As one of the most popular destinations in Crete, Chania is a cultural gem of the Mediterranean. Its Old Town is compact, yet filled with historic landmarks, all surrounded by the beautiful harbor and beaches. One of the best things to do is a Chania Crete Walking Tour in Old Town. The best way to explore the charming area with a waterfront promenade and labyrinthine alleyways is afoot. I recently explored the old town and love sharing tips. So, read on to discover a good walking itinerary for Chania Old Town.
About Chania
Chania lies on the northwest coast of Crete. Its rich history is a tapestry of cultures from Mycenaean Greece, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman Empires. Today, it’s divided into the old town and modern city. Partly destroyed Venetian fortifications and a picturesque waterfront surround Old Town. It has numerous charming restaurants, cafes and shops along cobblestone alleyways.
Chania offers some of the most beautiful beaches on Crete. Popular beaches nearby include the Nea Chora, Falasarna and Elafonisi. A more serene cove with clear waters is Balos Beach. Chania is known for its high-quality olive oil. It contributes to Crete’s status as one of the best places in the world for olive oil production. Besides the harbor, the White Mountains or Lefka Ori surround the area. These mountains offer incredible hiking trails and quaint Cretan villages.
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Chania Crete Walking Tour
in Old Town
If you are in Chania, exploring the Old Town is a must. It is one of the most popular and interesting things to do in Crete. It’s compact and filled with charming alleyways, harbor views, restaurants and shops. Overall, the maze-like alleys and promenades make for a wonderful walking tour. Here is a suggested walking path with lots of historic and scenic stops along the way. Be sure to find an Old Town map available to navigate your tour.
Walk to the Old Venetian Lighthouse
Following the promenade of the picturesque Venetian harbor to the lighthouse and backtracking to the Firka Fortress is the best introduction to Chania. You pass many important historic landmarks with stunning views from all directions.
As you come out of the El. Venizelou Square, go right along the harbor, seeing the first important building, the Mosque of the Jannisaries or Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque. This was built after the conquest of Chania by the Ottoman Empire in 1645. Since 1923, it has not served as a mosque and is currently used as an exhibition hall. The church displays three heritages of the island. The Venetian building with an Ottoman minaret includes a Greek Orthodox bell tower.
Continuing along the promenade by many restaurants and shops, the next historic stops are the Old Customs House and the Venetian Dockyards. The narrow, stone buildings called the Neoria served as the ship repair yards. Built in the 16th century, they were used when the Venetians dominated the Mediterranean. At the end of the pier is the Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding and a replica of the Minoas, a Minoan ship dating back to 16th century BC.
Old Venetian or Egyptian Lighthouse
Heading towards the stone Venetian lighthouse, you walk on top a breakwater. The path straddles panoramic views of the harbor on one side and Aegean Sea the other. The path leads to the base of the lighthouse. Built in 1645, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world. Venetians originally constructed it to protect Chania from the Turks and pirates. When the Turks took over Chania, they ruined the lighthouse. However, Egyptian troops, aiding the Ottoman Empire rebuilt it in 1864. Today, it is a symbol of Chania and a popular photo op.
Backtrack West to the Firka Fortress
Chania Crete Walking Tour
Going backwards west past the Venetian Dockyards and Mosque of Jannisaries, follow the promenade toward the Firka Fortress. Just before you reach the fortress is the Maritime Museum of Crete. The Venetians constructed Firka Fortress shortly before the Ottoman occupation. Its Greek flag raised for the first time after Crete’s liberation in 1913. Firka Fortress is only open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 2 pm.
The Topana neighborhood and Jewish Quarter are located on the western side of the harbor. The Greek Christians and Jews became relocated to the west side after the Turkish rule in 1645
As you leave the Firka Fortress, the surrounding neighborhood is Topana. It was a Greek Christian District during the Ottoman times. Aggelou Street and cobblestone alleyways around it are filled with nice shops and tavernas. Just outside the fortress is the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection housed in a 15th century Venetian convent.
Nearby is the Jewish District with quaint boutiques, shops and tavernas. It’s a small area to wander but filled with history and charm. The Etz Hayyim Synagogue is the only synagogue in Crete standing as a testament for 2,000 years of Cretan, Jewish heritage. It even survived the 1944 German occupation. It is an active place of worship and open for tours, lectures and other events.
Athinagora Square
In the square looms Chania’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, dedicated to Panagia Trimartyri (Virgin of the 3 Martyrs). It was built during the Ottoman rule about 1850 – 1860. I went inside and was very surprised by its unique opulence. Well-known Cretan painters of the 19th century created icons in the church. Silver covers made my goldsmiths garnish some of the icons. Above the iconostasis of the central nave are frescos of SS Peter and Paul.
Nearby the Athinagora Square is the Folklore Museum of Chania, Municipal Art Gallery and Municipal Market.
Splatzia Square
The Splatzia Square was the Turkish District during the Ottoman times. There is much appreciated shade from trees in the courtyard with restaurants looking at the Church of Agios Nikolaos. It was built by Dominican-order monks in 1320.
Overall, Don’t Miss Shopping & Harbor View Dining
Make sure to save time for meandering through the narrow streets for incredible shopping and restaurants! Unique souvenirs for Crete include olive oil products, olives, spices, honey, Cretan cheese called Graviera and Turkish Delight or Lokum. I had really good luck with finding Greek dresses. The boutiques are everywhere here and a fun place to shop for authentic Greek clothing, souvenirs and jewelry.
The ultimate way to end the day is with outdoor seating at a restaurant on the harbor for views of the sunset. The scenery is stunning with many choices to make. I suggest just strolling along and finding the one that piques your own interest. The seafood culinary scene is amazing so don’t miss out.
Enjoy Chania!
Chania enchants, that’s all there is to it. It is overflowing with culture, a bustling harbor, multi-cultural historic landmarks, beaches, restaurants and shopping. What else can one ask for on a vacation. If your travels bring you to Chania, feel free to share below any tips on how best to enjoy this amazing city.
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