Chania Sights & Attractions - Page 3

Flora and Fauna Preservation Park

Flora and Fauna Preservation Park

Outdoor Activities
​​ Akrotiri

The Flora and Fauna Conservation Park has been established by the Technical University of Crete in the area of Akrotiri, right behind the tombs of Venizelos. It boasts both natural and artificial habitats where endemic or endangered plant species are studied and preserved. Visitors can also see a wetland and a coastal ecosystem, as well as a history section with plants associated with Greek mythology.

Turkish Castle of Aptera

Turkish Castle of Aptera

Castles
​​ Kalami

Located on a hill with a breathtaking view of the bay of Souda, this castle was built to overlook the entire area. Although the walls are strong, some renovations need to be carried out.

Topolia Gorge

Topolia Gorge

Outdoor Activities
​​ Topolia
Topolia Gorge can be found on the western side of the region of Chania, near the mountainous village of Topolia. Due to its magical natural scenery, it has become a popular destination among hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Deliana Gorge

Deliana Gorge

Hills and Parks
​​ Mesavlia
The Gorge of Deliana-Mesavlia is located 37 km from Chania, about one hour from the town by car. It is an amazing option for beginner hikers or families with children since it is 5 km long and it only takes approximately 1 hour to cross it.
Etz Hayyim Synagogue

Etz Hayyim Synagogue

Other
​​ Town

The Etz Hayyim Synagogue in Chania is the last remnant of the long-standing Jewish community of Crete, which settled on the island over 2.000 years ago. After some hardships and the near collapse of the building, it was renovated in 1999 and has been open to the public since. Visiting the temple is a unique opportunity to see a different side of Crete’s history.

Drapano Lighthouse

Drapano Lighthouse

Lighthouses
​​ Kokkino Chorio

A well-preserved 19th-century lighthouse standing right at the edge of a cliff with commanding views of the Aegean Sea. It is open to the public on the World Lighthouse Day.

Greek National Football Team Museum

Greek National Football Team Museum

Museums
​​ Town

The Greek National Football Team Museum is a unique museum in the heart of Chania. It was put together in 2004 to commemorate Greek players' incredible journey and possibly any other future success that the team might have!

White Mountains

Outdoor Activities
​​ Omalos

Covering a great part of western Crete, the White Mountains boast an astonishing number of high mountain peaks, as well as dozens of impressive caves and gorges. The renowned Samaria Gorge features prominently among them, but each and every one of them offers nature lovers a truly unforgettable experience.

Fortress of Selino

Castles
​​ Paleochora

Constructed by the Venetians in the 13th century, this fortress stands on the hill above Paleochora, in southern Chania. The name Selino means celery in Greek and probably comes from this plant, which abounds in the region.

Agia Irini Gorge

Outdoor Activities
​​ Agia Eirini

Located in the area of Selino, the Agia Irini Gorge stands out for its remarkable natural beauty and its diverse flora and fauna. Being 7.5 kilometers long, it is the second most popular Cretan gorge after that of Samaria.

Archaeological Museum of Kissamos

Archaeological Museum of Kissamos

Museums
​​ Kissamos
The Archaeological Museum of Kissamos is situated at the heart of the town. It comprises seven rooms showcasing various artifacts from ancient western Crete. 

German War Cemetery

Monuments
​​ Maleme

On a hill above the beach of Maleme, there is a German War Cemetery. This is where German soldiers, who died in Crete during the Second World War, are buried.

The Folklore Museum of Gavalochori

Museums
​​ Gavalochori

The Historical & Folklore Museum of Gavalochori is located 30 km east of Chania Town. It is housed in a historic Venetian/Turkish building with a traditional architectural style that used to belong to the village community.

Temple of Asklepion

Ancient Sites
​​ Sougia

It used to be the religious center of South West Crete and was the only city in this area, besides Irtakina, minting gold coins. There are a number of ruins in the area, the most notable being that of the Temple of Asklepios who was the Greco-Roman god of healing.

Arkoudospilio Cave

Ancient Sites
​​ Akrotiri

Arkoudospilio is a remarkable cave in the Avlaki Gorge of Akrotiri in Chania. The cave contains a large rock formation that resembles a bear from a certain angle. The cave has a significant part in the history of the area, dating back to ancient times.

Elephant Cave

Other
​​ Kokkino Chorio

The Elephant Cave is an underwater cavern of striking beauty, with intricate red and white stalactites and stalagmites, impressive rock formations adorning the walls and even the fossilized bones of an ancient elephant species embedded within the rocks. It is located close to the Drapanos Cape and is only accessible to certified divers.