Chania, Greece

Chania is an absolutely beautiful city. In some areas the medieval city walls are still intact and the Venetian era harbour and old town virtually transports you into the past.

There is no reason to take a ships tour. You can take a taxi from the port to the Central market building in Old town. It was 10 euros a couple of years ago. The city buses line up at the port and drop you off at the market as well.

The market is a destination in itself with all kinds of different shops from butchers to clothing, restaurants and spices and of course honey Raki.

When you are finished at the market wander into the harbour where you can traverse the breakwater out to the lighthouse or sit at a taverna with a drink and just watch the people go by. Later wander the back alleys. You will probably get lost but thats OK some of the most interesting sites can be discovered when you are lost. You can always find you way back to the harbour by taking a gently downward sloping ally.
Here is Chania
Chania http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157632117917828/
Chania May 2016 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157671465596275

You can easily spend the whole time just exploring the harbour area and the maze of back streets and alleys. Have a drink on the waterfront and watch the people go by. Find a small taverna in a back alley and enjoy a good simple meal. No need to spend money on an excursion. You can get a car and enjoy https://aktis.taxi

If you enjoy museums Chania’s Archaeological one is a delight. Located in an old church it has displays relating to Chania’s ancient Minoan past as well as the Venetian and Turkish eras. The Mosque of the Janussi by the harbour is now an art gallery hosting shows by local artists. As you wander the side streets you will come across small preserved archaeological sites, mostly Minoan. Look at some of the older buildings many of which reused older building materials...columns, carvings etc.

As suggested above the indoor market which is good for local olive oil, olive wood kitchen utensils, olive oil and herbal soaps, Raki, and for interests sake, check out the fresh fish stalls!

An interesting restaurant is Tamam, in a building dating from 1400 built as a public bath by the Venetians and then used as a hamam by the Turks. It’s located just a short walk from the harbour.

Be aware that temperatures can get very hot in the summer and early fall (one visit I was there in late September and it was 35-38c! That’s when you get a shaded table by the harbour and stay put!

Love Chania and surrounding area. Enjoy!

Thank you all; love this forum!

Jean