visit chania

visit chania

Cultural Tradition

IN CRETE PEOPLE CELEBRATE ALL YEAR ROUND.

The multicultural and distant past of Crete is reflected in all aspects of modern Cretan people, such as language, dance, music, food, arts and crafts. Folk tradition of Crete constitutes an inexhaustible contemporary cultural entity with customs, materials, spiritual features and ancient habits that have formed the core of the modern Cretan life over the years.

Cretan music is considered the most vibrant in Greece, because it not only it continues to evolve and incorporate creative contemporary musical features, but it also manages to express modern reality.

tRADITIONAL fESTIVALS

The most famous celebrations are the festivals to honor the saint-protector of each village. In all the regional districts of Crete, each village celebrates its saints with music, food and traditional Cretan dancing. Most festivals take place during the summer months, culminating in mid-August, when hundreds of festivals take place simultaneously across the whole island.

The following religious feasts and celebrations are taking place in Chania regional unit.

Agios Ioannis Sfakion, St John’s Feast, May 8th: Traditional festival of Sfakia.

Azogyre, The Holy Fathers’Feast, October 7th: In the beautiful village with the visitable impressive cave of the Holy Fathers.

Aradaina, Archangel Michael’s Day, November 8th: Directly above the impressive gorge of Aradaina, in the deserted but beautiful village.

Asi Gonia, St. George’s Day, April 23rd or after Easter Day: A big festival. All the shepherds of the area bring their animals to the mass in order to be blessed, then they milk them and distribute the milk to the pilgrims.

Elos, Agios Dikaios,May 6th: Extraordinary view and a unique fair.

Therisso, Assumption of the Mother of God, August 15th: In the beautiful village where Eleftherios Venizelos declared the revolution of 1905.

Kandanos, the Ascension of Christ (1)

Koustogerago, St Catherine, November 25th: High over Koustogerago with majestic view to the fair which is also to commemorate the rescue of the rebels that were hiding themselves from the Germans in a cave there.

Lissos, St Kyrikos, July 15th: The pilgrims start arriving ancient Lissos on foot or in boats from Sougiaγια early in the afternoon of the previous day. A real fair of Selino in a mythical place.

Paleochora, Annunciation of the Mother of God, March 25th: Many musical instruments and happy atmoshereσ’ The entire Paleochora, in the beginning of spring.

Sembronas, Apopigadi, St. John’s, June 24th: One of the feasts, that take place on a very high location, with an incredible view.

Sougia, Harey, St. Antony 1-2 of July: Unique traditional fair at the seaside small church which is situated in Harey. The route on foot from through the E4 path that lead from Sougia to Agia Roumeli lasts two hours with the unique background of the Lybian sea and piney slopes. It is possible to go there also by boat from Sougia. Overnight stay outdoor.

Strovles, Holy Ghost’s (2)

Sfakia, Thymiani Panagia, last Sunday of May.

Chrysoskalitissa, the Assumption of the Virgin, August 15th: At the beautiful monastery, which is a real «balcony» to the Lybian Sea a famous festival takes place.

Frangokastello, St. Nikitas, September 15th: Big festival during which riding races take place.

Floria, Michael Archangel’s, November 8th: Small traditional festival.

Other excellent festivals, by date, are the following:

August 6th, the Transfiguration: Ksirosterni, Tzitzife, Karres of Kissamos, Sassalo

August 15the the Assymption of the Virgin: Voulgaro Panagia of the Summit, Kolympari Gonia, Pemonia, Fre, Eksopolis, Litsarda, Alikampo, Kefala, Kalikrati, Koustogerago

August 29th, John the Precursor’s: Rodopou Gionas, Douliana, Stylos, Kournas

September 8th, το Birth of the Mother of Christ: Gavalohori, Tzitzife, Sassalo

September 14th, Feast of the Holy Cross: Nippos, Rodovani
September 15th St. Nikitas: Kampia

(1) The feast has no date, because it is «movable» – 40 days after the Orthodox Easter
(2) The feast has no date because it is «movable» – 50 days after the Orthodox Easter

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Churches and Monasteries

Chryssoskalitissa Monastery

Chryssoskalitissa Monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is highly admired by all visitors. The monastery rises on a rock, 35 meters altitude above the sea. Within the walls of the monastery lies the icon of the Virgin, which is said that counts more than a thousand years. Outside Kolymbari you will find the Monastery of Gonia, an old 17th century complex in the middle of a beautiful lush green forest. It is still active and also exhibits a fine collection of post-Byzantine icons and treasury of holy relics.

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The Mediterranean Climate

Crete falls into two climatic zones, with the largest part of the island falling into the Mediterranean and the south coasts and Gavdos island falling to the North African. It has one of the healthiest climates for humans to live as it is quite humid near the sea, with short mild winters and cool summers. While the far south has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the three major massifs can be as cold as -10°C (14°F) in winter, most of the inhabited areas lie close to the coast, which means mild temperatures.

The average Crete temperature decreases as you travel north. July and August are the warmest months, and January is the coldest month of the year. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC (70-90°F) and in winter between 10-15ºC (50-60°F).

Seasons and clothing requirements

Summer: June – August
Summer in Crete is moderate to hot, with temperatures hovering around 20-30 degrees celsius and clouds almost nowhere. In most places you can wear shorts and a t-shirt or singlet during the day, adding a light jumper at night. In dry south shores, sun get warmer and you should always wear hats, sunglasses and have water with you.

Autumn/Fall: September – November
Temperatures during this time are a little cooler than summer but the Crete weather can be excellent. Suitable clothing includes light pants or shorts, and a t-shirt or long-sleeved top. It can cool off at night more during this season, so make sure you are prepared with a warm sweater, especially in the mountainous areas.

Winter: December – February
Winter in Crete brings colder weather to much of the island, with snow in the mountains and rain in the rest areas, but still sunny days are very common. You’ll need jeans, long-sleeved tops and coats in most places, and if you’re heading into the snowcapped mountains, gloves and thick sweaters are also a good idea.

Spring: March – May
Spring brings weather of all types – expect everything from cold, frosty, clear days to sunny and hot. Make sure you are prepared for this type of weather if you are visiting during this time. Jeans are good and layers work well on top, as they can be added and removed depending on what the weather brings.

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Picturesque Villages

Sougia

Sougia of Chania is the small seaside village on the southern coast of the province, built at the exit of Agia Irini gorge. The long beach of Sougia with fine pebbles is the big “advantage” of the village, while there are many small hotels, rooms to let, tavernas with good local food and cafes by the sea. In Sougia you will also see the museum with the documents of the Second World War, Saint Panteleimon with the marvelous mosaics and the Byzantine chapel of Agia Irini.

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Nature’s Amazing Creations

Lake Kournas

Lake Kournas is actually the only large natural lake in Crete and is located in an enchanting landscape, surrounded by high mountains and olive groves. It is located near the village Kournas, 2.5km southeast of the beach of Georgioupolis, 43km east of Chania and 20km west of Rethymnon. Lake Kournas and its surroundings constitute a very important ecosystem for Greece. Kournas is one of the very few areas of Crete where plenty of fresh water is stored throughout the year. For this reason, it is protected under the Natura 2000 program.

Lake Ayia

The artificial lake of Agia (Ayia) is located near the village of Agia, 9 km west of Chania. It is a small lake of 450 acres, which is close to the valley of Fasas. This valley is considered as the most humid of Crete. Agia lake receives water from underground springs originating from Lefka Ori and the river Xekolomenos. The lake was a swamp before the Power Public Corp turned it to artificial, for producing hydroelectric power. Today, the power station is abandoned, but visitors still can see the old mechanisms and a relevant museum.

The white mountains

The white mountains are the biggest in extent mountain chain of the island with its peak “Pahnes” (2453m).In the heart of the mountain chain the mountain dessert is created with a moonlike landscape with more than 50 naked tops higher than 2000m. These are called “soroi” because they look like cones.On its base there are reverse cone pits.It is the most mysterious landscape that one can meet in Greece and is unique for the north hemisphere Climbing the white mountains requires great physical condition , experience and good sense of orientation. There are refuges in many places where someone can rest and continue their climbing. Snow covers the higher slopes until June. On the white mountains there are many caves and gorges.

Agia Irini Gorge

The gorge of Agia Irini is on the west side of the White Mountains, with many vertical passes. It gets its name from the homonym village located near the entrance, 46 km from Chania. Its length is 7.5 km and its crossing takes three hours. The gorge ends up in the seaside village of Sougia, where there is a clean and beautiful beach where you can enjoy a memorable swimming in the waters of the Libyan Sea. Once a day, the ferry runs from the port of Sougia, to connect the village with Chora Sfakion in the east and Paleochora in the west. The gorge is part of the European path E4.

Aradena Gorge

Aradena is one of the most interesting gorges and one of the longest ones (15km long). The old Sfakians called it Faragas (Huge gorge) due to its size, to discern it from the rest gorges of Sfakia. This characterization was later falsely used for Samaria Gorge. The gorge actually starts from the root of the peak Thodoris of White Mounts, and specifically from the underground stream of cave Drakolakki. However, most people think that it is only 7km long, because the easiest way is to reach it from Aradena village, at the middle of the gorge length.

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History of Chania

Chania, one of the most beautiful cities of Greece, managed to preserve its original colors and historical character, despite the fast-growing tourist industry. Old elements are harmoniously intertwined with modern ones: the legendary Minoan splendor with the Venetian sophistication, the Turkish simplicity with the medieval beauty, the plain architectural style with the intricate synthesis.

MUSEUMS

Archaeological sites and historical monuments

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Cretan Cuisine

Cretan cuisine is one of foundation, not of complicated sauces. Its strength lies in the quality and freshness of its ingredients, the use of wild herbs and greens, and purity of taste. And not to be forgotten, the copious use of olive oil, Crete’s liquid gold.

Dakos

A very typical Cretan dish. Rusks, a traditional dried bread that is baked several times and kept for months, is moistened in a bit of water, and topped with grated tomato, olive oil, cheese and oregano. Crunchy, light and full of flavor, it makes a perfect snack.

Crete cheese

There’s certainly no shortage of cheese on Crete. Among the main varieties you’ll find: anthotiros, a sheep and goat cheese that’s mild and soft when it’s fresh and salty and earthy when hard; kefalotiri, a firm sheep or goat cheese, and mizithra, the typical fresh cheese of Crete made from sheep’s milk (and when made from goat’s milk it’s called katsikithia).
Graviera, the typical hard cheese of Crete is usually made with sheep’s milk. Although the name sounds suspiciously like gruyere, graviera is nothing like its Swiss sister namesake. Also delicious when fried and served hot.

Cretan Main Dishes

Chaniotiko bouréki is a special zucchini-potato pie made especially in Chania. The basic ingredients are zucchini (pumpkin variety), potatoes and myzíthra cheese (a type of Cretan cheese).

Chochlioí Boumpouristoí. Snails or “choclioi” is the most popular dish of the Cretan diet! This traditional Cretan recipe is combined with rakí, the traditional local drink and good company. The word “boumpouristoí” comes from another Cretan word, the “ampoumpoura” meaning “prone”. Snails, after dipped in flour, are fried in olive oil and accompanied by rosemary and vinegar.

Cretan Rice. A rich, filling staple of Cretan weddings. Cretan wedding rice is made by boiling a side of sheep (we’re told older sheep are better for this dish) for hours and hours so that the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender. Served with rice cooked in sheep broth. It may sound boring, but the richness and depth of flavor will surprise you.

Tsigariastó. This traditional dish of western Crete has migrated across the island, because of its delicious taste. Its basic ingredient is Cretan goat or lamb, cooked in olive oil. The meat is of high quality and it is cooked at a very low temperature for a long time.

Raki. It’s hard to visit Crete without drinking raki — a couple of times a day. Although raki is made in the same way as Italian grappa – from the remains of grapes (pits/skins) – it is fortunately smoother and less potent. And, it’s almost always served with food like savory little snacks or dessert.

Cretan Wine. Crete is one of the Greece’s biggest wine producers. Most of the wine that we tried was of the local village homemade variety. While most of it was acceptable table wine, it didn’t strike us as exceptional. However, one of our guides gave us a bottle of her husband’s red wine and we were convinced that Cretan wine could, in fact, be truly excellent.

Herbal Tea. In the middle of the day or at its end, look for herbal teas. Never thought you could make wild oregano tea? You can, and it’s nice. Mix and match herbs, or better yet, let your knowledgeable host do it for you. And stay on the look out for malotera, or mountain tea. A great way to keep your body hydrated and refreshed as you eat your way around the island.

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Old town & Port

Chania’s Venetian Harbour was carefully built in the 14th century for commercial purposes and for protection against pirate raids. Today it is a point of reference for the city of Chania, and a much-photographed place with a touch of magic! This city hub is filled with cafes, restaurants, tavernas serving local delicacies, bars, pastry stores and art shops as well as monuments referring to various historical periods. You will find there is a balanced mixing of Cretan, Ottoman and Venetian elements, beautiful narrow alleys across the old town and amazing architecture.

The old port is a fascinating place any time of the day or year, as the sun creates a variety of visual effects and gives the impression you see a different place each time you visit it! Start your walk at the NW part of it where you will see the imposing Lighthouse, the ‘jewel’ of the harbour. To your right lie the Firkas Fort built by the Venetians in order to protect the port entrance. There is a captivating brick-coloured building at the Fort entrance which once housed the Venetian naval guards.

Nowadays you will find the Maritime Museum of Crete with a valuable collection of naval objects providing insight into the rich history of Chania and W. Crete. Right after that, walk along Angelou St., an upward alley which is one of the loveliest backstreets of the Topanas quarter. Feast your eyes on the Venetian architecture typical of the 16th and 17th centuries. If you fancy some more strolling, walk along the streets that begin from the coast and lead to the most beautiful part of the old town of Chania, where most of these Venetian buildings, above restaurants and cafes, have been converted into hotels offering beautiful views to the old Venetian harbour of Chania.

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A part of its southern side destroyed by the fierce bombardment of the Nazis during the second world war. Today the small interior space of the building is primarily used as an exhibition hall. Continuing your walk along Tombazi Coast, behind the restaurants, cafes and bars, you will see the Byzantine walls towering the Kasteli hill, which is known as the place where the history of the city of Chania began. This is the location of Kydonia, a Minoan town, where the first human settlements appeared as early as the Neolithic age. Climb the steps uphill Afentoulief street, next to Megalo Arsenali, and once you are on top drink in the panoramic view of the harbour area.

Today’s Centre for Mediterranean Architecture, one of the city’s gems, is housed in the former Venetian Dockyards (Megalo Arsenali) to the west part of the harbour, while the seven neighbouring dockyards lying on the port’s east side give us a good picture of how the harbour looked like during the Venetian rule. The shipyards had an opening on the side of the sea where waters easily reached the land so as to facilitate pulling the vessels in and out. On the spot nowadays you will find a marina where small cruise and fishing boats dock.

As you pass by the last fish tavernas on Akti Enoseos on the eastern part of the harbour, you will see three dockyards, named Moro after the Venetian Governor who saw to their construction. The left one was the last to be built during the Venetian Rule and it remained unfinished until recently. Today it houses the Chania Sailing Club. Let’s pay a visit to the Greek Traditional Shipbuilding and Ancient Shipbuilding exhibitions, located on the dockyard to the right. You will get to see and learn interesting information about nautical knots, Greek lighthouses and observe up close a model 15th c. BC Minoan ship.

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Beyond the shipyards and to the right you can visit the Koum Kapi seaside area (Sand Gate) as well as Sabbionara, the Venetian ramparts built entirely in the sea, which is the only remaining gate of the former Venetian city walls. There are many cafes, tavernas and bars facing the Cretan Sea. Let’s continue our stroll on the harbour’s breakwater, heading towards the fascinating Lighthouse where we end our walk. Originally built by the Venetians, it was reconstructed in the form of a minaret by the Egyptians in the early 19th c. and has remained unchanged ever since. The breakwater area all the way to the Lighthouse affords a panoramic view of the harbour, the old town of Chania against a backdrop of the White Mountains.

Chania’s Venetian Harbour area is like a wonderful maize that tempts you to explore every little part of it. You will find you can’t help falling in love with the town and sweet thoughts about your visit will give you memories to cherish long after you have left the island!

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IN CRETE PEOPLE CELEBRATE ALL YEAR ROUND.

Agia Triada Tsagkarolon Monastery

Gouverneto Monastery or Lady of Angels

Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos at Korakies

Monastery of Chrysopigi

Chryssoskalitissa Monastery

Cathedral of Eisodion tis Theotokou

Church of Agios Nikolaos

Catholic Church of Saint Francis

The Mediterranean Climate

Seasons and clothing requirements

Picturesque Villages

Nature’s Amazing Creations

Lake Kournas

Lake Ayia

The white mountains

Samaria Gorge

Imbros Gorge

Agia Irini Gorge

Aradena Gorge

History of Chania

MUSEUMS

Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection

Folklore Museum of Chania

Archaeological sites and historical monuments

Center of Mediterranean Architecture (Grand Arsenal)

The Egyptian Lighthouse

Giali Tzamisi

Venetian Neoria

Gate & Rampart Sabbionara

The Minaret of Agios Nikolaos

The Municipal Market

The graves of Venizelos

Cretan Cuisine

Dakos

Crete cheese

Cretan Main Dishes

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