Bursting with ancient history and a stunning coastline, Chania offers a less-traversed way to see the island of Crete
With a host of hot new hotels and restaurants opening up on its shores, Crete’s little-known second city is forging its path as a rival to some of the island’s better-known destinations. Bursting with ancient history, culture, and stunning coastline, it is within a short hop from the UAE, through an international airport. Access to this coastal town offers a less-traversed way to see the famed Greek isle.
Emmanouil Ntoukakis, from Chania’s tourism authority, told me that last year, Crete attracted five million visitors. It is the largest Greek island and the country’s most popular destination during the summer season. At Chania airport alone, arrivals reached 1.8 million – an increase of 8.6 per cent from the previous year – with German and British tourists the main source markets for now, with a wealth of direct flights. With the average stay lasting one week, it’s easy to see why. The island is vast and 30 per cent of visitors are there as part of a wider trip.
With centuries of history and culture, and natural beauty in abundance, this city on Crete’s northwest coast is a hidden gem. The old town, set on the Venetian Harbour with colourful winding streets and alleys, are full of cafés and local handicraft stores, as well as dotted with tavernas offering live Greek music to offer visitors a taste of the local culture.
