Souda Bay War Cemetery

Suda Bay War Cemetery is a military cemetery designed by architect Luis De Soissons in which combatants of the First and Second World War are buried or commemorated. In particular, the cemetery site currently contains 1,500 graves of dead soldiers, 776 of which have not been identified, but special memorials commemorate a number of victims believed to be buried among them, 19 First World War burials, 7 burials of other nationalities and 37 non-war burials.

Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera

Aptera, an ancient city of Crete, now ruined, is located in the region of Chania. There are ruins and remnants of civilizations with a history of over 2000 years. Within the archaeological site, you can see an ancient theatre, the ruins of several Doric temples, and a Roman peristyle villa. The most imposing monuments of the city are the drinking water tanks, which date back to the Roman period, but it is possible that the oldest ones were built during the Hellenistic period.

Firkas Fortress and Maritime Museum of Crete

The Firkas Fortress, which now houses the Maritime Museum of Crete, took its name from the Turkish word Firkas, which means division, as the fortress was the headquarters of the Turkish Division. One of the most glorious pages of modern Crete was written there, as on December 1st, 1913, the Prime Minister of Greece Eleftherios Venizelos and King Constantine, after seven centuries of slavery, raised the Greek flag on the fortress, sealing the union of autonomous Crete with the rest of Greece.

Chania Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum was founded in 1963 and is housed in the church of St. Francis, a Venetian church, once the largest in Chania, which was also converted into a Mosque by the Ottomans. In this museum, you will have the opportunity to get to know the history of the island through the exhibits, which consist mainly of collections of sculptures, ceramics, gold jewelry, and coins.

Wander through the Old Port

The Old Port of Chania is perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in the city. It dates back to the 14th century, and in the surrounding area, there are many historical buildings, including arsenals from the Venetian era and an old mosque that now operates as an art gallery. The port is surrounded by a main road along the seafront, on which you will find many traditional taverns, cafes, and shops. One of the most popular areas of the city, it is bustling with life all year round, and in summer, it is flooded with tourists and locals enjoying the beautiful nighttime atmosphere it offers.

The Monasteries of Akrotiri Peninsula

Just a few kilometers from Chania is the Akrotiri peninsula. In this rocky area, there are three of the most important monasteries on the island. The monastery of Agia Triada, founded in 1612, is one of the richest and most beautiful monasteries of Crete, with unique beauty, among blooming and well-tended gardens with oranges and olives from which the monks make pure virgin olive oil that you can purchase. Every corner of this monastery is a work of art, and everyone who has visited it describes it as breathtaking. A little further on, hidden in the wild but charming landscape of olive groves and rocks, is the historic Monastery of Gouverneto. Looking at it, one thinks it is a Venetian castle with its proud towers completing the spectacle. Following a rough path on the north, the road leads to a wild and imposing gorge, Avlaki. There, hidden in the mountains, is the oldest Monastery of Crete, the Proskinima of St. John the Hermit or Xenos. The Monastery was built at the end of the 16th century, next to the cave where the Saint lived and died.

The Battle of Crete Historical Tour-German Military Cemetery from Chania

During World War II, many German soldiers died in Crete, with the number estimated to be over 15,000. In Maleme village, at Heigh Hill 107, there is one of the two cemeteries where German soldiers are buried in Greek territory. The spot chosen is not accidental, as it is a location of great strategic importance. When the Germans managed to occupy this area, they conquered the entire island of Crete.

Tradition

Chania Carte Postale

Just a few minutes from the Old Town of Chania, at Profitis Ilias you will find a restaurant with an excellent panoramic view and unique flavors of Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine that will delight you. You will also find a wide variety of wines, desserts that will blow your mind, and delicious cocktails that you have never tasted before, all in a landscape that looks like something out of a Carte Postale and captivates you.

Chania Pallas

A historic building, once the home of Ali Pasha, now hosts a restaurant with a unique character. Located in the port of Chania right across from the iconic Venetian Lighthouse, it is quite modern, with outdoor seating and a spectacular view of the sea. In the menu, you will find flavors from both international and local cuisine with which Pallas does not hesitate to experiment.

Semiramis

In a quiet and welcoming courtyard among the charming houses of the historic, Jewish district of the Old Town of Chania, you will find the tavern Semiramis. There, you will enjoy traditional Cretan and Greek dishes, listen to skilled musicians playing bouzouki and lyre, while you are in a warm, hospitable, and atmospheric place.

Tamam

At Tamam, you will taste traditional Greek food with influences from Ottoman cuisine, or as the Greeks call it "politiki", meaning the cuisine of "polis" (aka Istanbul). Intense spices, perfectly cooked meats, and a unique well-crafted list of selected wines from Greece and especially Crete are all served in a historic building, offering an exceptional gastronomic experience.

Thalassino Ageri

When you think of Greece, you surely associate it with the picturesque taverns that offer excellent quality fish and ouzo, always with a view of the sea. One such fish tavern is Thalassino Ageri, which you will find near the Venetian port of the town. A traditional, warm place that has been welcoming its guests since 1985.

Chalkina

If you seek to experience the ultimate Cretan tradition, then Chalkina is the place to visit. With the magnificent view of the Venetian harbor as a backdrop, this traditional tavern often organizes Cretan nights, with live music, plenty of raki, and unique Cretan flavors.

Mirai Sushi Bar

Although you will be in Crete, get ready to taste the best Asian food you have ever tasted. Mirai Sushi Bar is located steps from the central square of Platanias and promises to offer a unique taste experience inspired by the Far East with the signature of a talented Japanese chef.

Agia Marina Nostos

The Nostos restaurant offers excellent dishes from fresh and local ingredients, Mediterranean and Cretan tastes in a very warm atmosphere, surrounded by greenery, and with a playground for the younger guests. Nostos is located in Agia Marina and is the ideal place to relax, taste unique flavors, and also try some of the handmade beers brewed by the restaurant, which are of excellent quality!

Sinagogi

Synagogi is one of the best bars in Chania and has been serving refreshing cocktails and drinks since 1995. Built in the old Jewish synagogue, the place exudes something mysterious and historic, while the lack of a roof gives a nice summer vibe. It is centrally located in the narrow streets of the old town, and the atmosphere, music, and service make it a must-visit place.

Fogotto Jazz Bar

A stone's throw from the Venetian harbor and close to the Navy Museum stands the Fogotto, perhaps the city's oldest bar since it opened its doors in 1974 and all locals and visitors are in love with it ever since. This bar exudes a sensual and romantic atmosphere which, combined with all the great jazz and rock music choices, offers you an idyllic and enjoyable evening.

Barfly Rock Bar

Hidden from the public view, on a small street, Barfly has managed to maintain an authentic rock character and quality. With the appearance of a genuine rock pub, it has managed to win over the locals who choose it daily so they can enjoy great music and refreshing drinks.

Mamouth

It is the perfect spot to enjoy a cool beer to the sounds of great alternative music. It is located on a beautiful street opposite the old city walls, a great rustic place, relaxed and low-key, but memorable.

Klik Scandinavian

If you're looking for a night of dancing, loud music, and many drinks, then you should definitely visit Klik! Located at the center of the city, Klik is a club that both locals and tourists choose as part of their entertainment. It has a dance floor which people don't hesitate to use, creating a great party vibe which lasts until the early morning hours.

Bras de Frères

Close to the grand Arsenali, you'll find Bras de Frères, a place where you can try inspiring cocktails and cool drinks while enjoying the warm and relaxing atmosphere. The owners of this bar try to keep people interested and entertained, so they often organize live music nights, with well-known and less well-known artists, or even theme nights, giving you a number of good reasons to visit more than once.