On the other side of town, west of Nea Chora beach, is the larger Agia Marina beach with warm clear waters and clean sand. We love to hear from you, so tell us what you think. There are over 130 beaches in Greece that have installed the Seatrac system so that people with mobility issues can have independent access to the sea. Visit the Old Venetian Harbour Chania Venetian Harbour Chania is by far one of the best Greek islands to visit. Things to Do in Chania Town. Required fields are marked. The town was actually built on top of the Minoan civilization which flourished from c. 3000 BC to c. 1450 BC. And the best part of the experience was an olive oil pairing with food. Land's End is the most impressive attraction in Cabo. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Just 20 minutes far from Chania town (25 km) lie 37 beautiful villages, around the Lefka Ori Mt, the Apokoronas villages. Our in-depth guide featuring 14 of the best Chania restaurants goes into more detail. The Samaria Gorge is a popular hiking destination in Chania. You can wander the ancient narrow streets with their old Venetian buildings; some still lived in, others neglected and crumbling but nonetheless beautiful. Is it really everyone's job, even in the tourism industry, to know English? Visit the bus website here. With Yannis as your guide, youll make traditional recipes using local ingredients including cheese and wine sampling. In 2021, China's 67 panda reserves were integrated into one Giant Panda National Park, providing shelter for the 1631 wild pandas living within China's borders. Lunch will be at a traditional Kafeneio eatery where youll meet locals and learn about life in Cretan villages. Find a ton of information in my dedicated post on where to stay on Crete Island. Much of what remains today of this archaeological site are impressive Roman ruins, massive fortification walls and a monastery. Though they are very different on almost every level, Hong Kong and Macau are often paired as travel destinations thanks to their geographical proximity and easy transport links between the two city-states via fast ferries or the worlds longest sea bridge. The Evraiki area is included between the streets Chalidon, Zampeliou, Skoufon, and Portou. Her debut novel, Girl Gone Greek available from Amazon has been made into a film script, winning Best Feature Fiction Script at the 2018 London Greek Film Festival and Best Feature Fiction Script at the 2020 Santorini Film Festival. Crete could, therefore, be considered a country in its own right. Minimum of at least: 1 Hour of Cultural Competency, and. If you're seeking a place to relax in the sun or shade, or have a family . Most of the wines produced are fresh and aromatic white wines like Vidiano, the flagship Cretan wine. More quirkily themed museums include the Shanghai Museum of Glass, the China Watermelon Museum and the Gaoligong Museum of Handcraft Paper in Yunnan province. It involves some easy downhill hiking to get to the beach from the parking lot. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Cretan olive oil has sustained Cretans for several centuries and continues to be a part of every modern table. Nowadays its only really small boats or yachts that use the harbor a newer one has been created at Souda Bay slightly further down the coast to accommodate large ferries. Alternatively, you can stay at the seaside Agia Roumeli village at Gigilos, a seafront comfortable hotel with breakfast, a great value-for-money property. There are several great options offering different types of tours including: A Taste of Crete The lagoon known as Balos Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. 1. One of the worlds most vast and ancient civilizations, China is not just one region, cuisine or culture. However, much of the region remains a little . Elafonissi beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and aNatura 2000protected area rich in flora and fauna such as seadaffodils and the endangeredloggerhead sea turtle. Take a taxi or take a public bus to get easily there. 1. Right in the middle of an ancient olive grove, we discovered the fascinating history of olive oil in Greece and Crete. A nicely decorated ultra-clean private property with large balconies and sea views. Thyme honey from Crete is unlike any other honey youve ever tasted and is one of the best in the world. Old Chania town has 4 distinct neighborhoods that are perfect to explore: Kastelli area is located on a small hill, with very narrow, twisty alleys. You are most welcome, Ivan. From here, its easy to reach Guilin for a trip down the Li River, whose bizarrely shaped karst peaks have become one of the countrys most iconic images. Lets take a look at some of the things to do in the Chania region of Crete. Carbon Canyon Park. award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert 17 km south of Chania, in Fournes, you will find a beautiful green oasis, at the foot of the Lefka Ori (Mountains). An additional bonus is the opportunity to spend time in Heraklion. Evraiki (former Jewish Quarter) area in Chania is another popular and picturesque area with tiny cobblestone alleys. Thailand Chiang Mai Province Chiang Mai The best things to do in Chiang Mai from night bazaars and nature walks to fiery food Save Amy Bensema Sep 18, 2022 6 min read Many of Chiang Mai's most appealing activities take place after dark Take Photo/Shutterstock No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Folklore Museum of Chania - Roam around and marvel at the thought-provoking exhibits at this respected museum. The ethereal, column-like mountains of Zhangjiajie in Hunan province were the inspiration for the film Avatar, and a great destination for easy hikes. The Cretan Jewish Community was violently captured by the Nazis, 350 people got on board a ship that was bombarded and left no survivors in 1944. Kissamos is about 25 miles from Chania city and easily accessible via rental car, taxi or private transfer. And there's serious hiking at Tiger Leaping Gorge, and in the Himalayan borderlands of Yunnan and Sichuan. 2 Hours of Elimination of Bias. Get lost in the Jewish quarter and admire the old Venetian architecture that has been transformed into modern hotels. In Mandarin, a common greeting is ni chifan le ma? meaning have you eaten? which says a lot about Chinas dedication to food. Go to Modern Chania Town Beaches near Chania town 5. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Many towns across Alaska offer activities such as white-water rafting, ziplining, and more high excitement activities like off-roading (ATVing). The hike takes anywhere from 5 to 7 hours to complete depending on your fitness and activity level. Your email address will not be published. Delphi One of Greece's best must-see archaeological sites; located in southern Greece, just across the Gulf of Corinth from the Peloponnese. It was set up as the main military base for the Venetian army and designed to protect southern Crete from any pirate attack. Great to hear, Sarah. Do book a cabin though so that you get to Chania Crete fresh and relaxed or. Behind the quay youll find the Jewish Quarter where two synagogues used to stand. Till next time, Evgenia. The Linden Center in Xizhou, Yunnan, is an excellent place to start set in a restored heritage building, it's part boutique hotel, part cultural center, part spiritual retreat and part classroom, offering the chance for deep immersion into three local communities, with profits directly benefiting those groups. Lonely Planet has rounded up seven of the most intriguing and beguiling abandoned places around the world. While every traveler may want to tick "walked on the Great Wall" off their bucket list, this is a country where you can literally spend a lifetime and still never see it all. Top Things to Do in Chania Crete 1. 01 / Top Sights From a biological point of view, the flavors of Chania, Crete will seduce and engage all your senses. While the museum pays tribute to the 2004 game in Lisbon, when Greece became the European Champion, it offers much more. The people of China represent a diverse group of communities, cultures and languages. You will find here the working Etz Hayyim Synagogue which is the only Synagogue in the whole of Crete. Cheers. Here, you can find stivania, the classic high, leather Cretan boots worth coming to see even if you dont want to purchase. Cretan Fleur Apartments (Self-catering). We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Chania Crete is probably the most beautiful town in Greece and one of the most spectacular regions on Crete island! The waters are excellent, with a well-organized beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, and a lifeguard. Despite racing modernization, hints of the old China remain Nattapon / Getty Images, The ultimate guide to things to do in China. Elafonissi island is located 76km/47 mi southwest ofChaniaand 5km south ofChrysoskalitisa Monastery on the southwesternmost tip of Crete. Ill definitely try to do all these things mentioned in this post if I ever visit Chania in Crete. Taste the delicious Greek pastry sweet called Bougatsa filled with cream and cinnamon in a very traditional environment. Food, wine, and culture: Manousakis Winery offers visitors a real Cretan experience away from the tourist crowd. 1. Sailing overnight means that you will gain all this travel time while sleeping. Baja's most famous beach, Playa del Amor (Lover's Beach) has stunning white sands adjacent to El Arco on the Pacific and bay sides. This cookie is saved when user reports post as spam. Pin it! The bougatsa from Chania is famous throughout Greece for the specific local cheese used to make it. It is most well known for its pink sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. Please let us know in the comments below. Everywhere around the island are olive groves with the popular Koroneiki olive variety. With a comfortable two- or four-berth choice and a journey time of approximately 8 hours (longer at night if the ship slows), its a pleasant voyage. In Chania, you can delve into the local specialties including honey and wines at places only locals know. There are eight major cuisines in China, and these are further divided up into countless local and regional styles of cooking, so you'll find something new to taste in every corner of the country. With a Minoans World 9D movie, youll be transported through the myths and history of Crete. With crystal blue water views, youll discover the history of the famous Cretan and Mediterranean diet. Neoria are the Venetian shipyard buildings, where the ships were repaired. The amazingly fresh and luscious flavors are found in the Cretan food, produce, and wines. Nanjing, the Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties," is rich in culture and history, and the city's Zhongshan Mountain is the center of this legacy. This means Dew Men. If you are traveling with a group of up to 8 people you can stay at the beautiful stone Villa Samaria (self-catering) in Omalos. Influences have come from Venetian traders and the Ottoman Empire, which both conquered vast swathes of the island over the centuries. Some of the best Chania attractions are visiting archaeological museums, Greek monasteries and even diving into Greek football history. Indulge in the Spectacular Beach of Balos there are ferries leaving every day to Chania from Athens main port, Piraeus. Visiting the monasteries and churches is one of the most popular things to do in Chania. At the site, you can see public baths, graves, Roman reservoirs, many wells, tanks, and a theater, which is not completely revealed yet. No in Greece). 71 reviews. We are Claire and Rosemary. Tip: There is a lovely beach on Rhodes Island that has been named after Antony Quinn. Further afield in Beijing are the Temple of Heaven, where the emperor performed rites and sought divine guidance, and the lakes and breezeways of the Summer Palace, a sprawling complex that provided the court with respite during Beijings hottest months. Balos has white sands and turquoise waters and is great for snorkeling, and the wider area itself, away from the crowds, is a protected place for monk seals and loggerhead turtles to breed. After time to swim and explore the Venetian fortress, youll depart for Balos Lagoon. One thing to note is that portions are generous in Crete. The restaurants are scattered all over from the historic old town to the villages in the White Mountains. Pro Tip: Its better to visit during the week when people are still in school. Nuns at this peaceful and tranquil location will welcome you with absolute hospitality and courtesy. Featuring exhibits that span over four millennia, the museum is a treasure trove for all history lovers. The whole island of Crete is stunningly beautiful and diverse and fills you with long-lasting memories of happiness and excitement. The whole area is a Natura 2000 protection network so please respect the beautiful area and leave it as you found it. The collection features old footage of Greek championship games from Olympiacos, Panathinaikos and others. This guide is about the best things to do and see in Chania Crete! Welcome to Authentic Food Quest. What beautiful architecture there is there. Child-friendly options include Explora, a colorful play-museum in Rome for under-12s, and the Gelato Museum Carpigiani near Bologna. Chania, Crete. It has beautiful scenic views and I really love its fine room decoration and the very friendly hosts. As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism. Piraeus is about a 25 drive from the Athens center and you can take a taxi, private transfer, bus, or metro to get there. Dont skip the modern part of Chania, thinking that all the fun and sightseeing is in the Old part of the town. Best things to do in Alaska with teenagers and tweenagers. Online Maps and local tips. If you only do one thing in Macau, make it a visit to Lord Stow's Bakery for the local custard tarts. Agia Roumeli is accessible only by foot or boat. Stop by a caf or restaurant here if you need a break to drink a raki. Today, it hosts important cultural events and artistic exhibitions, The Sabbionara Rampart or as widely known by its Turkish name, Sandy Nea Chora Beach, less than 1 km west of Chania town with plenty of fish taverns, Sandy Agioi Apostoloi, 5 km west of Chania town, with a chapel (Saint Apostles) on the peninsula. Once you taste thyme honey you will fall in love with it as we did. Hop on a panga (skiff), kayak or stand-up paddleboard and head to El Arco (the Arch), a jagged. A master guide for planning your activities and things to do in Chania! There are also plenty of more specialized museums such as the Sanxingdui Museum near Chengdu, dedicated to a mysterious ancient civilization. There is a small war museum you want to visit first before exploring the archaeological site. In the northeast part of the Old Town of Chania, youll come to the Splantzia Turkish District. If you dont want to deal with the hassle of driving and just want to enjoy one of the best beaches, take a guided day trip. READ MORE: 14 of The Best Chania Restaurants to Delight in Authentic Cretan Food. Elafonisi Beach in the Chania region of Greece, Frangokastello Fortress in the Chania region of Greece, Katholiko Beach on the Akrotiri Peninsula. There is nothing like waking up in Chania surrounded by the White Mountains or Lefka Ori. Look out for Bougatsa Chania shop at Apokoronou 37 st. a few minutes walk from Old Port. It has very loyal friends that come back year after year, enjoying Chanias totally unique ambiance. Meals often include Cretes local brand, tsikoudia or raki and ends with parting sweets. This Unesco World Heritage Site comprises a series of stunning halls and nested courtyards that get smaller as you progress toward the inner sanctum, which only members of the emperors inner circle were permitted to enter. Chania, the second most important city of Crete, is located in the western area of the island, and it is a perfect destination for a summer getaway. In Chania, this flaky breakfast pastry is made using the local mizithra or pichtagalo PDO cheese. Youll easily find the Football museum located in the old town, a few meters away from the Venetian harbour. In this class youll make traditional recipes using local ingredients including cheese and wine sampling. Know your boats. Housed in a former monastery which in itself is considered a landmark building, it boasts a collection of Minoan and Roman artifacts. In arts and music, too, China has flourished through the ages. Get to know the local life and culture and really see and feel the soul of Crete. Near Rethymnon, Arkadi Monastery built in the 16th century is not to be missed. Further along and you reach Our Lady Of Angels at the rudimentary roads end, the church inside sporting a Venetian facade. (Have a great trip!). From the same design firm behind New York City's High Line, Tunnel Tops Park is not to be missed, resting on top of the Presidio Parkway Tunnels. Glad you enjoyed the article . READ MORE: 6 of the Best Wineries in Crete to Enjoy Indigenous Wines from Greece. Another tipple famously produced in the Cretan countryside and supplied to hotels, restaurants, and bars across the island and mainland is Cretan Brewery which has made beers from water sourced in the White Mountains, malted barley from Northern Greece, and hops and yeast since 2007. Producing wines since 2007, when they were a small enterprise, Manousakis has grown into a majestic enterprise, producing 150,000 bottles of wine a year. See all 6 activities What to do in Chania For free Free Things to Do in Chania Leave your purse in the hotel room. The three are connected by high-speed trains making it easy to whip between the big sights. Its tough to escape the national animal in China. 4.5. The sand gives off a pinkish hue due to the many crushed shells, and the azure waters rival those of the Caribbean. Be aware Frangokastello Fortress is not actually in Chania Town itself but a 50-mile drive south still in the area of Chania. Beijings parks and museums, including the ancient Forbidden City, reopened after being closed for three months. These places will give you a great overview of the island. I am an Athens-based Greek obsessed with exploring Greece and bringing you the best travel experience ever! Olive oil in Crete has been used since prehistoric times. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (photographs, text, links) is strictly prohibited. Its easy to fall in love with Hong Kong at first sight - but once you discover the food, the nightlife, the endless shopping, youre smitten. Gramvousa, an uninhabited islet opposite the beach, is a natural reserve. The exotic Balos Beach is at the northwesternmost point of Crete and 52km/32 mi from Chania. The hike ends in the coastal town of Agia Roumeli, where you can celebrate your completion with a swim in the sea. . There is a 1 euro toll to access the beach. I would love to visit. As pandas are notoriously shy animals (and not prone to getting loved-up, hence the extensive worldwide breeding program), travelers wanting to set eyes on a panda usually head to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base in Chengdu home to more than 200 giant pandas and a sizeable population of the smaller, fox-like red pandas. One interesting story is how, on May 17, 1828, hundreds of Cretans aimed to occupy the castle but were driven back and massacred by the Ottomans. Or base yourself here in the historical Old Town to really get a feel for the place. Most of your meals on the island will most certainly be accompanied by Cretan wines. As an Amazon Associate TraveltheGreekWay.com earns from qualifying purchases. The old-world fishing villages that once made Macau a quiet cousin to Hong Kong are giving way to an encroaching blaze of casinos built on reclaimed land. Visit the Authentic Apokoronas villages, 9. If you do so, you contribute to the natural disaster of this magnificent place. The alleyways of the Old Town and Jewish Quarter, culminating in the quayside and lighthouse, are some of the busiest during the summer, so unless youre okay with crowds, avoid booking your trip for July or August and visit in the spring or fall, when the weather is pleasant to wander around, instead. Here are the best places to visit. Some of the villages are: I particularly enjoyed this7 Villages Apokoronas touras it offered the opportunity to explore Cretes history, culture, and food in one shot. To avoid the hassle of organizing the challenging trek I would suggest booking a guided tour to Samaria Gorge with a pick-up from your hotel included. Some of the most interesting galleries host archaeological remains from Chania and the wider western Crete area. 12. Not only did we visit the restaurants, we also met with the restaurant owners to explore the secrets of Cretan cuisine. Rebecca is a British travel writer and author who lives in Greece, gaining inspiration from the beauty of the country, people, and gastronomy. Elafonisi beach is one of the most popular. Unfortunately, much of Aptera was destroyed in earthquakes in the 7th and 12 centuries AD. Crete is renowned in Greece for its exceptional cuisine with local recipes always using the best possible ingredients from Cretan earth. The 12 Best Places to Visit in Mainland Greece Athens Greece's capital and perhaps the most important mainland destination; any trip to mainland Greece requires a stopover for at least a day or two. In most cases, youll arrive as a restaurant guest, and leave as friends. If you go further east towards Halepa, you find smaller beaches and rocky creeks. You'll even find Panda Brew beer in Beijing. This particular tour takes you to 7 villages, where youll be surprised by how much the traditional methods of doing things are still maintained. Cheers. A very nice fish village that reminds me of the Cyclades is Loutro and as it is not touristically advanced it is perfect for a quiet vacation. If you dont want to deal with the hassle of driving and just want to enjoy one of the best beaches, take a guided tour from Chaniato Elafonisi beach where you can enjoy several hours in the pink sand and swim in the pristine waters. Are you looking for hotels and apartments in the four regions of Crete Island? The lovely Aspassia, your host on this olive oil tour is one of the most entertaining and knowledgeable guides. As you explore the history and culture of Cretan olive oil, youll leave empowered on how to buy and cook with olive oil. This particular boat cruise to Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa leaves from Kissamos port for a full day trip experience. A word of warning: Once off the main highway E65, the road does become quite precarious as you traverse the narrow mountain roads. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. 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