Chania Greece

Chania Greece – The Old Town

The old town of Chania shows the architecture of its mixed history, Venetian mansions next to Turkish baths and cathedrals next to mosques. Highlights of the old town:

• The narrow streets and lane ways
• Local craft and art studios
• Boutiques and jewellery studios
• The small Venetian harbour
• The Venetian Lighthouse
• Fort Finca
• The Mosque of the Janissaries
• The Great Arsenal
• The Fortezza
• Restaurants by the Venetian harbour

One of the most interesting crafts of Chania is knife-making. Knives are interwoven with the history of Crete, and until very recently every proud Cretan man carried a knife, and some of the women too, and plenty still do! So keep a look out!

Today you will see the beautiful knives in the traditional costume of Cretan men on special occasions. Here you will see a man in traditional dress with a foukari φουκάρι or Cretan dagger in his belt.

The intricacy of design and carving of the hand-crafted daggers and knives can be found on Maheradika Μαχαιράδικα or "knife lane" in Chania.

Find these crafts being made on Sifaka Street, a small street in the northern part of Splantzia quarter in the Old Town.

There are some marvellous hotels in Chania, one of our favourites is the restored mansion Casa Delfino because of its luxury and position. Just a hop and a skip from the harbourside, with great views from the rooftop bar.

An affordable pension within the walls of the old town is Pension Eva. This handy location with lovely rooms at reasonable prices is much sought after.

Also in the old town is Hotel Helena with views over the harbour at reasonable prices.Tradiational architecture and fittings give you a feel for the culture of Crete.

There are plenty of choices for dining in Chania, especially in the atmospheric old town. One taverna which is easy to miss and is personally recommended by the We Love Crete team is the delightful Tamam.

Sitting by the bay before or after dinner, you will be able to relax looking out over the yachts and the marina, past the lighthouse to the Mediterranean, from Nama Cafe Bar.