Explore the Island of Crete by Car, Bike, Public Busses, or by Organised Tours :
Old City - Venetian Harbour ( in Chania - Hania - Canea ) - 17 km from Maleme )-is one of the Best Places to Visit in Crete, with its Venetian, Turkish, and Neoclassical buildings have been scheduled for preservation, although a large part of it has already fallen into decay. Along the whole length of the waterfront, there are fish sellers, tavernas, ouzo, "tsikoudia " (raki), and drinks bars. There are also streets of knife-sellers, "stivanadika" (Cretan boot and shoemakers), and every type of traditional small trader. All around the Venetian harbour with numerous picturesque narrow streets and architecture showing the influence of decades of foreign domination. The pretty Venetian Harbour and the Venetian lighthouse at the entrance of the Harbor are very interesting sights to visit.
(Maleme is 17km west) This is where the day-to-day business of the Chania goes on, with its shops, offices, the post offices, and the Street Markets every Thursday and Saturday. Inside the town, there are Venetian, Turkish, and neoclassic buildings. The public market (Agora) holds a master place in the center of the city, a brilliant cross-shaped building that was completed in 1913, and is in proportion with the one in Marseilles. You can visit also the Municipality of Chania.
Chania Therisos (16 kms from Chania & 30km from Maleme) is a historical mountain village in a rugged but verdant landscape at the foot of the White Mountains. It is a point of departure for the ascent of the highest peak in the range, Pence (2,452m).
(2.5 kms West from Chania and 14km from Maleme): A seaside community where the bathing is wonderful and there are caves which have been used as refuges during successive wars.
( 14km from Maleme ) They are among the most frequented beaches in the summer and are modern centers of tourism with comprehensive facilities.
Thodorou is the little island opposite the shore ( across to Agia Marina ). The island today has been designated a natural reserve and Cretan wild goats ( Agrimi or Kri-Kri ) are taken there to breed.
Platanias (10.5 kms West of Chania & 4km from Maleme): This is a popular village with many bars, clubs, Shops Restaurants, and mini-markets. Nice family accommodation is Frideriki Studios and Apartments. Also, you can Visit Welcome to Platanias Village.
Maleme (17 kms West of Chania): a seaside village. Also, you will find the German War Cemetery famous for the Battle of Crete. Book your Maleme Hotels and enjoy your Holidays in Crete
Palaiohora (73.5 kms WestSouth from Chania & 56km from Maleme): This is a very picturesque large seaside village on the Libyan Sea. It is situated on the plain and the houses descend to the water's edge. Also known as Kastelli Selinou - from the Venetian fort - it is considered to be the second " nymph of the Libyan Sea " after Ierapetra. The geographical location of the area, the climate, the excellent nature of the beaches, the sunshine, and also the wealth of Greek, Roman, medieval, and Byzantine monuments in its hinterland have resulted in its rapid development into a tourist resort. The sand and pebble beaches around it, whether crowded or empty, offer an opportunity to relax, even the most demanding. You can Visit also the site of Paleochora.
Sougia (67.10 kms South of Chania & 45 km from Maleme): is a modern coastal fishing village with a protected harbor and pine-covered slopes around it. There is a pebble beach in front of the village, 1.5 kms in length, with deep crystal water. For those visitors who enjoy rambling, nature, and antiquities, there is a surprise.
(23.7 km West from Chania & 6 km from Maleme) is a seaside fishing village. To the right from the crossroads at Kolimvari, and 1 km down the road is the Stavropygic Monastery of Gonia, an important national and religious center.
(42 kms West of Chania & 20km from Maleme) is the capital of the district of Kissamos and takes its name from the old Venetian castle there. Its fine beaches are of sand or pebbles, and the climate and sunshine make the area suitable for tourism.
Falassarna (58 kms West of Chania & 40km from Maleme) is an area of superb natural beauty and an archaeological site where many people gather during the summer. In the Tripadvisor is one of the Best Places to Visit in Crete and worldwide one of the 15 Best Beaches in the World.
(61 kms West from Chania & 43 from Maleme) with a rocky though not precipitous coastline and very clean sea. Also, you'll find many fish restaurants.
(72 kms South West from Chania & 89 from Maleme). A white church and several cells lend diversification to the scenic beauty of this quiet, aesthetic area of Crete. According to tradition, the name owes itself to the fact that one of the 90 steps that lead to the nunnery is made of gold but cannot be seen by sinners.
Elafonisi (78.5 kms South West from Chania & 60km from Maleme). Far away from the crowds and the reality of today, amidst the unsurpassed azure blue of the Mediterranean. The island with its fine reddish sand is connected to the shore by a shallow channel 0.50 - 0.80 m. deep and 800 m. long.Is like a Paradise and has been voted one of the Best Places to visit in Crete and Worldwide.
Balos Lagoon Gramvoussa with its wonderful sandy beaches, shallow water, tamarisks, and springs with drinking water. Above the island, there are the ruins of a Venetian castle, which was built in 1597. Out on the is horizon the little island of Agria Gramvousa, inaccessible at times of rough seas. You have to make a day trip with Gramvousa Daily Cruises, which is one of the most spectacular Places to Visit in Crete and Chania.
is the high plateau of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) , 1080 meters.From there begins the Samaria Gorge.
Gorge Samaria Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in Europe, it is 18 kms long and between 3 and 300 meters in width. It was proclaimed a nature reserve in 962 to protect the vegetation, birds, and animals there, in particular the Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri). In 1980 it was awarded a prize by the Council of Europe as one of the most beautiful places on the continent. Passage through the gorge is permitted from the beginning of May to the End of October. The route through to the exit - the Gates - takes 6 - 8 hours. You can visit the Samaria National Park website.
(in Southeast of Chania), a beautiful seaside village with a particular color. One of few places on Crete where you won't see vehicles.
(72 kms South from Chania, and about 90 km from Maleme) is a historic village built like an amphitheater by the beach. Sfakia is a wild, mountainous area, dominated by the mountain massif of the White Mountains. Full of Gorges, ravines, wild mountain peaks, and difficult passes. The people of Sfakia never allowed the Turks to get near their wild mountains. Anything you need to know for Sfakia.
Frangokastello (80 kms southeast from Chania, and 97 km from Maleme) the beach of Frangokastello is one of the best spots in Crete, with fine sand, and crystal-clear water (with good snorkeling opportunities). Next to the beach is the Castle.
( 68 km from Maleme ) The road climbs upwards, narrow and full of bends, and then runs parallel to the Imbros Gorge. One of the narrowest, deepest, and most imposing gorges on Crete, it is 7 km long, 2-3 metres wide, and 300 meters deep.
Akrotiri Peninsula (6 km North East of Chania) interposes itself between the Gulf of Chania and the Gulf of Souda. There you will find also (in Profitis Ilias) the tombs of Elefterios Venizelos, A simple memorial that recalls the first revolutionary movement which took place in 1897. You have to visit this place because the View out over Chania Gulf and towards the White Mountains is unique. 16 km from Chania you will find the monastery of Agia Triada.
Stavros (is 16 kilometers from Chania and 32km from Maleme) is wel known for the film, Zorba The Greek.
Kalathas ( 35 km from Maleme ) is located on Akrotiri peninsula with a lovely sandy beach.
Marathi ( 39 km from Maleme ) is the perfect place to swim.
Souda (just 7 kilometers from Chania 25 km from Maleme ) and ) is the harbor for West Crete. There also is British- New Zealand and Australian War Cemetery from the Second World War, The Battle of Crete. Also if you travel by a Cruise Line in Souda Port.
(14 kms from Chania ) is a small village opposite the island of Souda.
(17.5 km east of Chania and 36 km from Maleme) is a seaside and riverside village smothered in greenery and extending along a sandy beach.
Almirida (22 km east of Chania) is a seaside fishing village.
(25.1 kms east of Chania) is a picturesque place with traditional houses.
(38.5 kms east of Chania) is a coastal village with moderate tourist facilities, built on the mouth of the river Almirou which flows down from Lake Kournas.
Lake Kournas (48 kms East from Chania). This is the village and the Lake Kournas. This is the Only lake on Crete, which collects water from the mountains around it.
(80 kms from Maleme) is a nice seaside city with a Venetian castle. You must visit Rethymno and also their webpage The Prefecture of Rethymno.
(36 kms South of Rethymnon) is a seaside settlement and much-frequented tourist resort, built along the gulf of the same name which is enclosed by Cape Krios and Cape Kako Mouri.
Palace Knossos: The archeological site of Knossos. By far the largest of the Minoan Palaces, it thrived over three-and-a-half thousand years ago at the heart of a highly sophisticated island-wide civilization. Here it was in the legend that King Minos ruled and that his wife Pasiphae bore the Minotaur - half-bull and half-man, you can visit the official site of Knossos.
Aptera Ancient City : The archeological site of Aptera , located 13 km east of Chania , overlooking Souda Bay . Is an ancient city from 3500 - 1070 BC from the Minoan Period . You will find a Monastery, a Fortress, an Ancient Theatre, Public Bath Complex from the Roman Times
The Archeological Museum of Chania is located in the historical area of Chalepa . A total area space of 6000 m2 , with fantastic Views of Chania area on the upper floors
Menies Beach is a hidden gem, located on the Rodopou Peninsula . You can get there by Boat as a day trip from the port of Kolimbari , or by car through a rough road
Latest Update 16/11/2024
