Chania: The land of Natural Wonders

Sirios village

Chania: The land of Natural Wonders & Medieval Magnificence

Embraced by the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the enchanting scenery, the spellbinding city of Chania welcomes guests to embark on a journey through time, grace and tradition. Follow the high mountains, the stretches of golden sand, walk through the wild gorges, swim through secluded caves and discover ancient old churches, monasteries and Venetian castles. Chania is a land of myths, of authentic grace and hospitality warmth, a land of secrets waiting to be unraveled.

Sirios village in Kato Daratso offers the perfect starting point for your island excursions as it is conveniently set only 4 km west of the center of Chania and 14 km from Chania airport.

Get ready to explore its magnificence, mingle with the locals, savor eclectic dishes of the Cretan cuisine and cheer with local wine and Cretan raki.

Distances

350m from beach
4 Km from Chania Town
km from Platanias town
14km from airport

Chania port - Souda

Get on VOAK/A90/E65 from Agiou Konstantinou and E75.

Head west toward 3is Septemvriou. Turn left onto 3is Septemvriou and then turn right onto Arkadiou. Turn left onto Leof. Soudas and then Turn left onto Al. Papanastasiou/E75. Continue to follow E75.

Use the right lane to merge ontoVOAK/A90/E65 via the ramp to KISSAMOS. Follow VOAK/A90/E65 to Vamvakopoulo.

Take the exit toward Chania/Omalos from VOAK/A90/E65. Take the exit toward Chania/Omalos.

Drive to El. Venizelou in Daratsos. Continue straight ahead and turn right onto Georg. Papandreou.

Turn left onto El. Venizelou, Sirios Village will be on your left.

Chania Ιnternational Αirport

Leaving the airport, follow EO Aerodromiou Soudas heading east. Continue on EO Aerodromiou Soudas. Drive from Akrotiriou and VOAK/A90/E65 to Vamvakopoulo.

Turn left to stay on EO Aerodromiou Soudas. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on EO Aerodromiou Soudas and take the 2nd exit.

Continue onto Akrotiriou. Akrotiriou turns left and becomes Mavridaki. Turn right toward Ellis. Then turn left onto Leof. Soudas. Turn right onto E75.

Use the right lane to merge onto VOAK/A90/E65 via the ramp to KISSAMOS.

Take the exit toward Chania/Omalos. Continue driving to find El.Venizelou in Daratsos. Continue straight ahead and turn right onto Georg. Papandreou.

Turn left onto El. Venizelou, Sirios Village will be on your left.

Monastery of Chryssoskalitissa

In close proximity to the magnificent beach of Elafonisi and 72 km south of Chania, the monastery of Chryssoskalitissa resembles a fortress as it stands high on a 35m rock. It is said that there is a gold step out of the 98 in total on the staircase that only true believers can see and that’s where the name of the monastery was inspired from. It now operates as a nunnery.

Ancient Aptera

Named after Aptera Artemis (windless Artemis), the city of Aptera was built in the 8^th century BC and was the most important commercial center of the island. Set in a panoramic position, Aptera, controlled Souda Bay and experienced a flourishing development during the Hellenistic period but it was then destroyed by an earthquake or a pirate attack. 13 km east of Chania, the ancient site of Aptera witnesses the greatness of its past and it is and archeological site worth visiting.

Lake Kournas

Protected under the Natura 2000 program, Lake Kournas is the only large natural lake in Crete, constituting of a very important eco-system that actually stores fresh water. It is an amazing lake amidst olive groves and high mountains, perfect for a relaxing summer stroll. Situated in the village of Kournas, 43 km from Chania, this enchanting lake is worth the trip.

Frangokastello Fortress

Standing proud in the area of Sfakia, 75 km away from Chania the fortress of Frangokastello is a reminder of the battles given for the freedom of Crete and other historical events that took place within its walls during the Venetian rule. Whether wishing to discover the secret paths of history or learn more about the ghosts of Drosoulites, Greek soldier ghosts that are said to be seen in the castle, visit this spectacular place and relive the past.

Elafonisi

Situated 76 km away from Chania and in close proximity to the Monastery of Chrysoskalitisa, the stunningly beautiful beach of Elafonissi is a wonder in itself. Walk to the other side through the crystal clear waters and the stretches of pink sand full of seashells and enjoy the sun in a private island-like setting. Elafonisi is filled with dunes and is home of many rare species including the careta-careta. Separated into two different beaches, the breaking point forms a very shallow lagoon ideal for children of all ages.

Samaria Gorge

World renowned for its length, the 16 km long gorge of Samaria is considered one of the longest gorges in all of Europe. Starting from Xyloskalo the gorge goes all the way to Agia Roumeli. The Samaria Gorge and national park are worth exploring as they are filled with abundant flora and fauna. Travelers wishing to marvel this natural wonder up close are welcome to take a bus to Omalos and for the return take the ferry from Agia Roumeli to Sfakia.

Ottoman Baths

Also known as the public baths, the hammams are an old Moslem tradition, associated with purifying the body and soul with running water. Brought to the island by the Ottomans of Asia Minor, the public baths are considered a part of the daily routine for both men and women who could only use the baths in separate designated areas.

Balos

The turquoise waters, the exotic landscape and wild natural beauty have made the beach of Balos one of the most renowned beaches in Crete. Balos is located 56 km from Chania and 17 km from Kissamos. It can be reached by ferries from Kissamos port or daily cruises from Kastelli and it offers the perfect place for swimming and sunbathing.

Falasarna

Named after the ancient Roman city of Falasarna, the homonymous exotic beach on the West Coast of Crete is considered one of the most famous beaches of the island as well as in Europe due to its crystalline waters and the stretches of white sand. It is a popular tourist destination actually consisting of 5 consecutive beaches, situated 59 km west of Chania.

Splantzia Square

Situated southwest of the Kastelli Hill, Splantzia Square became a Turkish neighborhood during the Ottoman domination. The Venetian buildings were adopted to the Turkish architectural style, the Venetian church of St. Nicholas was transformed to a mosque and later on to an orthodox church still retaining signs of the Ottoman occupation. The Venetian temple of St. Rocco has remained intact while a set of steps lead underground were there used to be a fountain for ritual washes. Splantzia Square offers a gate to the city’s turbulent past and its definitely worth exploring.

Castle of Gramvoussa

Part of the overall fortification of Crete, the Castle of Gramvoussa in Gramvoussa islet was built in 1584. In 1692 the castle was handed over to the Turks as an act of betrayal, then it was conquered by the Greeks and the Turks again until it was completely abandoned. Today, half ruined, its walls still stand to remind us of the island’s turbulent past.

Archeological Museum

Founded in 1963, the Archeological Museum of Chania features an amazing collection of historical findings from excavations from the Neolithic Period to the Roman era. Situated in the Venetian Monastery of Agios Fragiskos, the museum is definitely a place of interest worth visiting.

The Venetian Lighthouse

Standing proud as one of the oldest lighthouses of the Mediterranean, the Venetian Lighthouse was originally crafted by the Venetians between 1595 – 1601 and took its minaret shaped form during the Egyptian period around 1839. Its final restoration was completed in 2016 giving the lighthouse its original Venetian form. The lighthouse stands at 21 m in height at the end of the pier against Firkas fortress as evidence of the town’s fortification against the Turks.

The Old Venetian harbor

The Venetian Harbor is considered to be the jewel of Chania as it still stands as a truly effervescent Venetian monument. Filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars right at the waterfront, it is the perfect place to mingle with the locals, relish exceptional flavors from the Cretan cuisine and take a walk through history as you lose yourself on its back alleys and enchanting neighborhoods clearly influenced by the Venetian and Turkish domination.