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The old walled town invites the visitor to become lost amongst its theatrical bustle
of shops, markets, tavernas, bars, and village street life. The town is a beautiful
puzzle of Minoan, Venetian, and Turkish architecture punctuated by hidden squares.
Suggested Attractions:
Leather Street (Skridlof Str.)
Just up from the harbour you'll find this unique collection of old shops selling
leather goods, from bags to boots, all made locally, and at great prices. A real
tourist attraction.
Archaeological Museum (On Halidon Street)
In an old Venetian church, here is a fine collection of sculpture, mosaics, and
pottery dating back to Neolithic times.
Naval Museum
In the Firkas fortress on the harbour, see Chania's naval history, complete with
great models and displays.
The Agora
This huge ninety year-old covered market has fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat,
as well as Cretan gifts and souvenirs.
Samaria Gorge
This national park has the longest ravine in Europe with spectacular landscapes along
its eighteen kilometers. A rugged walk down to Agia Roumeli that takes six or seven hours.
Etz Hayyim Synagogue
From 1996 until the year of its re-dedication in 1999, this historic synagogue has
been painstakingly restored, and celebrates 2300 years of Jewish life on the Island
of Crete.
Excursions:
Samaria Gorge
This national park has the longest ravine in Europe with spectacular landscapes
along it's eighteen kilometers. A rugged walk down to Agia Roumeli that takes
six or seven hours.
Gramvousa Castle & Balos Bay
Once the haunt of pirates, this beautiful location is accessible by charter boats
that will take you there for a day trip.
Moni Agias Triadas
A monastery with a 17th century multi-domed church on the Akrotiri peninsula.
Moni Gouvernetou
Dates from the Venetian period and is still inhabited by monks.
Moni Chrysoskalitsas
Named for the 90 steps that lead up to its church, it is a 5 kilometer walk
up from Elafonisos.
Blue Diving Center
A professional diving school / diving shop that has classes and day trips to the
best diving locations.
Driving directions coming from Iraklion / Rethymnon
Driving west on the national road, take the exit MOURNIES - G.HOSPITAL - CHANIA,
then turn right to Chania city centre. Driving on that road you will pass
two supermarkets, one named LIDL, the other CHAMPION. Continue driving on
this road (about 1 km) which will lead you in front of the Municipal Market
(a cross-shaped building on the map). At the trafic light (on the corner of
the cafe named CLOCK) turn left; you will be then on Chatzimichali Giannari
street. Driving on this street it soon becomes Skalidi street.
Driving directions coming from Chania Airport
You have to take the road from the airport to the Chania city centre. Driving
on Eleftheriou Venizelou street, which leads you in front of the Municipal
Market (a cross-shaped building on the map) drive on Chatzimichali Giannari
street which then becomes Skalidi street.
From Skalidi street
you must turn to the right onto Pireos street (passing the CHAMPION supermarket).
Drive to the end of Pireos street and you will see the waterfront; then turn
right again and drive about 50 meters to the public parking lot at Talos Square,
which is free of charge.
You have to walk the last 80m up Theotokopoulou street, then turn left for
15 meters at the sign at the third alleyway, to arrive at the luggage entrance.
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