Chania is one of the two main entrances to the island and the ideal base for exploring Western Crete.
Car hire from Daskalogiannis airport or from Souda port is your first choice to drive you to:
Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour
The most elegant of Crete’s provincial capitals, the first capital of Crete anyhow, has been called the Venice of East because of its Venetian architecture and atmosphere. Actually, traces from Minoans, Romans, Byzantines, Genoeses, Turkish and German (during World War II) are still visible in monuments, buildings, churches, mosques, castles, fortifications and in the local dialect as well.
With the White Mountains as ideal background, stroll around the neoclassical buildings in Halepa, walk through Tambakaria down to Koum Kapi to the Venetian Harbour – actually two harbours joined in one, both so much attractive. Passing by Arsenals – the shipyards, walk around the east end to the magnificent lighthouse, symbol of the town. Car rental is cheap and easy way to enjoy sightseeing.
Then, walking to the west end, you find the other characteristic picture of the city, the Mosque of the Janissaries – Giali Tzamisi. Continue till the Naval Museum – Firkas and exit to Nea Chora by the coast or turn up into the narrow roads to the old part of the town again. Allow plenty of time to stroll around, sightseeing, shopping, tasting the cretan cuisine and enjoy the day and night life of this seductive place.