Khanía, chief town of its nomos, lies in the southeast corner of Khaniá Bay on the north coast of Crete. The town was founded by the Venetians in the 13th century, under the name of La Canea, on the site of ancient Kydonia. It suffered heavy damage during World War II.
The old town is surrounded by its 16th century walls, with a total length of 3km/2mi. To the north is the Venetian harbor (boating marina), with a lighthouse at the end of the pier, several Venetian arsenals (ca. 1500; now used as boat-sheds) and part of the old fortifications.
The Gothic church of San Francesco now houses the Archeological Museum. Other features of interest are the church of San Salvatore (16th C.), the Janissaries' Mosque (1645), a number of fine Venetian mansions and the large Market Hall.
The Samariá Gorge is a dramatic area of steep cliff walls, surrounded by beautiful mountainous terrain. A popular but lengthy, and somewhat strenuous walk leads through the gorge.
The Gothic church of San Francesco now houses the Archeological Museum.
The museum holds exhibits from western Crete and other areas. The exhibits date from the Neolithic to the Roman era, and include idols, statues, inscriptions, weapons, pottery, sealstones, coins and jewelry, among other things.
Address: San Francesco Archeological Museum, 21 Halidon Street, Khaniá , Greece
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 8am-7:30pm; Mon:1pm-7:30pm
November 1 to March 31: 8:30am-3pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian, 15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim, Good Friday - Christian
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian, 15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim, Good Friday - Christian
Eight km/5mi east of Khaniá, on Mt Profítis Ilías, are a statue of Liberty and the graves of Sofokles and Eleftherios Venizélos, two Cretan politicians.
The Naval Museum of Khaniá is located at the Venetian harbor and includes exhibits items from throughout the island's history.
Address: Naval Museum, Fort Firkás Aktí Kountourióti, Khaniá , Greece
Hours:
June 1 to September 30: 10am-2pm; Tue:10am-7pm; Thu:10am-7pm; Sat:10am-7pm; Closed: Mon
October 1 to May 31: 10am-2pm; Tue:10am-6pm; Thu:10am-6pm; Sat:10am-6pm; Closed: Mon, Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Easter - Christian, 15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim, Good Friday - Christian
Four km/2.5mi southeast of the old town of Khaniá is Soúda Bay, the largest and most sheltered natural harbor on the island (the commercial harbor of Khaniá and a naval base).
Aptera was a prominent city in during the 7th Century B.C. Some of the ancient city can still be seen here, including the old fortifications, a temple, and theatre.
Address: Aptera Tourist Office, Aptera , Greece
Hours:
June 15 to October 31: 8:30am-3pm
November 1 to March 31: 8:30am-3pm; Closed: Mon
Always opened on: Assumption Day - Christian (August 15), Óhi Day - Greece & Cyprus (October 28), Easter Monday - Christian
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Easter - Christian
Gavalokhóri, southeast of Khaniá, is an old town with a history dating back to the 11th Century. Visitors can learn more about the traditions and history at the town's local museum.
The Gavalokhóri Historical and Folk Art Museum explores the local history and traditions with displays of furniture, textiles, art, weapons, and coins. The building itself, built in typical local style, is also worth seeing.
Address: Gavalokhóri Historical and Folk Art Museum, 73008 Gavalokhóri, Greece
The Ghonia Monastery, dating to the 17th Century, is located west of Khania. From the monastery there are some beautiful views of the surrounding area.
60km/37mi southwest of Khaniá lies the village of Kándanos, the inhabitants of which were shot by German forces during the World War II in reprisal for the activities of the Greek Resistance.
The picturesque Lake Kournas is situated 48 km east of Khaniá. It is the only lake on the island. The mountains surrounding it are reflected in its calm waters. There are also numerous good tavernas in the area.
St George's (Agios Yorgos) church, Kournas Village, Crete.
Phalassarna (Koutri) sits at the northwest tip of the peninsula. Of interest in the town are a number of ruins including tombs, fortifications, building foundations, and sculptures.
The ruined walls and acropolis of Polyrrhenia lie 49km west of Khaniá, near Selli or Paleokastro. At Kria Vrissi, near Kissamos, are the remains of a Roman aqueduct.
Polyrrhenia, an important ancient western Cretan city, was founded with the help of the Achaeans, who succeeded the Minoans as overlords of the island.
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Greek National Day (March 25), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Easter - Christian
At the village of Sougia, on the south coast of the district of Khaniá, are some exquisite mosaics from an early Christian sixth century basilica preserved in the village's modern church.
The Therisso Gorge is a beautiful area, six km long running between Khaniá and the village of Therisso at the foothills of the White Mountains, 16km south of Khaniá.
Southwest of Kissamos, 43km west of Khania, near the village of Kalathenes, is the Villa Rotonda, most probably the country estate of some Venetian feudal lord, dating to the 16th or 17th century.
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Samariá Gorge
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Palaiokhóra Castle
Lake Kournas, Khania
Frangokástello, Khania
Samariá Gorge, Khania
Lake Kournas, Khania
Frangokástello, Khania
Samaria Gorge National Park, Khania
Khania
