Chania: A journey for your senses
The City of Chania, the capital of Chania prefecture, is located at the northeast part of the prefecture and constitutes the administrative, economic, commercial, and transport center of the homonymous prefecture. The Municipality of Chania, after applying “Kallikratis” Public Administration Reform Plan, consists of seven Municipal Units (former municipalities): Akrotiri, Eleftherios Venizelos, Keramia, Nea Kydonia, Theriso, Souda, and Chania. The Municipality of Chania borders on Platania to the west, on Sfakia to the south, on Apokorona to the east, while its entire northern part borders the Sea of Crete. The total area of the new Municipality is 356.12 square kilometers. The resident population of the Municipality of Chania, according to the data of the recent population census (2011) conducted by the Hellenic Statistical Authority, is 108.642 residents, a number that represents 17.4% of the total Cretan population (623.065 residents) and about 1% of the total population of Greece (10.815.197 residents).
The City of Chania is the capital of the Municipality and the second largest city of Crete, built over the ruins of the Minoan city Kydonia. Its area is 12.56 square kilometers with a population of 53.910 inhabitants (population census 2011). The city has two major gates: the airport in Akrotiri and Souda harbour, which is the biggest natural harbour of the Mediterranean. The city of Chania constitutes a crossroad of civilizations and continents with a long history, natural beauty, unique architecture and rich tradition. The main characteristic of the city is the Venetian port of the old city with the Egyptian lighthouse that has survived for many centuries and attracts the eye of residents and visitors.
(text and picture from http://www.chaniatourism.com/the-city-of-chania.html)
Weather & Climate
The city has a typical Mediterranean climate, with sunny dry summers and mild rainy winters. During the period between April and October, clear-sky weather is almost an everyday feature. The atmosphere is always warm, but fierce heat waves (temperatures above 38 °C) are not very common, since the prevailing Etesian winds ("Meltemia") blow from northern directions and pleasantly moderate the conditions. Intervals of sunny days are frequent during the windy and rainy winter as well. Snow and frost are rare near the coast. However, such cold days can be followed by much warmer and sunny weather. Even minor early heat waves can occur in March or April, during a Saharan dust event, whose main feature is the strong and hot katabatic wind from the south, which is a type of Sirokos (σιρόκος) and is called "Livas" (i.e. the wind from Libya) by the Greeks. Such events happen only a couple of times a year, and their duration is never more than one or two days.
Details about the weather in Chania can be found here: Chania's weather
Time & Currency
Greece belongs to the Eastern-European time zone and it is two hours (+2) ahead of Greenwich Time.
Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. Greek banks are open for the public from 8:00 to 14:30 Mondays to Thursdays and from 8:00 to 13:30 on Fridays. They are closed on Public Holidays.
Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.
What to see in the area
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Samaria gorge: This is a very nice whole day hike in the Samaria Gorge.
You have to take the bus from Chania to Omalos (the entrance of the Gorge).
You should be there at 8:00 at the latest.
The gorge takes 6-8 hours to cross (leasurely). You end up at the Village of Aghia Roumeli where you have to take the boat (last one around 16:00, check it out) to Sfakia, and then the bus to Chania. Its really a full day trip but worth the trouble.
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Falassarna: The closest super-beach to Kolymbari, 30 minutes drive to the west. Site of an ancient Dorian city. The little restaurant of Capetan Nikolas in the Falassarna port, is a must!
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"Tigani" or "Balos" is one of the best beaches in Crete (other ones being eg Fallassarna and Elafonissos). It is at the bottom of the Gramvoussa peninsula, the western of Cretan peninsulas. From the village of Kaliviani 7 Kms of dirt road plus two Kms of a path bring you to this beach.
Also reachable by boat day trips from Kastelli and Chania.
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Chryssoskalitissa - Elafonisos: Chisoskalitisa is a nice little monastery, worth a stop on the way to Elafonissos, one of the two best beaches in Crete. Its specialty is the rose hue of its sand.
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Loutro: A nice little village by the sea in the south coast between Aghia Roumeli and Sfakia. Accessible only by boat or walking (difficult path).
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Rethymnon: A little city west of Chania and East of Heraklion is the second nicest city in Crete, with a nice old city and a small Venitian port.
- Monasteries of Gouvernetou and Aghia Triada: Two nice old monsteries in the Souda peninsula, meriting a visit. From the Goubernetou Monastery, there is a path that leads to the sea, making a nice two hour hike (one way). Aghia Triada produces top quality olive oil.
- Palaiochora: An interesting area in the south west.
