THE OLD TOWN
The Old Town is fronted by the Venetian Harbour with its Egyptian lighthouse at the far end. The lighthouse was built by the Venetians in 1570, but in 1830, after a period in which it had been allowed to fall into disrepair, the Egyptians reconstructed it in its current form.
Most of the buildings are rejuvenated and they compose a puzzle of contemporary, Venetian and Turkish architecture; they are also a ‘living’ exhibition of the city’s history. Today they work as shops, tavernas, cafes and touristic accommodations.
The Venetian Port is at the heart of Chania Old Town, the historical centre of Chania city. Starting your walk from the west end of the Venetian Port you come across Firkas fortress, wherein Greek rebels were imprisoned during the Turkish occupation. Firkas houses the Naval Museum, offering a great panoramic view of the Venetian Port. Near Firkas, and at the opposite side, you can see the Old Sea Wall and the Arabian Lighthouse.
The elegant alleys of the Old Town of Chania city surround the Venetian Port. Here, you can instantly sense the warm atmosphere and the famous Cretan hospitality. There are fine taverns and restaurants, many of them housed in well-maintained Venetian-era buildings. No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy excellent Cretan food, together with the famous traditional local drink, “tsikoudia”, also called “raki”. You may also have the opportunity to listen to traditional Cretan music, or even dance to the rhythm of “lyra”, Crete’s traditional musical instrument.
Shopping in Chania city and the Old Market
In the Old Town, and especially around Chalidon and Zambeliou streets you can find some of the best shopping places in Chania city. Our recommendation? Fine handmade jewellery, unique clothing and rare decorative articles – most of them at very competitive prices.
If, on the other hand, you want something really exotic, try the Old Market. In this large cross-like building, you can discover every kind of traditional Cretan taste and lose yourself in the colours and aromas of different flavours of honey, olive oil and eastern spices.
East of the Old Town of Chania city
Walking alongshore and east of the Venetian Port, you find yourself in Koum Kapi district. In Turkish, “Kum Kapisi” means “Gate of Sand”. In the old times, this was one of the most infamous areas of Chania city. Today, after many waves of development, it bustles with life and music, due to its fashionable bistros and cafes.
If you continue your walk along the shore, you will soon arrive at the chic and stylish area of Chalepa. Chalepa, lying on the hill, was the most prestigious place in Chania city about a century ago, as rich families used to build their summer houses here. Thus, in Chalepa you will see large, impressive mansions, as well as the house of Eleftherios Venizelos. Eleftherios Venizelos was one of the most influential politician in modern Greek history. This was the main reason that, in the early 20th century, when Venizelos was the prominent political figure, Chalepa gathered all the consulates in its posh surroundings.
Venizelos’ Grave, considered a historic site for Greeks, is situated some kilometres East of Chalepa and towards the Akrotiri peninsula. Next to Eleftherios’ grave is his son’s , Sofoklis, who also was a famous politician in his time. Apart from its historic flavour, the spot presents arguably the best panoramic view of Chania city and its surroundings.
