Built by the Venetians during their colonization in Crete between 1320 and 1356, the harbour is stunning and will delight you with its quayside, lined with restaurants, cafés, bars, bakeries and shops. Take a walk along the harbour wall out to the lighthouse – have your camera ready as the view back to the pastel painted buildings is beautiful.
An eclectic mix of shops vie for attention, many displaying authentic Cretan produce, their narrow doorways leading to a treasure trove of delights inside. Craftsmen offer leather goods made to customers’ own designs, galleries display local artists’ work and market stalls burst at the seams with cheeses, olives, honey and wine. Cretan cuisine confirms the island’s great pride in its mixed heritage - a melting pot of flavours and cultures leaves diners spoilt for choice at the many restaurants lining the waterfront or tucked in the narrow streets behind.
One of the best spots for an evening meal is Chania harbour. Watch the sun set over the water whilst enjoying classic Cretan cooking. Local dishes include beef stifado, lamb souvlaki, lamb kleftiko along with fresh calamari, mussels and cuttlefish.
The fascinating history of Crete can be discovered at the Archaeological Museum, housed in the impressive Venetian church of Saint Francis, while the Maritime Museum of Crete, located at the Firkas Fortress at the entrance of the harbour, gives a fascinating insight into the naval history of the island.
