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Chania
Chania
was the capital of Crete until 1971. Today, it is the
second largest town in Crete. Many believe Chania to
be one of the most impressive towns in the whole of
Greece. Chania is really two towns. The old walled
town with its mediaeval quarters and the new town with
the suburbs spreading around the old. The old town,
with its magnificent harbour, consists of houses and
churches from both the Venetian and Turkish periods.
Walking through the maze of narrow streets is like a
trip through the history of Crete. Here you will also
find many excellent restaurants, bars and small shops,
as well as the famous cruciform shaped market, with
its fascinating array of provisions. The unique
melting pot of history which forms this town is part
of its enduring charm.
Scattered
north and west from Chania, lie countless beautiful beaches
along with many small villages and pretty coves. Here is the
perfect holiday for every kind of visitor. There are water
sports, ideal sunbathing spots and excursions. On this
side of the island is the start of the famous 18km long
Samaria Gorge, whose massive cliffs rise to over 1000 feet.
The Gorge can be walked during most of the summer months. Many
archaeological sites are also within easy reach by public or
private transport. In these wonderful surroundings we have
carefully chosen apartments and villas in villages and little
beach resorts all around Chania where we trust you have a
wonderful holiday and truly enjoy the Cretan way of life.
 Walk
through Chania's meandering streets, watch the sun set
over the old Venetian harbor, or venture into the
covered market where merchants sell rounds of Cretan
cheese, nuts, olive oil, honey and fresh herbs and
produce. It will take you back a century or two, and
you'll understand the islanders' fierce dedication to
this city.
Chania is
the starting point for a visit to western Crete, with its
lofty mountains, deep gorges and rolling lowlands planted with
olive and orange groves. The Samaria Gorge (a spectacular 44
kilometer drive from Hania) is Europe's longest. The 16
kilometer hike takes six hours and begins with a steep descent
by staircase from the high Omalos plain. Take plenty of water
and a swimsuit the reward at the end is a dip in the Libyan
Sea.
 Here
is the perfect holiday for every kind of visitor. There are
water sports, ideal sunbathing spots and excursions. On this
side of the island is the start of the famous 18 km long
Samaria Gorge, whose massive cliffs rise to over 1000 feet.
The Gorge can be walked during most of the summer months. Many
archaeological sites are also within easy reach by public or
private transport. In these wonderful surroundings we have
carefully chosen apartments and villas in villages and little
beach resorts all around Chania where we trust you have a
wonderful holiday and truly enjoy the Cretan way of life.
History:
Chania suffered severe attack by German paratroopers during
second world war and earlier endured occupation by the
Minoans, Venetians, Egyptians and Turks. Until the title was
passed to Iraklion in 1971, Hania was Crete's capital. But
because it survived its tumultuous history so gracefully, many
islanders still consider Hania to be the island's true capital
and certainly its most beautiful city. |
