Crete is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean and is
also the birthplace of Europe's earliest civilisation, the Minoan
that made the island the centre of its sea based trading empire
as early as 2000 BC. Almost everywhere that you travel on the island you will
come across reminders of its rich heritage.
But it is also the home of dramatic, almost Alpine landscapes dominated in
the west by the appropriately named White Mountains, which sweep down to the
fertile plains by the coast and are capped with snow for most of the year.
Chania (Hania), located on the western part of the island,
is the first out of the four consecutive non-identical prefectures that comprise
the gifted island of Crete. The town Chania,
the spiritual capital of Crete, has one of the most photogenic harbours in
Greece
 
and is dominated by an impressive lighthouse. The large cruciform market here
sells a wide variety of local produce
from fresh meat and fish to fruits, nuts, spices, wine and olive oil.
The real beauty of this area though lies away from the busier coast and up
in the remote villages and hills. Take a trip out to the less well-known areas
and you'll be rewarded with a glimpse of a way of life that has remained unchanged
for centuries.
LOCATION
Chania is 4.5 km away. Kato Daratso's Kalamaki,1 km away, is
the nearest village with shops.
Chania or Hania
Carefully tailored town planning, broad roads, revitalizing
parks and pedestrian zones are the characteristics of the town of
Hania, the capital of the prefecture of Hania. Kempt neoclassical
mansions, the market and the remains of the Venetian and Turkish
impact compose the impeccable icon of the attractive traditional
and picturesque town of Hania. Divided in the new and the old town,
Hania has an interesting double profile that shall enchant you.
 
 
Kalamaki
4,5 kilometres west of Chania, this small resort boasts a number
of sheltered sandy beaches.
There are a number of small local supermarkets as well
as numerous tavernas scattered along the gently shelving beach. Although
only 10 minutes by bus or taxi to Chania, the countryside is on your
doorstep and the pretty little villages of Galatas or Daratsos
will give you an authentic taste of rural Crete, especially if
you visit one of their congenial local tavernas where you are guaranteed
good food and spontaneous atmosphere.
TRANSPORT
You can come by airplane to Chania airport (about 18 km) - it takes
about 45'- or flight to Heraklion airport (111 km), about 2 hours
and 30' away or by ferry boat from Athens (9 hours, night over).
A car would be necessary.
Suitable for
- Culture - Museums, Historic Sites, Heritage and Historic
- Tourist Attractions
- Photography
- Outdoor Activities - Hiking and Walking, Lakes, Woods, Rural
Retreats, Sight-seeing
Seaside - Close to beaches
 
- Fishing, Waters Sports
- Wilderness - Mountains, River Gorges
  
- Sports - cycling, scuba diving, sailing, swimming, Racquet sports,
tennis
- Night Life, Theatres, Restaurants, Pubs and Clubs
- For more details you can consult the tourist information we have
gathered and the references book that previous guests have kept.
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