bit. After a day hiking, or exploring an isolated beach, you can dine at one of Hora Sfakion’s seafront restaurants and reflect on your day.

At the many various Chania beach strips, guests to Chania can choose whether they want crowded resorts or secluded peace. West of the city of Chania, the bulk of resorts and touristy beaches predominate on the northern coast. They are fun areas that fill-up in the summer and offer great daytime activities and exciting nightlife. If you are looking for a more quiet beach Chania atmosphere, spots like Elafonissos beach offer a bit more isolation and less facilities. Found on the southwest side of Crete and the Chania prefecture, Elafonissos beach is found on a small islet that can be reached by crossing a reef during calm sea conditions. You’ll find only a few cantinas here, and while there are no hotels or rentals, you are allowed to camp on the beach.

Chania travel between the villages and beach locations is most often facilitated by a number of well-organized bus lines. If you have rented a car after arriving, you can head out and explore on your own, or you can hire taxi service if you want. While staying in Chania, you will have a choice between various offerings in accommodations, and many people choose the comfort, amenities and atmosphere found at a Chania villa or resort. Often, Chania villa and resort accommodations can be arranged ahead of time with a Chania travel package, and you can pre-arrange your transportation to and from the island as well. Chania Greece is serviced primarily with flights from Athens, and charter flights from various European cities can be found as well. Flights to and from Thessaloniki also serve the island, and from the Crete airport in Heraklion, travelers can reach the island of Rhodes year round, and in the summer find flights to Paros, Santorini and Mykonos. During the high season especially, a number of Greek ferry lines also transport visitors to and from the mainlaind, and from Crete to various other Greek islands.