Travel Guide to Chania, Greece

A pearl of Crete, this is a charming and a picturesque town, the rest in which will bring in a lot of new experiences. The old part of the town is particularly popular among tourists. Here you can walk along the port area and the waterfront, visit numerous restaurants and cafes, go to the eastern market or move to one of narrow streets, admiring old Venetian houses.

Agora market is one of main attractions of the old part of the town. The market was opened in 1911. The shopping rows here are covered and built in the shape of a cross. The market is strictly oriented to the cardinal. Another interesting market is called "Leather Quarter". As you might guess from the title, here you will find the largest choice of leather. If you have not found what you need, go to one of several sewing workshops located nearby and order clothing or shoes.

San Francisco Church is the main religious landmark of this place. Nowadays the church has been turned into Archaeological Museum. Just like many historic religious buildings of this town, the church was turned into a mosque during the Turkish conquest. Today bathing pools and a minaret remind of those times.

You will also find several mansions and villas that once have belonged to the former Venetian nobility. The largest and the most beautiful palace is Renieri. This palace still keeps the atmosphere of those days, as well as the original interiors and furnishings. The port area is the location of Maritime Museum. In this museum visitors will be able to see a collection of navigational instruments, ship models and other attributes associated with famous navigators. Venetian port will be no less interesting for tourists. There is a Turkish mosque built in the 16th century on the territory of the port, as well as several churches and monuments.