There is no exaggeration in a statement that Chania is the most beautiful city of Greece. Azure of sky and water, colourful architecture, perfect location and lovely weather for most of the year make this place especially picturesque and very popular among tourists.
Existing since 3400 B.C. Cretan city Kydonia in the 12th century was inhabited by Venetians. Current Chania owes them its charm – in place of Minoan ruins they build not only town houses, but also a fortified fortress, a lighthouse and a port. Thanks to specific for that people architectural style, walking around modern streets of the city, you may feel like you were in northern Italy. Elements that distinguish those two cities from each other are buildings in orient style (such as minarets, mosques, public baths), that remind of Turkish reign on the island.
The main city’s attraction is the Venetian port with armoury, which are clinging to each other stoned halls used for storing galleys and mosque of Janissaries, which now serves as premises of an art gallery. Make sure to take a walk via cosy streets of the Old Town with typical Venetian buildings. Having in mind trading traditions of Venetians, go to local market hall (Dimotiki Agora Chanion), which is considered one of the most beautiful in Greece. It is a perfect place, to get to know richness of tastes and smells of local products. Lovers of museums should go to the Marine Museum near fortress Firkas from the 17th century or to the archeologic museum.
If you get hungry, sit in one of numerous taverns on the seaside or eateries spread around whole Chania and taste typical for that region dishes. Based on ingredients such as olive’s oil, cheeses, vegetables, fishes and seafood, wine, Cretan cuisine is considered to be one of the most healthy in the world. What is worth to try there? Definitely boubouristous, mountain snails, bean paste called fava, tzatziki form yogurt, as well as stuffed courgetti, grilled seafood, olives and various cheeses. Where to eat? In To Stachi at Defkalionos 5, in Tamam at Zambeliou 49 and in To Mikio at Skoufoun 24.
