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Chania is the capital city of the prefecture of Chania. This beautiful city, located on the north shore of Crete, is an ideal base for exploring the whole island. The prefecture of Chania covers the west part of the island and its important towns: Kastelli, Paleochora, Kandanos and Chora Sfakion.
Chania is about 1 hour (59km) long from Rethymnon and 2 hours (137 km) long from Heraklion. It is easily accessible from Athens by three regular flights a day (45 minutes) during winter and four during summer. The International Airport is located 11km outside the city on Akrotiri. There are also two daily boats from Piraeus (Athens) to Souda.
The prefecture of Chania offers tourism services and activities of all kinds covering all demands. The city of Chania preserves all the features of the Venetian rule times. The White Mountains (Lefka Ori), rising behind the city and diving south in the Livikon Pelagos in the area of Sfakia, consist of numerous gorges for nature-lovers and enthousiastic mountaineers. The sandy beaches and the deep clear waters in them (Elafonissi, Falassarna, Paleochora, Georgioupoli, etc) are ideal for swimming. The minoan, roman and byzantine archaeologocial sites are tempting for those interested in cultural and historical explorations - please click here for maps.
Geographical Elements: The county of Chania covers the western part of Crete and has an area of 2.376 km2 and with a population of 140,000 residents (1991 inventory). The county is divided into 5 provinces with the capital the city of Chania (52.000 population). Since 1999 the county is divided into 23 counties and 2 provinces. The north area of the county with very welcome seas ends up to 3 peninsulas. Concerning the south side of the island towards the Libyan sea it presents the biggest amount of sunlight in Europe. North, west and south the county is surrounded by sea.
Why to visit Chania: Chania is regarded as a very picturesque small city of Greece, with a lot of life during the summer months, friendly people, blue sea and sky, and sandy beaches. The famous old town with its small streets and the Venetian buildings, the picturesque Venetian harbour with the Lighthouse and the Firkas castle create a majestic, romantic atmosphere which can be rarely found in Europe.
Chania is an ideal destination to combine the romantic atmosphere of the Venetian Town with the touristic facilities that have been created during the last years; the well-organised sandy beaches west and east of the city, the numerous cafes, restaurants and tavernas along the old harbour and the seaside villages, the endless waterfront to the west and the east of the city, the beach-bars on the sandy beaches, the seaside clubs and bars outside the city.
Chania is also an ideal location to explore the rest of Crete since the distances are not really a big deal; you can find some of the most unique sights and natural beaches of Crete in less than 60 minutes distance in south and west Crete, the most famous archaeological sites of Knossos and Phaestos dating thousands of years ago in the nearby districts of Heraklion and Rethymnon, the remaining of the Turkish and the Venetian castles dispersed in many remote villages of the island, the existing Venetian Monasteries and Churches. Here you can also try to pass the longest gorge of Europe - Samaria Gorge, 17 km length - and visit some of the purest, traditional villages of Crete.
Holiday Rentals We Suggest
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Lucia Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
Lucia Hotel is located in the lovely waterfront of the picturesque Venetian Old Town of Chania. The guests enjoy great views of the venetian harbour and the lighthouse from the interior and the balconies of the rooms.
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Melina Guesthouse in Chania Town, Chania
Melina Guesthouse is a recently renovated Turkish home, located on the hill of Kastelli, just a a short stroll from the Venetian harbor, from the Naval Museum and the Central Market offering a memorable stay.
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Porto Del Colombo in Chania Town, Chania
Porto Del Colombo is a historical first class hotel in Chania old town, elegant and full of charm, with interiors featuring attention to every detail and providing impeccable service that centers entirely on ensuring that its guests feel right at home.
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Belmondo Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
The historical Belmondo Hotel is situated in the picturesque Old Town, in the heart of Chania town. It is a lovely hotel of first class in a traditional restored Venetian mansion with a unique character and a distinctive personality.
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Odos Oneiron Suites in Chania Town, Chania
Odos Oneiron is a small traditional hotel, located in one of the most magnificent historical districts, only a few steps from the venetian harbour and the town of Chania.
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Padora Suites in Chania Town, Chania
Padora Suites are located in the wonderful, picturesque venetian Old Town of Chania, just one-minute walk away from the central square of the harbour. The luxury two and four bedroom suites can serve up to four people each.
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Villa Venezia in Chania Town, Chania
Villa Venezia is located in the waterfront of the picturesque Venetian Old Town of Chania. The stunning views and the feeling of living on the waterfront (in a fully furnished venetian building) make the experience of living in villa Venezia unique.
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Nostos Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
Nostos Hotel is located in one of the most prestigious positions in Chania, just a few steps from the picturesque Venetian harbour, with panoramic views of the old town and the magnificent lighthouse.
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Ariagni Guesthouse in Chania Town, Chania
Ariagni Guesthouse is a recently renovated Turkish home into Guesthouse, nicely decorated in earthy colors with fine antiques and ornaments. It is centrally located in Splantzia, in Chania town, offering easy access to many shops, cafes and restaurants.
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Alcanea Boutique Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
Alcanea Boutique Hotel is a small beautiful hotel located in the picturesque area of the Old Harbor, right next to the Naval Museum, in Chania town. It lies 17 km from the airport and 7 km from the port, while the closest sandy beach is a 10-min walk.
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Kores Boutique Houses in Chania Town, Chania New!
Kores Boutique Houses is a multi-storey medieval building which offers two independent, totally renovated and tastefully decorated residences, placed in the romantic area of the Venetian Harbour of Chania Town.
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Hera Hotel Studios in Chania Town, Chania
Hera Hotel Studios is a small traditional Hotel, located in one of the most prestigious positions in Chania, just a few steps from old town’s square, looking out over the venetian harbour and the light house.
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Arkadi Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
The 3-star Arkadi hotel is located in the centre of Chania, on 1866 square. The Old Town, the Venetian port and many other places of interest can be reached within walking distance, making the hotel ideal for both leisure and business travellers.
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Neli Studios in Chania Town, Chania
Neli Studios are set in four restored Venetian buildings dating from 1840, amongst the pretty cobble lanes of Mitropoleos Square, in the centre of the old Venetian quarter of the picturesque Chania old town.
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Elena Apartments in Chania Town, Chania
Elena Apartments offers spacious 1-bedroom apartments furnished with quality and comfort in mind in front of the sandy beach of Nea Chora in Chania. Each apartment can accommodate up to 4 guests.
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Hotel Eva Chania in Chania Town, Chania
Hotel Eva is located in the picturesque quarters of the Old Town of Chania in a quiet pedestrian street. It is a 600-year-old stone building house, which has recently been renovated with respect to history.
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Irida Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
The modern 3-star Irida Hotel is located in one of the most beautiful areas of Chania with magnificent views to the sea and the old town. The Irida Hotel was completely renovated in 2005 and offers comfortable accommodation for pleasant stay.
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Akali Hotel in Chania Town, Chania New!
The recently refurbished 4-star Akali Hotel is the ideal choice either for your business trip or for leisure, centrally situated in the beautiful city of Chania, 500m away from the sandy beach of Nea Chora and within walking distance of the market and old port.
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Fatma Boutique Hotel in Chania Town, Chania New!
Fatma Boutique Hotel is a marvellous 4-star hotel, centrally placed in the picturesque Venetian Harbour of Chania. The renovated building is perfectly designed, offering a wonderful combination of Venetian and Ottom architecture with luxury and elegance.
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Elena Beach Hotel in Chania Town, Chania
Elena Beach Hotel is a traditional hotel, situated on the sandy beachfront of Nea Chora, with glorious views from all the rooms of the sea. It is located only 700 meters from the beautiful Venetian town of Chania.
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