Clients staying in villas near Chania tend to use it as a hub for visiting the western region of the island. Chania is one of the islands four provincial capitals and is amongst the most attractive, with beautiful historic old areas set against a backdrop of azur blue seas and dramatic mountains.
Originally a Minoan settlement named Kydonia (now undergoing archaeological excavation) Chania has a rich history of occupation at the hands of conquering nations including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Turks, Egyptians and latterly the Germans and their legacy is visable throughout the city. Most noticeable are the stately Neo-classical mansions and colossal Venetian fortifications.
In Cania the majority of the cities interesting sights can be found in the old Venetian quarter, the harbour and surrounding alleyways. Fort Firkas on the northwest harbour point is used as a setting for traditional dance evenings and theatre during the summer months.
The Mosque of the Janissaries on the other side is the oldest Ottoman building in Crete and behind it lies Kastelli, the oldest part of the city.
The covered market which is also located near the harbour has a wide variety of local fruit and vegetables available each day. Northeast of the market is the Splantzia area where you will find houses with wooden balconies overhanging the narrow cobbled streets which are the oldest in the City.
To the west of Cania there are numerous sandy beaches over a stretch of 21 kilometres, with the beach at Agioi Apostoloi being one of the quietest.
Rethymno is the smallest of the three major historical towns of Crete and we have a number of excellent villas and apartments in this area. It is situated equidistant from Heraklion and Chania between which there are regular buses. This picturesque town boasts numerous old houses and buildings dating from the Venetian and Turk occupations.
Once the Greco-Roman town of Rithymna this site was also frequently occupied by the Minoans. During the 16th century Venetian occupation the town prospered and many elegant buildings were erected including the impressive Fortetsa which acted as defence from marauding pirates.
In Rethymno the charming harbour front is flanked with outdoor cafes and a restored 13th century lighthouse stands on its breakwater. Looming above the inner harbour is the fortetsa designed by Pallavicini for defence against the likes of Barabarossa who sacked the town in 1538. Within the mainly intact ramparts lie a mosque, church and governors’ house and during the summer open-air concerts are hosted here.
As well as the beautiful sandy beach located in front of the town Rethymnon boasts the longest sandy beach on the island (12 kilometres in length) on its west side.
Sites nearby include the Amari valley is overlooked by the peaks of mount Idi. Twisting roads link the small agricultural communities of the Amari, who’s menfolk still sport traditional knee-high boots and baggy trousers known as vrakes to compliment their magnificent moustaches. Monasteries and churches in the villages of Thronos, Moni Asomaton, Amari and Vizari house ancient frescoes and icons. And in this area of renowned wartime resistance Gerakari is famous for its fresh and bottled cherries and cherry brandy.
The Samaria Gorge national park is without doubt the most spectacular landscape on the island. There is a wonderful walk covering 18 kilometres along a well marked path accessed from Xyloskalo via a tortuous zigzag pathway which descends an impressive 1,000 metres in the first 2 kilometres. You will pass the village of Samaria, abandoned in the 60’s and arrive eventually at the seaside village of Agia Roumeli where you will find welcoming tavernas. In all the walk takes five to seven hours and there are useful water fountains along the route. Look out for Kri-kri a protected species of wild goat which is rarely seen outside the gorge itself.
Mount Idi is the highest mountain in the island, at 2,456 metres it dominates the Psiloretis range. It is renowned in Greek legend as the place the god Zeus was supposedly reared in the Idaian Cave which can be accessed on foot, though it’s something of a hike.
There are numerous other walks and excursions which can be undertaken from to monasteries and traditional villages such as the remote and charming Loutro and at nearby lake Kournas there are pedaloes, windsufers and canoes for hire. Boat trips offer visits to the island of Gavados and the stunning bay of Sweetwater beach.