Chania

Chania is the capital city of the prefecture of Chania. This beautiful city, located on the north shore of Crete, is an ideal base for exploring the whole island.

Chania is about 45 minutes (59km) long from Rethimnon and 2 hours (137km) long from Iraklion. It is easily accessible from Athens by three regular flights a day (45 minutes) during winter and four during summer. The International Airport is located 11km outside the city on Akrotiri. There are also two daily boats from Piraeus (Athens) to Souda (Chania).

The prefecture of Chania covers the westmost part of the island and its most important towns, except from Chania, is Kastelli, Paleochora, Kandanos and Chora Sfakion.

The prefecture of Chania offers tourism services and activities of all kinds, thus covering all demands. The city of Chania preserves all the features of the Venetian rule times. The White Mountains (Lefka Ori), rising behind the city and diving south in the Livikon Pelagos in the area of Sfakia, consist of numerous gorges for nature-lovers and enthousiastic mountaineers. The sandy beaches and the deep clear waters (Elafonissi, Falassarna, Paleochora, Georgioupoli, etc) area ideal places for swimming. The minoan, roman and byzantine archaeologocial sites are tempting for those interested in cultural and historical explorations - please click for maps.