Chania city

The Turkish quarter 

The rich history of the area dates back from the Venetian era when it was named Ponte Dei Viari referring to a bridge connecting the eastern gate of the Kasteli settlement with modern Daskalogianni St. and Splantzia Square. The bridge took the name of an affluent Venetian family who were benefactors of the city in difficult times. The area had a lot of underground waters that is why there are findings of underground Venetian water tanks that could supply the city for 6 whole months. Current St. Nickolas church was originally the temple of the adjacent Monastery occupied by the Order of the Dominican monks, and was built in 1320. After the invasion of the Turks in 1645, the church is converted into a Mosque, named Houghiar Tzamissi – Hünkâr Camisi, by adding a minaret on the south side of the temple.

Modern Chania 

Somewhere around the late 19th century, near the end of the Ottoman era, the increasing city’s population was suffocating within the limits of the Venetian Walls. Therefore the city began stretching out to the West, the East and mostly to the South. In 1870, the Turkish Chief Commander of Crete, Reouf Pasha, envisioned a city master plan of a Grand Walk for purposes of leisure and outdoor activities, beyond the Venetian Walls. Part of his daily routine, to walk towards a sandy area with a shady fig tree, gave him the inspiration to construct a City Garden (bahce) for everybody to enjoy some public, open, green space where cultural events could take place according to the European standards of the time. 

KOUM KAPI

Having made the slow transition “from rugs to reaches” during the last century, this neighborhood with its distinct character, offers the visitor an elevated sea view during the day and an array of options for going out at nighttime.

Venetian name, was a big gate on the eastern end of the old walls of Chania city, which led to a beautiful sandy beach. Today, the neighborhood is known for its charming cafes and restaurants that are favored by the locals, so if you want to blend with local life, this is the place to do so. Koum Kapi offers one of the most distinct coastal promenades of the city, as it is elevated a couple of meters above sea level, providing great views. 

Nea Chora

Standing at the Venetian Harbor of Chania city, it is difficult to imagine that there is a nice beach at less than a 1 km away where you can easily get there on foot. Welcome to Nea Chora. The neighborhood has developed west from the Venetian Harbor, and the name means “New Town” in Greek, because it was one of the first suburbs of the modern Chania city, that developed outside the Byzantine walls. Prior to that time, the area was full of crop fields, irrigated by Kladisos river. Nowadays, Nea Chora features the best beach in Chania city, along with some of the most delicious fish taverns.READ MORESUGGESTED WALKS

Enjoy a short but very satisfying walk along the coast, which will take you from the Venetian Harbor to the best beach in Chania city, and introduce you to some of the loveliest fish taverns in the city.

Recently the Municipality of Chania has also introduced a cycling lane along the walk that will lead you to the closest beach in the city center. You start from the western end of the Venetian Harbor, at Firkas Fortress, and follow the coastal road to the west. Right after you pass the San Salvador bastion, that set the limits of the western part of the old city walls, you enter the neighborhood. You continue all along the coastal road, on a nice route with a view to a rocky beach. After some time, you will encounter the building of the Chania National Nautical-Athletic Center, with its multiple sports facilities. You continue along the coast and after a sharp turn to the left you see the fishing harbor of Nea Chora. From here onwards, it is easy to find the ideal fish tavern for you, since there are plenty to go around and choose from. The coastal road has been completely redesigned to be pedestrian-friendly, with only mild traffic allowed during specific hours. More fish taverns are found beyond the fishing harbor right up to the splendid Nea Chora beach, which is perfect for families and those that are looking for amenities nearby.