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GEOGRAPHIC ELEMENTS

Located on the west coast of Crete, the country of Chania is the most mountainous area of Crete and is dwarfed by the imposing mass of the White Mountains, about 40 km long. The tallest peak (Pachnes, 2453m) has snow up to and including the month of May! There are four mountain shelters (Kallegris, Tavri, Svourichti, Volikas). The south side of the island, facing the Lybian sea, has the longest sunny days in Europe. North, west and south, the country is surrounded by sea. The northern side of the country, which has very hospitable seas, ends in three peninsulas. Tourist development here is intense, so of course this side is more populated. Here you will find excellent, modern, well equipped hotels with willing and friendly personnel. The country is 2,376 km² big and has a population of 140,000. It is divided into five districts, with the town of Chania as its capital pop.52,000). Over 500 villages arrayed on the sides of the mountains on the mountain plains of Omalos and Sfakia, but mostly near the sea are waiting for you. A short way out of Georgioupoli (east of Chania) you will find the unrivalled Cretan lake of Êournas.

CLIMATE

There is usually a mild Mediterranean climate. In autumn and winter the winds are usually North/Northwest while in the summer, light breezes make it enjoyable. However, God’s gift of unending sunshine allows you to start your holiday form the month of March and finish at the end of October. The country of Chania has the most spring water in Crete (65%). This is why there is so much vegetation and fruit bearing trees (citrus, olive, grape, etc), which flourish year after year. The sparkling clear seas of Chania, which always win the European “Blue Flags” are accessible for all ages, all year around.

THE TOWN OF CHANIA

The most poetic town of Crete, gives you a taste of beauty when you stroll through it. Built on the site of ancient Kydonia, it has seen and lived through many invaders. The tastes of different civilizations have left their stamp on the facades of the buildings, on castles and walls, ancient sites, monasteries and churches, The town has two entrances: the airport in Akrotiri (the most advanced in Greece) and the port of Souda (the largest port in Mediterranean). All the streets lead to the market square the center of the town. The public market [1,2], an illustrious building in the shape of a cross, which has completed in 1913m is modeled on the style of Marseilles, A sign of the prosperity of the town, with the commercial stores around it and to the south, it sells all the produce of the Cretan soil. Always full of people, id stands as a reference and starting point for an introduction to the town. Only five minutes walking distance from the center the Public Gardens await you, situated between the streets of Dimokratias and Tzanakaki and next to the Park of Peace and Friendship of the Nations. The Gardens are the most beautiful in Crete and have a pastry and coffee shop. The public garden also has a small zoo, which includes Cretan animals such as the “kri-kri” - as well as Cretan plants and trees.

THE OLD TOWN

The old quarter of the town “inside the walls” still keeps its Venetian gentility, Narrow, paved sidewalks are surrounded by elegantly restored houses (Venetian and Turkish) which nowadays have become rooms for rent, shop selling popular art and tourist goods, of Cretan Style restaurants. The old port is picturesque at any time of the day or season and is a center of attraction for visitors and locals alike, as much for its beauty, as for the varied choice of entertainment there choices such as fish taverns and restaurants for the gourmet, coffee shops and cake shops to meet with friends, bars and night clubs for all tastes and ages. But the real walker can enjoy a stroll starting from Koum-Kapi and ending at the Lighthouse or Nea Chora.

BRIEF HISTORY OF CHANIA

Its story starts with the New Stone Age, as proved by excavations.

Minoan civilization: 2800-1150 BC, with remains scattered all over the conty.

Classical period: the ancient town of Kydonia (where Chania stands today) was the principal town until the 7^th century AD. From 826 to 961 AD, Chania, was occupied by the Arabs. In 961 AD, it was overtaken by the Venetian Emperor Nikiforos Fokas. From 1204 to 1645, the Venetians ruled Chania. From 1248 ti 1252, the Venetians built a section of the old town (Casteli) in the port of Chania.

From 1645 to 1669, Crete was occupied by the Turks. In 1821 Crete participated in the Greek revolution against the Turks without, however been freed. From 1866 to 1869, there were bloody uprisings and Europe became more responsive. In 1878, Crete became semi-autonomous and in 1897 was placed under the protection of the European Forces. In 1908, the first High Commissioner to the Island, Prince George, was appointed. His headquarters for the “Cretan State” were based in Chania. In 1905, the revolution of Therisso took place, lead by Eleftherios Venizelos and in 1913 the Greek flag was raised on the Fortress of Firka. Lastly was the big “Battle of Crete” (20-29 May 1941), one of the most famous and memorable of the 2^nd world war.

MUSEUMS OF THE TOWN

The Archeological Museum (Chalidon 25, tel. 90334) is under the same roof as the Catholic church of St Francis. Rich in idols clay sarcophagus, statues, guns, items of ceramic and glasswork, old coins, inscriptions, jewelry, etc.

The Naval Museum of Crete (Akti Kountourioti, tel 91875) exhibits different kinds of naval warguns, navigation equipment, model ships, portraits of important admirals, even a collection of rare shells!

The historical Archive of Crete (I. Sfalianaki 20, tel 52606) contains pictures, photographs and material pertaining to Eleftherios Venizelos, the revolutions against the Turks and the resistance of the Cretans in the second world war.

The War Museum (Stratopedo Tzompanaki, tel 44156) contains rare photographic material and historical heirlooms from the revolution of the Cretans against the conquering Turks, from the Macedonian war (1903-1908), The Balkanian wars and the destruction of the Greek part of Asia. It also contains memorabilia from the second world war and the “Battle of Crete” (1941-1945).

VENETIAN AND TURÊISH MONUMENTS OF ÔÇÅ TOWN (l3ÔÇ-l9ÔÇ CENTURY AD)

The Neoria (in the harbour of the Old Ôïwç). Venetian buildings (14th-16th century AD) which were used for the protection, repair or building of Venetian "galleys". There are 9 (out of the original 25) still in existence.

The Loggia (á club) in the area of the "Xenia Hotel" and the church of St. Francis in Chalidon street, are two of the most important Venetian monuments. Also worth seeing are the churches of St. Rokos (1630, Splantzia) and St. Sotiros (near "Xenia").

The breakwater and the Lighthouse are both Venetian (with Arabian foundations), whilst the Mosque (with its' domeshape) is Arabian. These monuments are á11 found in the harbour.

The Firka Fortress (opposite the lighthouse) is where the Cretan rebels were imprisoned by the Turks. The minaret (at the church of St. Nicholas, Splantzia), the

Turkish baths (near the main town church), the Court House (Court Square) - which is also the County Çáll, the Italian army barracks (next to the Public Gardens), all originated from the Turkish period of the islands' history.

NEW MONUMENTS

The Public Market [1 ], the Public Gardens (1870, á creation of Reouf Pasas), the house of the French school "Saint Joseph" (Chalepa, 1860), the refurbished Villa Koundourou (at the end of Iroon Politechniou str.) and also the houses of ÅÉ. Venizelos and Prince George in Chalepa.

The Venizelos Graves (Profitis Ilias, Akrotiri), 5 km out of town, ïn the way t o the airport. Here rests Eleftherios Venizelos, the greatest politician of Greek modern history [2].

The German Eagle (3 km from Chania, ïn the road to Casteli) and the German Cemetery [3] in Maleme with 4,465 graves, are reminders of the recent history of the county.

Equally remembered are the graves of the British, which can be found in Souda, with 1,597 graves, mainly from the "Battle of Crete".

Aptera (15 km from Chania, ïn the way to Rethimno) [1 ]: one of the most important ancient towns of Western Crete, overlooking the plain and the bay of Souda. The ruins of á small ancient temple and the walls of the town still exist; together with the remains of án ancient Greek theatre, Roman reservoirs, a Venetian monastery and a Turkish castle.

Polyrrinia (49 km NW of Chania) [2]: ruins from the walls, the acropolis of the ancient town and the sanctuary of Artemida Diktinna, there are also remains of á Roman aqueduct. The Venetian church of 99 Martyrs is built ïn the foundations of a Greek temple, with building materials from roman times. Falassarna (55 km west of Chania) [3, 4]: remains of cyclopean walls, house foundations and sculptures carved into the rocks. Important ancient sites still exist in the following places: Elyros (near Rodovani) and Irtakina, Lissos and Syia (at Sougia), Kandanos and Kadros (minoan graves carved into the rocks), Tarra (Aghia Roumeli), Araden and Anopolis (in Sfakia), Hippokoroneon (Apokoronas), Karidi [5] etc.

THE SAMARIA GORGE

Rightly considered to be the most magnificent áðd beautiful gorge in Europe, which is why it has been honoured three times with a "Á Class" diploma by the Council of Europe (1980, 1984, 1989) for the purity of its natural environment. Situated 43 km south of Chania, it is 18 km long. The entrance is at the mountain of Omalos. From 1962 it has been declared a protected "National Park" and passage through it is allowed ïnly from Ìáy to October. It has water all year round. Its impressive, wild, pure naturalness with unsurpassed views, show the immeasurable variations of nature on your journey into the gorge and provokes a feeling of awe áðd the sentiment of your own insignificance before the grandeur of nature! It takes approximately 4-5 hours to travel through the gorge. Your reward is á beautiful sandy beach and a marvellous sea. There you will find many places to rest and eat á good meal. All the tourist offices of Crete and the Island Bus Company organise trips ôï the Samaria Gorge. The buses take you to Omalos, then after Aghia Roumeli, at the end of the gorge, you travel by boat to Sfakia or Paleochora, from where you catch the bus back to Chania.

FRANGOCASTELO

Frangocastelo (“Castel Franco” ) is situated to the east of Chora Sfakion, near the Libya sea (80 km from Chania). Built by the Venetians in 1371 for their protection form pirates and from Cretan rebels, it is a most impressive and well preserved castle. The beautiful sea with its beaches is a centre of attraction as is the strange story of unexplained human shadows (Drossiulites) that appear at dawn on May and September mornings. The people of Sfakia say that the dead of the Castle appear from the sea, exciting the imagination of artists, poets and historians. “….you feel it…” G. Manoussakis writes, a Chania writer, in his book “Travelling in Sfakia” (page 72, 1980). “At this end of Sfakian land the ghosts of nature and the remains of history live every night together. The spirits of air, of water, and the plain mix with the souls of the dead, and you, the person day, are the intruder in this secret cohabination.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The climate and the configuration of the land make the county of Chania a paradise for thousands of plants and animals: The lilys of the sea (pancratium maritimum), the lavdano (lavdanum), the cyclamen (cyclamen creticum), the Cretan tulips (tulipa cretica), the maple (acer creticus) and chiefly the endemic and unique dittany (origanum dictamum) and malorita (dideritis cretica), which, with matzourana (origanum maiorana), compose medicinal boiling plants of Omalos you can find stamnagathi (cihorium spinosum). Dried or freshly cut, these special medicinal herbs can be found in the Public Market or local shops. In Crete you can find 17 unique plants, 4 of which exist only in the county of Chania. The proud Creta beast, the “Kri-Kri” (capra aegagrus cretica) [1,2], lives freely only in the Samaria Gorge. There and elsewhere you can see Cretan eagles (aquila chrysaetos) and partridges (alectoris chucar). Ferrets (martes foina bunites), skunks (meles meles arcalus), weasels (mustela nivalis galinthias), hares, hawks etc. can also be seen in open places. There is also an endeavour to protect an area on the north shores of the county especially for the turtles (caretta-caretta), that live there.

POPULAR ART

Popular traditional Cretan art is continued today in weaving, crocheting, carpet making, towels, lace work etc. showing the feel for beauty and art the people of the county have. Village women and local co-operatives make embroideries from silk or wool. Hand-crafted items of glass, wood and metal can be found in Casteli Kissamos, while workshops for ceramic goods, wooden sculptures, as well as metallurgy (copper, gold and silver) are plentiful in the county. There is a special workshop for glass blowing at Kokkino Chorio Apokoronou. Many shops selling popular art can be found in the old town. Above the Catholic Church there is the “Cretan House” (private folk museum). Rich folk material can also be found in exhibitions at the firka Fortress. You can also see collections of objects from farming and the local civilization at Kandanos, Gavalochori, Vamos, Kefalas, Therisso, Spilia Kissamos, Sougia, Askifou (Sfakia), Azogires and elsewhere. A special techniwue is the production of Cretan boots (made from genuine leather) at Stivanadika (Skridlof str., Chania) where dominating all else , is the smell of leather. Other characteristic items are Cretan Knives with four line poems written on their blades.

• The Cathedral of Isodion in Chalidon str.

• St. Nicholas in Splantzia. Built in 1204 by dominican monks.

• The church of St. Anargyroi, behind the Odeion, possibly the most touching in the town. It was the first cathedral (16^th century) and the only one functioning under the turkish occupation. It has priceless pictures from the Byzantine period.

• The Annunciation in Chalepa. Magnificent and spacious.

• St. Magdalene in Chalepa, Russiam Byzantine style (1903), built when Prince George was high commissioner.

• The church of the Prophet Elia (Venizelos Graves)

• Archangel Michael form the 12^th century (Rotonda) in Kato Episkopi

1. CATHOLIC CHURCHES

• The catholic church of St. Mary in Chalidon str.

• The Evangelical church (near the Court House)

• The church of Pentikosti in Sfakion str.

There are 300 registered Byzantine churches, situated across the county of Chania.

• The Monastery of Aghia Triada Tsangarolon (17^th century), castle-like with western influenced. It contains a small museum (16 km NE of Chania in Akrotiri).

• The Monastery of the lady of Angels (Gouverneto), next to the cave of St. John the Hermit. Casltelike appearance (1548) with sculptures form Venetian times (4 km north of the monastery of Aghia Triada).

• The convent of St. John (Korakies). Situated 7 km from Chania towards Akrotiri. Traditional hand made embroideries by the nuns and a small museum can be found there.

• The Monastery of St. John Elehimonas in Pazinos with notable architecture.

• The convent of the Source of Life (Chrisopigi). Castlelike appearance (1863), with a workshop for icons and publishing religious periodicals (3 km on the road to Souda).

• The Monastery of Gonia (Kimisi Theotokou) from the 17^th century. Situated in Kolimbari (24 km form Chania), near the Orthodox Academy of Crete.

• The monastery of Chrissoskalitissa.

THE PEOPLE AND THEIR WAY OF LIFE.

They say the at the soul of the Chania people-and of every Cretan-is as one: haughty and proud, “straight” and hard like the steel of the their “rebels” weapons, but also mild and gentle like their love, passionate writers of verse which shows their love of their way of life. It’s not by chance that Crete has given birth to some of the greatest men of contemporary Greece: N. Kazantzakis (a man of words), El. Venizelos ( a politician), Vitsentzos Kornaros (poet of tender love songs), M,. Theodorakis (composer of passionate, stirring and expressive folk music) and M. Hatzidakis (musician). For the people of Chania, life is a “celebration” and celebrations are opportunities to communicate. There is no town or village without a saint to protect it. Religious celebration and festivals are always accompanied by good food, music (Lyre) and dance. Then is your chance to try xerotigana (sweet), tsikoudia (drink), kalitsounia (cheese pies), local honey, greek soft cheese and the famous pilafi (rice with boiled meat).

• St. George in Asi Gonia Apokoronou, when thousands of sheep are “blessed” in the church and heir milk is given free to everyone (23th April).

• The local celebration of St. Mary (15^th Aug), with big small festivals all over the county of Chania.

• St. John (29^th Aug) in Gonia Rodopou (Kissamos).

• St. Nikitas in Sfakia with athletic competitions (15^th Sept)

• St. John the Hermit at the monastery of Gouverneto (7 th Oct).

• 21^st November in Chania, a celebration of the city cathedral and a bank holiday for the town.
  

• Anniversary of the “Battle of Crete” (20-30 May). Sporting events take place over the same period (“Venizelia Games”).

• Summer festival of Chania, with shows of every kind.

• Celebrations of cherries (Karanou), of chestnuts (Elos), of sardines (Nea Chora), as well as the local celebrations “Elafonissia” and “Gramvoussia”.

FOR NATURE LOVERS

On Crete there are a total of 20 recognised areas of “Natural Beauty”, of which 14 are found in the county of Chania. For lovers of hiking, climbing and cave exploration there are 61 gorges all over the county (besides the Samaria Gorge). The most famous are:

• The gorge of St. Eirini (Agieriniotiko), which starts form the village of St. Eirini (2 km SW of Chania) and finishies at Sougia. It has rich vegetation and a small kiosk. It is 7 km long and its passage takes 2.5-3 hours.

• The gorge of Imvros (Imvros or Nibros, 57 km SE of Chania) on the mountain plateau of Sfakia, with “narrow doors” and a wide variety of plants. It is 6 km in length and takes approx. 3 hours to travel through. It ends at Komitades.

• The gorge of Aradaina, east of the Samaria Gorge,

• The gorge of Therisso or Venizelos, 7 km form Chania towards Therisso. Easy passage (by car, on an asphalt road), a miniature of Smaria.

• In the county of Chania there are over 1500 caves. The most noteworthy are at Apokoronas (Samonas, Kournas, Kokkino Chorio, Melidoni), at St. John and Arkoudospilia (Gouverneto, Akrotiri), the Koumarospilaio, the cave at Azoriges etc. Another way to enjoy mature is the lake of Kournas (unique in Crete). Picturesque area of water, with large amounts of fish and eels.

OUTINGS AND WALKS IN THE COUNTY

If you love the sea and beaches with fine sand or pebbles, if you like crowds at the beach, then the following outings will please you:

• Kalives-almirida-Vamos-Georgioupoli (40 km).

• For nearby beaches: Aghioi Apostoli (Greek Tourist Board Beach, 4 km)-Aghia Marina-Platanias-Kolimbari 923 km, with pebble beach and a choise of taverns and restaurants). You can also visit the Monastery of Gonia and the Cretan Orthodox academy (25 km).

• Casteli-Flassarna (with beautiful beaches)-Monastery of Crissoskalitissa (73 km)- Elafonissi (with the most beautiful fine red sand of the island).

• Chania-Tavronitis-Kandanos-paleochora (77 km) with fantastic beaches, cool seas and an abundance of places to stay. From Kandanos you can drive to Sougia, while form Paleochora you can go by boat to Sougia, Aghia Roumeli or to Chora Sfakion (and from there to Frangocastelo).

• Chania-Akrotiri-Kalathas-Aghia Triada-Gouverneto-Stavros with beautiful sandy beaches.

If you love land and mountains:

• Chania-Therisso (17 km, then through the gorge)-Zouvra-Meskla-Fournes-Alikianos-Chania.

• Chania-Omalos (42 km, then passing through the Samaria gorge).

• Chania-Vrisses-mountain plain of Askifou- Chora Sfakion (73 km)-Frangocastelo.

Cretan soil and its products were matched with the mythology and the ancient gods. The purity, the richness, in vitamins and the divine taste of these products made them a quality reference for those interested in healthy nutrition and a subject of research for the scientific community, while their beneficial attributes for the prevention of carcinogenesis have already been proved. The land, the climate, the care in cultivation the mostly the love for quality and the respect for tradition are the reasons for which Cretan goods enjoy worldwide respect. Besides, in Crete there is a rich variety of unique products, such as the Cretan olive oil, various herbs (dittany, malorita, matzourana, sage, etc. and wild plants. These compose a superb nutritious chain, which functions as a special shield against old and contemporary diseases.

The county of Chania, besides, the beautiful town of the same name with its cosmopolitan port, also consists of thousands of secret corners to relax in or explore, that are just waiting for you to discover them. Enjoy the sea and sun in Georgioupoli, Kalives, Marathi, Stavros, Stalos, Aghia Marina , Platanias, Maleme, Kolimbari, Casteli, Gramvoussa, Falassarna, Sfinari, Crissoskalitissa, Elafonissi, Paleochora, Sougia, Aghia Roumeli, Loutro, Sfakia, Fangocastelo, the island of Gavdos etc. Afterwards, enjoy fresh fish, village salads, fresh greens from the Cretan soil, locals wine, tsikoudia and traditional plates of Cretan cuisine at the seaside taverns and restaurants. Of course, good food, a pleasant atmosphere and new places to enjoy can be found inland, where the greek enjoyment of company or family entertainment often finishes in the early hours of the morning. The feel of the beneficent sun, the excellent Creta cuisine, the relaxed lifestyle and the warm hospitality of the people will stay in your heart forever. So intensely will you miss the paradise of Crete.

• Local blue buses for all districts of the town and surrounding areas (departures form the Market square, 1866 square): for Chalepa-Akrotiri-Airport, Souda (port), Galatas-prison of Ayia, etc.

• Long distance green buses for Rethimno-Iraklio-Vrisses-Chora Sfakion, Casteli, Kandanos-Paleochora, Omalos-Samaria (departures from the main bus station, Kydonias Rd., tel. 93306, 93052). There is also a bus that goes to Thessaloniki (via the port of Pireas).

• Hired cars and motorbikes: there are many rental offices.

• Aeroplanes: OLYMPIC AIRWAYS (Tzanakaki 88, tel. 57701-2-3). For Athens, three flights daily (tel. Airport in Akrotiri for departures and arrivals: 63171.63264). Every Tuesday and Saturday there are flights to Thessaloniki.

• The Airclub of Chania (tel. 27272). Magical flights around the county with qualified pilots in modern aeroplanes.

• Ports: a) Chania (tel.98888), b) Souda (tel. 89240), daily sailings to Pireas at 20:00). In the summer there are extra daily sailings. For Peloponissos, from Kissamos, there area sailings once a week (tel. Harbour master 0822-22074).

• Shipping Lines: ANEK LINES (tel. 27500) MINOAN LINES (tel. 93939)

• Road assistance: HELPA (tel. 104), EXPRESSE SERVICE (tel.154), HELLAS SEVICE (tel. 157)