Gulf of Chania

Chania Town
Formerly the capital of the island, Chania is the main town in the west and has a strong Venetian flavour, particularly around its immense harbour, lined with restaurants. Behind, a maze of narrow lanes and crumbling Venetian facades conceal more restaurants, small shops and atmospheric cafés.

The area around Chania is lush. Inland there are mountains and a myriad of tiny villages to explore. Every reasonably fit visitor should walk the Samaria Gorge, Europe’s deepest (open early May to early October). The only exit is by boat.

Chania is of course an excellent base for exploration of the west of Crete, either by organised excursion, local bus (good service) or hire car. As everywhere in Crete, the mountains are never far away.