Regional Unit of Chania (Greek: Περιφερειακή ενότητα Χανίων) is a region on the island of Crete. It has a population of 156,585 (2011).
Settlements
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- 1 Chania (Χανιά, Haniá) — largest city of the western region
- 2 Agia Roumeli (Αγιά Ρουμέλη) — small coastal town at the end of the Samaria gorge
- 3 Drapanias (Δραπανιάς) — the principal town in the Cretan municipality of Mythimna; it was built in the ruins of the ancient town of Mythimna
- 4 Hora Sfakion (Χώρα Σφακίων or Σφακιά, Sfakia) — tiny capital in the southwest with white houses and the ferry to and from the Samaria Gorge
- 5 Kissamos (Κίσσαμος) — not big on tourism and most of its income is from wine, oil, and agricultural production
- 6 Omalos (Ομαλός) — a high plateau notable for being at the top of the Samaria gorge
- 7 Paleochora (Παλαιόχωρα or Παλιόχωρα) — small resort village on southwest coast
Other destinations
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- 1 Elafonisi (Ελαφονήσι) — a wonderful, but very crowded islet located close to the southwestern corner of Crete
- 2 Gavdos (Γαύδος) — the southernmost point of Europe
- 3 Samariá Gorge (Φαράγγι Σαμαριάς or just Φάραγγας) — A most visited gorge running from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.
Understand
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Get in
[edit]By ferry
[edit]Ferry services from Athens (Piraeus port) to Chania (Hania) Crete island. Schedules here.
You have two options for ferry travel to Chania - overnight cruise (approx. 9 hours) from Piraeus on ANEK Lines; or 4.5 hour daytime high-speed ferry from Piraeus on Hellenic Seaways.
By plane
[edit]- 4 Chania airport. This airport is much smaller and far less busy than Heraklion airport. However, short (40-50 minute) flights are available from Athens. In the high season you can find charter-flights from many European cities.
Get around
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Walk: Crete is a very safe and tourist friendly island.
The cheapest option would be to take the bus (which is also very safe). Besides that, renting a car or using taxis..
See
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- 1 Chrysoskalitissa Monastery (Located along the cliff top overlooking the southwestern coast.).
- 2 German War Cemetery (Germaniko Nekrotafio) (15th km old national road Chania- Kissamos). — one of the two German military cemeteries in Greece. Most of the soldiers buried here lost their lives on Crete.
- 3 Olive tree of Vouves. One of the oldest olive trees in the world, still producing olives. Estimated to be 2000-4000 years old.
Do
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Explore... The Chania's harbour area is beautiful and the lighthouse is incredible. The Maritime museum is also a great visit. The Old Town is full of all types of shops, pubs, and restaurants that are aimed at tourists. Crete is full of a number of beautiful beaches and breath taking views. For wine enthusiasts, Nostos Winery is a 20-minute drive from the centre and is a beautiful winery that offers incredible tastings.
Eat
[edit]Go where the locals go...
However, if you are looking for a cheap and quick meal you can find gyros all over town.
Drink
[edit]A must in Crete is Raki. Be careful... it packs a punch. Additionally, many local bars and restaurants give out free shots or drinks to all costumers.
Sleep
[edit]You can expect plenty of choices concerning beach and city hotels in the region of Chania.
Stay safe
[edit]Go next
[edit]You can walk to the bus terminal easily from the harbor or main market square - 5 to 10 minutes.