The Ultimate Guide For An Amazing Week In Chania

December 19, 2017

Εxplore this magnificent island

No matter how many days you spend in Chania they surely are not enough in order to explore this magnificent island, where every corner, beach and experience it has to offer demands attention. Below is a list of our top 7 excursions and places to see during your ultimate one-week stay in Crete.

Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi is a tiny island with white sand, separated from the shore by a lagoon no more than a meter deep. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from thousands of broken shells.

Near the "breaking" point of the peninsula, the water does not exceed 1m in height making it a perfect place for children. You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the island. The island itself is a nature protected reserve, and was voted in July 2013 by BBC World News as one of the top five secret beaches in the world.

Excursion to Gramvousa-Balos

This is a cruise that you will surely repeat, since even Caribbean visitors envy this region! Balos-Gramvoussa provides an impressive and unique environment of steep rocks and cliffs, immense blue waters and hidden sandy lagoons! It is one of those landscapes that one sees once in a lifetime and where the greatness of nature is fully depicted. A large rock in the sea defines a sandy lagoon with turquoise waters that will leave you speechless.

a wooden fence in front of a mountain range

The Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is classified as a national park and is one of the most spectacular natural parks in Europe. It is the largest gorge in Europe and contains rare species of flora and fauna, such as the Cretan wild goat as well as rare species of eagles and wild birds, which are all protected by international treaties. The gorge offers the perfect place for nature and trail lovers to explore the flora and fauna of Chania in a dramatic mountainous landscape.

Ancient Knossos

Knossos is an ancient city of Crete, on the north coast near Heraklion. The site was occupied long before 3000BC, and was the center of the Bronze Age culture and Minoan civilization. The city was destroyed before 1500BC and was splendidly rebuilt only to be destroyed again in 1400BC, probably by the hands of invaders from the Greek mainland. This marked the end of Minoan culture. Knossos later became an ordinary but flourishing Greek city, and it continued to exist through the Roman period until the 4th century. By Greek legend it was the capital of King Minos and the site of the labyrinth. Discover its magnificent remains with a day trip to the site in Heraklion.

The old Venetian harbor of Chania

An experience of its own is of course the city of Chania, with its many monuments, museums and sights. Do not miss strolling in the narrow streets of the old town or exploring the many shop, restaurants and taverns as well as important monuments next to each other. Chania town is layout in such a way where the past and the present exist together and create the unique atmosphere of this incredible city.

Winery's of Chania

Crete and Chania in particular is a favorite wine tasting destination for avid wine goers for years as they flock to taste the high quality local labels of the island. Age-old experience of modern wine producers in Crete have managed to elevate Cretan wine to its rightful position showcasing the tasty variety of grapes, aromas and flavors to even the highest wine connoisseurs. Spend a lazy afternoon in many of the Wineries on the island tasting and enjoying the local produce.

Discover the true Cretan way of life

Take a day out to discover the village of Kalyves and surrounding areas and sights to get a true taste of island life. One cannot visit Chania and miss out on the true Cretan hospitality and charm of its many villages. Kalyves offers a 4km coastline of untouched beauty and spectacular sea.

It is a village that has preserved the traditional Cretan and quality way of life inviting you to experience that authentic way of living. Enjoy living among local Cretans, tasting local food, swimming in crystal-clear blue waters, and participating in the various festivities that the village has to offer during the summer. Kalyves village also offers the ideal starting point for excursions to the greater region of Chania.

Just stone's throw away is the Ancient site of Aptera including nature walks along the river and monuments and churches dotted along the path.

All of the above excursions can be organised for you and your family by us at SeaCrete Hotels and booked directly through our excursions office at the reception desk. One thing is certain. Just one visit to Chania will not be enough for you to take in all the beauty and activities this wonderful island has to offer! All that's left is for you to come live the experience...