Khania Attractions
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.
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Samariá Gorge
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.
San Francesco Archeological Museum
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.
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.
Hours
April 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 13:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 |
| Close | 19:30 | 19:30 | 19:30 | 19:30 | 19:30 | 19:30 | 19:30 |
November 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
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 (Apr 08)
15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim (Jul 05)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Greek National Day (March 25)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim (Jul 05)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Agia Magdalini Church
In the Khelepa quarter of Khaniá is the Russo-Byzantine church of Agia Magdalini.
Chapel of the Moneyless Saints
The Chapel of the Moneyless Saints (Ágii Anárgiri) has old Byzantine frescoes.
Historical Archives
To the south of the old town, at Odós I. Sfakianáki 20, are the Historical Archives, with interesting documents, old weapons and icons.
The archives also hold a rich collection of folklore and material related to the history of the island.
The archives are among the largest in the country, second only to the General Archives of the Greek State.
The archives also hold a rich collection of folklore and material related to the history of the island.
The archives are among the largest in the country, second only to the General Archives of the Greek State.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 |
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 (Apr 08)
15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim (Jul 05)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Greek National Day (March 25)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim (Jul 05)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Mt Profítis Ilías
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.
Naval Museum
The Naval Museum of Khaniá is located at the Venetian harbor and includes exhibits items from throughout the island's history.
Hours
June 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 14:00 | 19:00 | 14:00 | 19:00 | 14:00 |
October 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 14:00 | 18:00 | 14:00 | 18:00 | 14:00 |
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 (Apr 08)
15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim (Jul 05)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Greek National Day (March 25)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
15th of Shaaban - 12th Iman's Birthday - Muslim (Jul 05)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Souda Bay
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).
Khania Surroundings
Alikianos - St George Church, Greece
At the village of Alikianos, 13km southwest of Khania, is the Byzantine church of St George, with frescoes dating from 1430.
Aptera, Greece
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.
Hours
June 15 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
November 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
Always opened on:
Assumption Day - Christian (August 15)
Óhi Day - Greece & Cyprus (October 28)
Easter Monday - Christian (Apr 09)
Óhi Day - Greece & Cyprus (October 28)
Easter Monday - Christian (Apr 09)
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 (Apr 08)
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 (Apr 08)
Frangokástello
Frangokástello is an old Frankish Castle dating to the late 14th Century. It is located a short distance east of Sfakion Khora.
Gavalokhori (Gavalohori), Greece
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.
Ghonia Monastery
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.
Kandanos, Greece
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.
Kato Episkopi - Rotunda of the Archangel Michael, Greece
The Rotunda of the Archangel Michael is known for its mosaic floors and Byzantine frescoes.
Khalepa, Greece
1.5km/1mi east of the town of Khaniá is the villa suburb of Khalépa, with the residence of the governor and the foreign consulates.
Lake Kournas
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.
Palaiokhóra Castle
(In Kándanos, Greece)
South of Kándanos, on a promontory, is Palaiokhóra, with a Venetian castle. West of the village extends a long sandy beach.
Phalassarna, Greece
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.
Polyrrhenia, Greece
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.
Polyrrhenia, an important ancient western Cretan city, was founded with the help of the Achaeans, who succeeded the Minoans as overlords of the island.
Hours
June 15 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 12:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
November 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
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 (Apr 08)
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 (Apr 08)
Sougia, Greece
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.
Therisso Gorge
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.
Villa Rotonda, Greece
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.
Ágria Gramvoússa
At Ágria Gramvoussa, a remote islet in the northwest part of the district of Khania, are the remains of a Venetian fort.
Getting to the islet is difficult, and can only be done by caique from Kissamos, weather permitting, departing early in the morning during the summer.
Getting to the islet is difficult, and can only be done by caique from Kissamos, weather permitting, departing early in the morning during the summer.
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