Chania: Multicultural Hub of Crete

I wrote last time about Heraklion, capital city of Crete, and this time I want to recount our trip to Chania, 145 kilometres west of Heraklion. Chania is the second-largest city in Crete after the capital and we travelled there by bus, stopping off at Arkadi Monastery and the beautiful town of Rethymno on the way, which will be the subject of a separate post.

The city of Chania is built on the site of Minoan Kidonia, which according to ancient legends was one of the three cities founded by King Minos in Crete. It lies at the end of the gulf between Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. It was the capital of Crete from 1841 (or 1847 or 1851 depending on which source you consult) until 1971 and an entire neighbourhood of neoclassical government buildings remains from that time.

After raids by Arabs and Byzantines, Chania was conquered by Venetians in 1252 and was given to the Turks in 1669, before finally being annexed to the Greek state in 1913. You can see its multicultural influences – Venetian, Ottoman, Hebrew and more – on display in buildings alongside traditional tavernas and modern restaurants and a choice of waterfront cafes and bars.

All the history and charm of Crete are contained in Chania’s old town, with its cobbled streets, Venetian port and famous lighthouse – it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, built by the Venetians at the end of the 16th century and reconstructed by the Egyptians during the period 1830-1840.

You can take a walking tour of Chania old town or, frankly, just do it yourself; it’s an easy town to walk around. Exploring the narrow alleyways, you’ll discover the Jewish and Muslim districts and pass by some of the best tavernas and trendiest bars in Chania, as well as souvenir shops and museums.

We began our exploration in the heart of Chania, wandering along narrow alleys lined with colourful buildings adorned with bougainvillea. We stopped at the municipal market of Chania, known locally as the Agora (there are lots of agoras in Greece, often used in reference to a marketplace, but originally meaning an open space where people assemble). The municipal market covers an area of 4,000 square metres in the centre of Chania, built on the same spot where once stood the main rampart of the fortification during the Venetian period.

The market’s architectural design is a striking fusion of Venetian and Ottoman influences, reflecting Chania’s complex history. Its design and early construction began in 1909 during the final years of Ottoman rule. It was completed during the second half of 1913, just in time for the unification of Crete with Greece in December of that year.

It is still an active market and houses shops selling vegetables, fish, meat, herbs and spices and more, as well as several cafes and restaurants. In the summer months many shops also sell tourist souvenirs. However, it closed for renovations two years ago and was only scheduled to reopen this year.

Chania is claimed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and what became known later as Kastelli hill, rising above the Venetian harbour, was the first place to be inhabited over 5,000 years ago.

Kastelli Hill was once ancient Kydonia and, later, a Byzantine castle. Eventually, a city was built around it, with new walls erected by the Venetians. Unfortunately, much of the district was destroyed by German bombings during the Second World War and most of its old houses are gone. Pieces of Minoan pottery were found in the rubble, leading to the conclusion that the area was once the site of a Minoan palace.

Some of the area was fenced off so it was difficult to get good photos, but you can see the Byzantine influences on Karaoli Dimitriou Street and the excavated Proto-Minoan settlement on Kanevaro Street. The edge of the Kastelli citadel is a great place to watch the sunset, which gives the old town a technicolour evening charm.

History enthusiasts will find no shortage of captivating landmarks in Chania including the Archaeological Museum, home to a fascinating collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years of Cretan civilization. There are Minoan treasures, Roman sculptures, and Byzantine relics, all providing glimpses into the island’s storied past.

The Archaeological Museum of Chania. Photo: Bernard Gagnon/Wikimedia Commons

For a deeper dive into Chania’s Venetian heritage, you can visit the Maritime Museum housed in the historic Firkas Fortress. There, learn about Crete’s maritime history through interactive exhibits, model ships and interesting displays documenting the island’s seafaring traditions.

The Chania region is dominated by the impressive White Mountains and Lefka Ori National Park, with its Samaria Gorge.

Nature lovers will be delighted by this natural beauty that surrounds Chania. You can embark on a scenic hike through the Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest and most spectacular gorges, where sheer cliffs tower overhead and crystal-clear streams meander through verdant landscapes. It’s a great area for spotting native wildlife including the elusive Kri-Kri, a wild goat endemic to Crete.

For a more leisurely experience, head to the idyllic beaches that fringe the coastline of Chania. Significant among them are Balos Beach, where turquoise waters lap against rugged cliffs, creating a picture-perfect setting; and Falassarna Beach, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and shallow, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

No visit to Chania would be complete without indulging in the island’s culinary delights. You can savour the freshest seafood at waterfront tavernas overlooking the harbour and feast on grilled octopus, fried calamari and succulent prawns caught just hours before. Even better, pair your meal with a glass of locally produced wine or raki, a traditional Cretan spirit known for its smooth finish and aromatic flavours.

For a taste of traditional Cretan cuisine, venture into the inland villages surrounding Chania, where family-run tavernas serve up hearty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Classic dishes on offer include moussaka, stuffed vine leaves and dakos, a rustic salad made with barley rusks, tomatoes and creamy feta cheese.

Chania has daily boat connections to Athens (Piraeus) from Port Souda, just seven kilometres from the city. Chania also has flights to Athens from Akrotiri airport, 15 kilometres east of the city.