There is a small city in Greece, with an ultra-picturesque Venetian Port, like a small Venice - all of this in a sunny island harbour, with plenty of beaches around. This city is Chania.

Chania, for most people, is arguably the most picturesque city in the whole of Greece. Just behind the Venetian Port, you can find the traditional Old Town of Chania. After the amazing views of the port and the sea, you find yourself inside a friendly labyrinth of lanes, with centuries-old well restored buildings all around you. Chania Old Town is a true poem for the senses…

At the edge of the Venetian Port lies the Firkas Fortress. Firkas used to be a prison for fearless Greek rebels during the Ottoman occupation era. Nowadays, it houses the Naval Museum, featuring a great panoramic view of the Venetian Port.

Just opposite Firkas Fortress stands the Arabian Lighthouse, which was recently very carefully restored. You can reach the lighthouse on foot, using a small path along the harbour arm on the opposite (from Firkas) edge of the Venetian Port. Near the beginning of this path, take a good look at the row of identical tall buildings featuring arches in their front: this are the old Venetian “Neoria” which was used first for ship-building purposes, and later as huge warehouses for all the city’s foodstuff - extremely useful at these days as a measure against enemy blockade.

Around the centuries-old Chania Old Town, a significant and prosperous modern city has grown, with a population of about 70.000 people, which provides almost everything a visitor can think of - from shop-till-you-drop experiences to a literally unlimited selection of taverns, restaurants, cafes and bars.

Chania city is the largest city in West Crete, the second largest - after the capital Heraklion - in Crete, and one of the 10 bigger Greek cities. According to a recent national poll, most Greeks consider Chania as the most beautiful city in Greece. It’s up to you to find out if the opinion of the Greek people is also yours... But beware! If you plan to stay in Chania, and before finalizing your length of stay, keep in mind that far too many people have extended their stay in Chania city. The city has a magical, almost addictive, aura for the visitor, which is very hard to resist!