Holidays in  chania (hania)

Crete, though the largest of all Greek Islands, is actually more of a land in it's own right. It has everything that one would need for a perfect "Greek Island" holiday, with beautiful beaches, archaeological sites such as Knossos and the other Minoan Palaces, and great entertainment.

Chania (Hania) occupies the western side of Crete, and is probably the most attractive city on the island. Though the capital city of Crete is Irakleion (which became so in 1971), most residents of Hania will call it the 'spiritual' capital of the island.

There are nice beaches on the southern coast, as well as the famous "Samari Gorge", which is well worth a visit if you have the opportunity. The picturesque harbour and it's Venetian influences will both relax and inspire you.
 

Chania Beaches

Some of the features that make the prefecture of Chania (Hania) a very popular vacation spot are its spectacular beaches and the small islands located off its coast. Chania beaches are perfect for recreation and relaxation under the warm sun and in the cool azure waters. We recommend visiting the beaches near your place of accommodation, as well as beaches located further away, as each Chania beach has its own charm.

Chania Nightlife and Celebrations

The Chania nightlife is quite exciting, offering entertainment for all musical preferences. Most of the dancing clubs, live music halls and bars are located in Chania Town, as well as Agia Marina, Kastelli-Kissamos and Sougia.

You can find tavernas and restaurants all over Chania, in every mountain village and seaside settlement, serving scrumptious Cretan delicacies such as fresh seafood dishes, dakos (vinegar & water-soaked barley rusk with chopped tomato and feta cheese), staka cheese, apaki (smoked meat), potatoes "oftes" (fried with the peel), dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves), and chochlious (traditionally-cooked snails) . At the end of each meal, diners are usually treated to a local sweet such as kaltsounia or preserves, or a glass of raki, Crete's famous alcoholic drink.

In Chania Town, you can attend the Venizeleia Athletic Meet in May. A number of cultural events, such as concerts, plays, art exhibitions, athletic competitions and dance performances are held in the summer in Chania Town and the villages of Kastelli-Kissamos, Kolymbari, Paliochora, Vamos and Sfakia. Mardi Gras celebrations take place in Kastelli-Kissamos and Souda.

In April, in the village of Vamos, you can attend the "Hohliovradia", where traditionally cooked snails and other delicacies are served. In the settlement of Elos, the celebration of the chestnuts is held at the end of October. Many villages throughout the Chania Prefecture host celebrations on August 15 in honour of the Virgin Mary, one of the most important religious holidays of the Greek Orthodox faith.