Chania Holidays
A charming jumble of Greek, Turkish and Venetian influences, built on the site of an ancient Minoan metropolis, Crete's second city is a real holiday find.
Chania is not just a resort. It's an odyssey through Cretan history, with a rich cultural legacy from the Byzantine, Arabian, Venetian and Turkish occupations. Just take a wander along the warren of streets in the Old Town and you'll come across ruins from the Minoan era, medieval fortifications, a 17th century fort and mosques with minarets Not to mention the towering Venetian-Egyptian lighthouse which guards the entrance to the harbour. When you've had your fill of sightseeing though, you'll no doubt be ready for some well-deserved relaxation. You'll find Chania beach to the west of town, with more sands stretching out towards the neighbouring resort of Kolimbari. With shallow waters, the swimming is safe, so it's particularly good for families. And you'll also find several seaside snack bars where you can grab a bite and a beer, while keeping an eye on the kids having fun. If you're feeling energetic, pop down to one of the villages west of the town and try your hand at windsurfing, sailing or water-skiing. Or why not jump in your hire car and take a trip to the water park at Hersonissos, where you can make a splash on the 'kamikaze' slides or dive into the infamous 'Black Hole'? By night the harbour area comes alive with brightly lit bars, restaurants and a few discos. There are also a couple of cinemas and an open-air theatre. And all tastes are catered for in the dining out scene, whether you fancy a international cuisine with vintage champagne or want to go traditional with mouth-watering 'meze' a feast-style selection of dishes and a glass of 'retsina'. Cheers!
History buff or wine buff, inveterate shopper or untiring sightseer, townie or beach-lover, couple or family … match any or all of these categories and you'll love Chania holidays. Crete's second city is bursting with charm and character, stuffed with shops and market stalls, and filled with a feast of restaurants and tavernas. And along with Minoan ruins, Byzantine churches, Venetian merchants' houses, a Turkish minaret and a 17th century lighthouse …there's a handful of discos and an open-air theatre too.
And holidays in Chania aren't restricted to the streets - however intriguing they may be. There's a gently shelved beach to the west of town, with sea-front snack-bars so you can spend the whole day by the splash of the waves. And the water's edge is just as much a magnet after dark - when the atmospheric harbour becomes the place to party or to people-watch …the bright lights of its bars and eateries bouncing off a midnight-blue sea.
In and around the town are well designed hotels and carefully restored island houses, so for couples and families alike, summer holidays to Chania can combine coast and countryside with cosmopolitan buzz. The Althea Village Hotel and Archondisa townhouse are good examples - each a blend of Cretan style and contemporary comfort.
And don't panic if you've left it late. Deals on last minute holidays to Chania could still bag you a bargain.