Chania ( Hania ) Crete, Greece

Chania prefecture is one of the four prefectures of Crete and covers the Westernmost quarter of the island. Districts include the verdant Apokoronas, the mountainous Sfakia and Selino in the far South West corner. Some notable towns in the Chania prefecture are: Hóra Sfakíon, Kastelli-Kissamos, Paleohora, Maleme, Vrisses, Vamos, Georgioupolis and Kalives.

The natural park of Samaria Gorge, a major tourist attraction and a refuge for the rare Cretan wild goat or kri kri, is in the South of the prefecture of Chania. The White Mountains or Lefka Ori, through which the Samaria, Aradena, Imbros and other gorges run, are the limestone peaks topped by snow until May that occupy much of Chania prefecture. They contain more than 40 peaks over 2,000 meters high. The highest peak in this area is Pahnes, at 2,452 meters above sea level.

Western Crete is popular with tourists for its spring flowers that linger on into early May in the mountains. Birdwatching is also popular, with the lammergeier and golden eagle especially sought for. As an island, Crete has many endemic species of plant and animal.

Crete's only freshwater lake, Lake Kournas, is in the prefecture close to the border with Rethimnon prefecture, 47 km from Chania. It is relatively large, with a perimeter of 3.5 km. The lake used to be called 'Korisia' after ancient 'Korion', a city thought to be in the area with a temple to Athena. The lake used to be reportedly full of eels but now is better known for its terrapins and tourists. Tavernas and pedalo rental shops line part of the shore. Overall, however, the lake retains its beauty, the White Mountains reflected in the mirror-like waters.

Transport

The city has an international airport (code CHQ) on the Akrotiri Peninsula named after Daskalogiannis, a Sfakia hero .

There are several flights a day from Athens to Chania, with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Airlines.

From April to early November, there are many direct charter flights to Chania from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and other European countries.

Chania's Old Town is considered Crete's most beautiful urban district, especially the crumbling Venetian harbour with its 15th century lighthouse ("Faros") and the Mosque of the Janissaries ("Giali Tzamissi", built 17th century). Many of the old buildings have been restored as hotels, restaurants, shops and bars, making the old town a lively and colourful place during the tourist period (especially May-September). The Splantzia quarter behind the inner harbour and the Venetian Arsenals is still largely untouched and very atmospheric. This atmosphere prevails throughout the old town during the less busy period of the year (November-March). The 1860 Greek Orthodox Cathedral ("Trimartyri") is located in a square facing the entrance to the 1879 Roman Catholic cathedral across Halidhon street. The Synagogue - Etz Hayyim in the Topanas District, has been restored in recent years after falling into disrepair during the post World War II era. The 1913 indoor market ("Agora"), a large building based on the market of Marseille, is on the edge of the old town and is popular with tourists and locals alike. Other interesting sights within the old town are the Kasteli Archeological Area (Kanevaro), the Great Shipyard ("Arsenali"), the Fort Firca, the Gate and Bulwark Subbionara, The Gate of the Renier Mansion and the Turkish Minaret of Achmet Aga.

There are also several old churches - apart from the cathedral and the Catholic church - like the small Venetian temples of St. Rocco, San Salvatore, Agioi Anargyroi, Agia Aikaterini as well as Agios Nikolaos church in Splantzia district.