Chania, Suda, Crete, Greece

Aptera Fortress

During the Minoan period, Aptera was a major trading port city; today, only the ruins of its fortification walls remain-4 kilometers long-within which buildings from different eras have been preserved quite well. From the Hellenistic period, a sanctuary and the ruins of a theater remain; from the Roman period, the rectorate building, aqueducts, and the remains of a necropolis. The Byzantine period is recalled by the Monastery of St. John the Theologian, which became an open-air archaeology museum in the middle of the 20th century, and Turkish rule is remembered by the 19th-century Izetdin fort and fortress. Coins, tableware, and statues were found on the territory of Aptera and are now kept in the Archaeological Museum of Chania.

Agia Triada Monastery

This male Orthodox monastery with Doric columns is familiar to everyone who has seen the film «Zorba the Greek»-it is here that its filming took place. Built in the 16th century on the Akrotiri peninsula by monk brothers from Venice, it was considered the wealthiest in Crete and was the only monastery operating in Crete during the Turkish occupation, as it could afford to pay tribute to the occupiers. Today, the monastery houses the Cretan Theological School, a rich library has been preserved, and a collection of icons and engravings is displayed. The monks have also set up their own production of olive oil, honey, and several types of tea.

The Historic Centre of Chania

The historic part of Chania for the most part has remained untouched and has survived to this day. The Old Town is considered the most beautiful town in Crete. It is bordered by a Venetian fortress wall, and the city center is considered to be the Kastelli area, one of the five districts of the Old Town. To the west of Kastelli lies the most popular square with tourists-Eleftherios Venizelos Square, or Sentrivani. The famous Janissaries Mosque is also located here. On the west side of the Old Town is the Topanas district, where you can fully be transported back to the time of Venetian rule. And to the north of the Topanas district there is the fortress of Firka. South of the Topanas district is the Jewish Quarter. Here, old narrow streets and houses built by the Venetians have been preserved.

Venetian Harbor

The Venetian harbor of Chania, built during Venetian rule, is one of the most visited tourist places in this Cretan city. On the shore of the harbor there are many cafés and taverns, as well as cruise boats that you can take for exciting sea excursions. The harbor, built by the Venetians for just 40 galleys, was constructed in 1356. At the entrance to the harbor there is the Firkas Fortress, near which the Cretan Maritime Museum is located. It was in the Firkas Fortress that, in December 1913, the Greeks raised the flag in honor of the union of Greece with the island of Crete. Other interesting sights of the harbor include the Turkish Muslim mosque dating back to 1645 and a lighthouse built by the Egyptians in 1840.

Yanychar Mosque

The Janissary Mosque dates back to 1645 and is considered the oldest Muslim building in Chania. The temple was started a little while after most of the island of Crete was captured by the Ottoman Empire. At that time, a significant number of Greek churches were converted into Muslim mosques, completely destroying their Christian symbols and elements. However, the Janissary Mosque is a purpose-built structure, not a repurposed one. The temple is a typical Muslim shrine, where little attention was paid to the exterior and interior decoration. The main purpose of the mosque was to use it as a center for worship and for teaching newly made Muslims.

Hanya Beaches

Chania is famous for its magnificent, many-kilometer-long beaches, the best-known of which is the one near the village of Elafonissi, in the far west of the island. The amazing pink sand of this beach is found nowhere else on Crete. Falassarna Beach is also very nice: sandy, clean, and not crowded. In general, sandy beaches are typical of the north of the area, in the towns of Agia Marina, Stavros, Kalives, Agia Marina and Georgioupolis. In the south, along the coast of the Libyan Sea, pebbly beaches prevail (Paleochora, Souia, Hora Sfakion). At any of the beaches, tourists are offered many options for an active pastime. Chania is also great for a family holiday-this region features gentle entry into the sea and a large number of coves where there are no waves.

Samaria Gorge

Stretching 16 kilometers in length and from 3 to 300 meters in width, Samaria Gorge in the White Mountains is considered the largest canyon in Europe. There used to be a village here, as several old churches-some of which are open to visitors-bear witness, along with the traditional Cretan-style houses. In 1962, the gorge was granted National Park status, and the residents were relocated. Today, Samaria Gorge is home to several rare species of animals that roam among stone oaks and plants-another 400 species. In winter and spring, entry is prohibited due to the risk of rocks falling from the cliffs caused by precipitation.

Balos Bay

In the north-west of the island there is the most beautiful bay - Balos - an enormous shallows of white quartz sand, covered with a thin layer of perfectly clean, crystal-clear water. According to legend, Prince Charles himself and the late Diana stopped here during their honeymoon and, holding hands, wandered along the shallows.

Limnoupolis Water Park

A luxurious water park on the west of the island, next to the city of Chania-the most beautiful place in Crete. Multi-level slides, twisted like the necks of the Gorgon’s snakes, slide tubes like serpents, a speed river and a lazy river where you can drift along on the current, sprawled out on an inflatable tube, and of course the kamikaze slides, where everyone yells and screams at full volume.

Central City Park

The main park of Hania can be considered evidence of the care that the Turks, who ruled Greece, showed for the Greeks themselves. In 1870, the Turkish pasha Rauf issued an order to create a green zone in the center of Hania, where townspeople could escape the heat during the summer months. The pasha personally oversaw the planting of trees and flowers. In the early 20th century, people could not only stroll in the shade of the trees, but also take part in one of the most important arts: an open-air cinema opened here and is still operating to this day. Also notable are the clock tower, a mini zoo, and a café with retro interiors, open since 1936 in the former Parliament building.

Lake Kurna

Lake Kourna can’t boast of its large size: its length does not exceed one kilometer, and its area is 1.2 square kilometers. Its greatest depth is 25 meters. The lake lies in a very beautiful valley surrounded by low mountains and hills. Along its shoreline there are magnificent sandy beaches, well-maintained and comfortable. In addition, the lake is famous for its incredibly clean water, which you can safely drink without any harm to your health. And the main inhabitants of the water are freshwater turtles and small colonies of algae. In general, Lake Kourna is one of the most popular places for relaxation on Crete. Stunning nature, cool water, and clean beaches draw many swimmers to its shores.

Excursion in Chania

You will visit the old town and the Venetian harbor, museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Maritime Museum and the collection of Byzantine art, the excavations of the Minoan palace of Kydonia and the largest covered market in the south-eastern Europe, the monastery of Chrysopigi, i.e. the Golden Spring, the aristocratic district of Halepa, where the Prince George’s palace and the Venizelos house-museum are located, the Annunciation and St. Magdalene churches. From the church of Prophet Elijah you will head east of Chania, where a park is located from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the bay.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can review it after booking the cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.