Crete is a fascinating blend of Greek and foreign influences, making it an ideal destination for travelers interested in European history and culture, all while enjoying warm weather and beautiful scenery.
During our four-day trip to Crete, my wife Fern and I made Chania our base. Chania, with its winding old town, Venetian harbor, and Ottoman influences, is a charming and beautiful place. The locals were very hospitable, and the town’s water views are stunning. The weather in November was pleasant with daytime temperatures over 20 degrees Celsius, and there were few tourists around.
Crete’s history is rich, having been occupied by Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians, and Turks before reuniting with Greece in 1913. The island still showcases remnants of these influences, especially noticeable in Chania’s architecture.
One of the highlights of our visit was the 16th-century lighthouse at the harbor’s entrance, restored in parts and still standing on its original Venetian base. We enjoyed walking on the sea wall to reach the lighthouse, despite it being closed to the public.
Chania has impressive defensive walls built by the Venetians to protect the harbor from the Ottomans, and the best-preserved section is the western wall. The Venetian Arsenal, also known as the Great Arsenal, is another restored feature worth seeing.
The old town is full of narrow alleys and picturesque streets, laden with Turkish and Venetian architecture. Our hotel, Casa Delfino, was originally a grand 13th-century Venetian townhouse that played a role during the Ottoman rule and is now an elegant hotel.
One of Chania’s notable landmarks is the former Mosque, which dates back to 1645. It has been renovated and now serves as an exhibition space. Its exterior features a large dome with additional smaller domes adorning the roof.
We also visited the town beach, which was clean and less crowded despite the nice weather. It was a ten-minute walk from our hotel and had rental umbrellas and chairs by nearby restaurants.
We explored the last remaining Jewish synagogue in Crete, located in the old town. Its history is poignant, serving as the only Jewish monument after the Jewish community’s destruction in World War II. The synagogue was restored in the late 1990s and now occasionally hosts services and memorials.
The Monument of the Hand sculpture, erected in 1990 to remember the victims of a 1966 ferry disaster, was another moving sight.
Chania’s new town features typical modern amenities and the impressive Agora, a covered market modeled after Marseilles’ market, selling local products and offering small eateries.
We dined at several local restaurants, with Gallini’s restaurant being our favorite. It had fantastic views of the Venetian Old Harbour and served delicious Mediterranean and Greek food. We also tried Funky’s Pizza, reputedly the best pizza in Chania.
Casa Delfino, our hotel, offered an exquisite stay with its pebbled mosaic courtyard and a spacious suite with a loft bed and Italian marble bath. The hotel’s rooftop provided breathtaking views of the old harbor. The breakfast was rich with local products, and the staff were very accommodating. We indulged in massages and spa treatments on our last day, which included access to a steam room and whirlpool.
Most U.S. travelers fly to Crete from Athens, while Europeans often take direct flights. We flew on Olympic Air from Athens to Chania, a comfortable journey of less than an hour. The airport is small and conveniently located about 15 kilometers from Chania.
Chania, with a population of just over 50,000, is the second largest city in Crete after Heraklion.
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