Chania is a major port town on the island of Crete. It is one of the most densely populated Greek cities outside of Athens, and it is the second largest city on the island as well as the capital of it's region. It is a major port and tourist destination and is known for it's fine weather and deep history.

 

 

History

Chania's good location and excellent natural port have made it a point of contention for many centuries. It was originally a Minoan settlement, and after the collapse of the Minoan civilization it was populated by Greek traders and pirates. It remained Greek through occupations and rule of the Romans and Byzantines, however in the 1600s it was conquered by the Ottomans. The Ottoman rule was somewhat brutal and is not well remembered, however when Greece was liberated from Ottoman rule the city of Chania was also liberated, and it has remained Greek ever since.

 

Art & Museums

Chania is home to a great amount of ancient architecture and many ancient archeological sites, which has resulted in a large number of places great for tourists to visit. The Old Town is home to much of the older buildings from previous years, and it is a veritable living museum packed with ancient churches and old fortifications from the many warring periods of Chania's history. There are also a number of art museums in the area which feature the great amount of art produced over the centuries.

 

NIghtlife

Chania's night life revolves around a the great number of bars, tavernas, and other places to go drinking and dancing in the city. There are a number of places to go drinking on the island, and there are a great number of local brews and wines for visitors to sample. The status of Chania as a port also makes it home to great fresh seafood, along with unique Mediterranean food which is a unique blend of Greek and Turkish cooking techniques. There are also a number of places to dance and socialize, and many of the more remote places to meet people allow tourists to get to know the "real" Crete, away from the major tourist spots.

 

How to get

Chiana can be easily accessed by the air, as it has a major airport. Most people should use the airport, as it is centrally located and they can rent a car or use public transport from that point on. It is also possible to access the island via ship from Greece, however this takes considerable time as Crete is some distance from the Greek mainland.