Chania Tourist Attractions

Chania Airport is located nearby Souda Bay, and just ten kilometers from Chania (Hania), which is often described as one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, and by far one of the prettiest in the Mediterranean. Chania is found on the island of Crete; the largest of the Greek islands, and its airport is a very popular arrival point for local and international tourists, as the city has many lovely attractions which include some wonderful museums filled with the vast history of the area, and interesting historical and religious buildings. However, the sun, sandy beaches and clear blue sea are the main reason for the island's fame, and thousands of tourists flock to Crete every summer. It is during the months of July and August when Chania Airport can become very busy, handling up to 2,500 passengers per day.

Although not as large as Heraklion Airport, Chania Airport sees approximately three million passengers per annum, and is the perfect arrival point at which to start a magnificent journey on the island of Crete. While some tourists may simply wish to visit Chania, others often head along the coast on day trips, or longer excursions, in order to explore some of the other towns on the island. Each has its own unique attractions to offer, and its own characteristics, therefore visitors will always find something to enjoy in every town along the way. In Crete, water sports are the most popular, and may include various forms of boating, such as yachting, canoeing and riding on pedal boats and glass-bottomed boats. Active visitors and locals also enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and swimming at a variety of locations along the coastlines of the island. The closest beach to Chania is Golden Beach, while further out are the beaches of Algia Marina and Kiani Akti. On land, a variety of activities await as well, such as mountain climbing, trekking, biking and hiking.

Chania is not only popular for its lovely beaches, but for its Old Town area, the center of the city. The Old Town is found nearby the old harbour, and is still partially surrounded by the old city walls, which were Venetian fortifications for the city. The walls were originally built in 1538. Today, only the eastern and western parts can still be admired. A walking tour is perhaps one of the best ways to explore the Old Town part of Chania, as there are many lovely buildings to be seen. A good place to begin is at Plateia Venizelou, which is at the large clearing of the old harbour.

It should not be hard to find as a marble fountain marks it. In this area is the domed Mosque of Djamissis, a prominent building that was built in 1645, soon after the Turks conquered Chania. Once heading towards the new harbour area, you will come across the remains of where the Venetians used to make and repair their ships. It is known as the arsenali, and there are sometimes exhibitions held inside. A massive replica of a Minoan ship is also housed within the arsenal, and this ship was built to participate in the Athens Olympic Games of 2004. However, this never came to pass.

From the harbour areas, head inland up Daskaloyiannis to see the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, and thereafter to wander through the great municipal market, which has a lovely array of shops. Walking along the road Hadzimikhali Giannari will lead you to the top of Halidon Street, where the bus terminal can be found, and which is also known as the main tourist-shopping street. Along Halidon, tourists will find the stylish Municipal Art Gallery, as well as the famous Skridlof, where local craftsman produces leather works. The Orthodox Cathedral, otherwise known as the Church of the Three Martyrs is nearby, as well as the Archaeological Museum. Although not as large or impressive as the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, it is well worth a visit. The museum is based in a 16th century Venetian Catholic Church (Church of St. Francis), and displays Minoan finds from the city of Chania, prehistoric finds from caves, objects from graves of the Geometric period, coins, jewelry, mosaics and much more. Other museums worth a mention in Chania are the little museum of Byzantine and the Naval Museum, in the Firkas fortress on the harbour, with models and displays that depict Chania's navel history.

A more modern attraction nearby Chania is the Limnoupolis Water Park, just 8 km from the city. On summer days this is certainly an ideal location for lots of fun for the whole family. It is a water park of good size, and offers many wonderful water slides and thrilling rides for everyone. A number of facilities are on the water park’s site as well, which include changing rooms, showers and toilets, and a variety of fast food outlets and cafés. A small gift shop offers some interesting little souvenirs, and lockers for the safety of your belongings can be hired. Fully trained lifeguards are permanently on duty, and the park is considered to be very safe and secure. There are also another three water parks in Crete, one nearby Heraklion, known as the Watercity Waterpark, and the Star Beach and AquaPlus Waterparks nearby Hersonissos.

In the summer months of Chania, music and cultural festivals are very popular, and feature dramas, symphonic music, jazz, traditional music and dance of all varieties. The festivals are common from July to September and usually take place at one of several venues, such as the East Moat Theater, the Peace and Friendship Park Theater, the Firkas Fortress or at the Venetian arsenali in the old harbour.

Visitors arriving at Chania International Airport can find out further information in regards to the attractions in Chania from the tourist information desk within the terminal building.