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.

CHALEPA

The diplomatic, political and aristocratic hub of the late 19th & early 20th century exudes opulence and charm to this day.

Chalepa is located on the North-East outskirts of Chania city where the road from Akrotiri (Cape) comes to an end entering the city. It was and still is an affluent suburb of the city, and back in the 19th century it was considered a diplomatic hub. Opulent mansions with large lush, gardens housed the crème-de-la-crème of Chania’s society and most of the consulates where also located in this aristocratic quartier. Prime Ministers of Greece such as the Ethnarch Eleftherios Venizelos and Konstantinos Mitsotakis lived in Chalepa.

TABAKARIA

The coastal extension of Chalepa towards the North is known as the Tabakaria area. 

The word means tanneries in the Turkish language and the area is a very special and exciting sample 

of the architectural and historical wealth of Chania!

A whole neighborhood on the city’s north eastern coast is considered an architectural monument, featuring mostly the remains of the industrial boom that took place in the 19th century. During the Egyptian occupation era, between 1830 and 1850, artisan tanners came flooding in, occupying the area that presented the ideal conditions for their craft. The processing of leather flourished right up to the 1950s when 80 tanneries were in full operation. 

EL. VENIZELOS TOMBS

At Froudia of Akrotiri, on a hill top, within a beautiful landscape, one will find the Memorial Tombs of Eleftherios and Sofoklis Venizelos, the 16th century A.D. Venetian chapel of Prophet Elias and the memorial statue of Spyros Kagiales, hero of the 1897 rebellion. The spot offers unforgettable panoramic views of the entire city of Chania, facing the magical sunsets that shower the Cretan sea with endless colors.

The hill top Froudia at Akrotiri, on the east side of the city, was of major strategic and historic importance throughout the centuries. The two nave temple of Prophet Elias was also dedicated to Prophet Elysseo in the 16th century. It was built according to Venetian standards of ecclesiastic architecture. There are testimonies that there used to be a convent. In 1897, following the bombardment of the hill during the Greek rebellion against the Turks, the chapel was destroyed, yet the Tsar of Russia, Nicolas, funded its entire restoration. Prior to 1972 the chapel was surrounded by the Village of Profitis Elias, however in 1973 the area was expropriated by the State for the creation of the memorial area of the Venizelos Tombs, paying tribute to the Great Ethnarch of Greece and his son Sofoklis who was also the Prime Minister of Greece from 1943 to 1952.

Get around in Chania

How to get around in Chania

..arriving with kids, looking around to find street signs, asking for the way to locals…..hands off from hustle and bustle………. Here is your Chania transportation guide.

As the time passes on, the distinction between being a traveler or being a tourist in a foreign country is becoming more & clearer in today’s world.

Having been an international traveler and expat myself with my family in very long time, smart phones & Wi-Fi were not an option, slowly & consistently I have created my own traveler status.

It is more about having daily experiences that you might carry back home.

Like when you are trying to communicate with people that have different culture, language, using the local means of transportation that they use, tasting the flavors they do, discovering cafés & restaurants or even watching the local sports team while trying to understand the local newspaper.

Connecting all the above with our beautiful city of Chania, we have created a handy guide of Chania Travelers’ Information; the ways to get around Chania & some local unwritten rules.

We hope that people who are looking for something beyond being around a swimming pool drinking all-inclusive beers & ouzo, will find this information useful.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN CHANIA

Taxi

You may find several taxi terminals in Chania with plenty of vehicles available, so no worries. There might be some delays during the high season night time. The most popular taxi rides are priced on a board, just where the taxi terminal is. You’ll know in advance what you supposed to pay.

East side of the Central market, in front of 1st Chania High School

Opposite of the central Market, in front of National Bank of Greece .

1866 square, opposite of the public bus terminal

On Karaiskaki street at Kotzampasi square

Radio Taxi Companies:

There are a couple Radio taxi companies in Chania, with good services. There is an extra service cost to cover just because of the call. During high season (July-September) make sure that you will not make last minute calls as you might be on the line waiting for an answer, for a long time.

Always ask for the estimated time of arrival & your taxi number.

Radio Taxi ERMIS

Radio Taxi Kydon

Local Chania busses!!

– Local Public Busses (Blue & White colored)

This is a very popular for the locals mean of transportation, around & through Chania’s different neighborhoods. The urban busses. Some of them are old, noisy & create a lot of pollution. There are also drivers who do not speak much English and there are official reports that state, that some drivers have been unpolite.

So, come prepared!

Make sure you have your ticket ready when you get on board or some coins to buy it from the driver (alternatively, you can buy your bus tickets from the white kiosks or coin machines, if any, at the bigger bus terminals or from other random places like super markets, cigarette kiosks etc.).

Do not risk trying to get your ticket with a 20 EURO bill or bigger on the bus!

There are high chances that you will end up waiting for the next bus just because the driver hasn’t got any change left!

Big plus: there is Wi-Fi connection inside the busses.

A very popular line is the one connecting Chania City with Platanias village & every place between. This is usually a long double-bus which is super crowded during the high season months. *bus lines to the Hospital are # 17 & 24.

For full itineraries & information, visit their website: Chania Urban Bus .

– Intercity Public Busses they are green or grey colored or KTEL -for the locals

Better known as KTEL or Green Busses, these intercity busses connect Chania city with many destinations all around the island of Crete.

Routes to Heraklion, Rethymno, Georgioupoli, Apokoronas, Sfakia, Palaiochora or Kastelli are only some of the popular destinations. These busses connect Chania city with all the small villages or even carry the kids to school every day. However, during the summer season there are also busses or minibuses to famous destinations such as: Elafonissi, Falassarna or to the entrance of Samaria gorge. They keep updating their fleet & services and it is a nice way to travel on Crete.

They have an easy to navigate website: KTEL CHANIA-RETHYMNO.

Public Chania Bicycles

A bike sharing system from the municipality of Chania, spreading the culture of pedals all around the city! New bicycle roads have been made downtown, making easier & safer, the transportation with a bicycle.

Easy to use, free for up to 3 hours of use. For instance there will be 1 EURO charge per hour till the first 24 hours of use, please keep in mind. For more, visit the webpage of Chania Municipality:

Bike Sharing System.

There are four bike terminals around the city. Before renting check them well before you start riding (tires, brakes etc.).

Chania Municipality Bicycle stations

1.East Terminal (Defkalion sq.)

2.West Termnial (Talos sq.)

3.Central South (Markopoulos sq.)

4.Central North (Katechaki sq.)

By presenting the most popular means of transportation in Chania, we completed our first chapter of our handy Chania Travel Information. Note that pedestrian streets in Chania city are getting bigger & spreading all the time, as a result making our city life more beautiful & accessible. As you already know, walking is the best way of moving around and discovering a city.

Car rentals in Chania, are getting more expensive every year, with limited availability & very high cost of gasoline.

Holiday House “Cretan Sun”

 

For booking, please follow Holiday House “Cretan Sun’‘ .

Short description: The holiday House is located in Kondomárion villige, in Platanias region, Crete, Traditional House   features accommodation with barbecue facilities, free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a shared lounge. The property has sea views and is 19 km from Chania Town.

 

THE AREA

Located at the edge of Kondomari village and surrounded by olive groves, the house is in a very peaceful area. There is a mini market down the main road and the beach is only a 3-minute drive.

For amenities, the villages of Maleme and Gerani are less than a 5-minute drive and offers supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, pharmacy, shops, beaches, bakery and much more.

A very well-maintained stone-built property, fully-equipped, with a private pool and great sea views. 

The holiday home is located on the ground floor and is fitted with 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with an oven and a microwave. Guests wishing to travel lightly can make use of towels and linens for an additional supplement.

The holiday home offers a children’s playground. Holiday Hause “Cretan Sun” provides a terrace.

The nearest airport is Chania International, 32 km from Holiday Hause “Cretan Sun” , and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

 

Ready to move into. Not to be missed!!!

 

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Welcome to Greece, Crete!

Welcome to rent traditional houses in most

beautiful corner in the world, in Crete, Greece!

Platanias is located on the west of Chania City in a distance of 11 km. This seaside town built along the seashore has two so different parts coexisting and creating this unique holiday destination. From one side the resort along the seafront offering all kind of comforts to its visitors and from the other side the rather quieter part offering you tranquility and peace of mind.

Platanias is a coastal village with several kilometers of sandy beach, stretching from the village to both the east and west and is the ideal destination if you are a sea lover and wish to enjoy the summer above all.

Platanias Beach Crete , Greece

Clubs, bars, restaurants and cafes line the beach and will assist your every need whether you wish to have your coffee under your umbrella or you wish to enjoy an unforgettable meal in one of the numerous Greek taverns. Whether you are travelling with your family and you wish to unwind and enjoy your time off work with your kids or you are on holiday with your other half or your favorite group of friends, Platanias beach is ideal for swimming. Besides the area is offering you the chance to practice your favorite activities from water sports to mini golf and of course a number of activities that you will find available for your beloved children.

Family holidays

The village of Ano Platanias is located on the hilltop overlooking Kato Platanias, the resort along the seafront that annually attracts visitors from all over the world for its unique beauty. If you are staying in a beach resort visit the old village and discover its quietness and tranquility before taking the way back to the busy area of Platanias. Cease the chance that you get to visit Chania for a one way trip to see the picturesque Venetian harbor and enjoy your coffee at the bustling Eleftherios Venizelos Square in the heart of the old town.

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