Chania
Chania has always been an alluring spot on this amazing planet of ours. It is the second largest city of Crete and historically a maritime crossroad of three continents. Chania is an enchanting destination which tantalizes all senses. Its main assets are the unparalleled natural landscape, to this day largely unspoiled, combined with the rich cultural heritage which is filled with colors, scents, flavors, music and most of all big and open hearts. The historical, natural, cultural uniqueness and abundance of Chania entices travelers and globetrotters all year round.
The city of Chania is the capital of the Prefecture
Extending along the coastal, Northern axis, at the West side of Crete and counts more than 140.000 residents. Since the construction of the Minoan city/state "Kydonia", the city counts 4.000 years of presence in the Greek territory. For as long as there are historical records, Chania, has been a pole of attraction for political forces, economic interests and commercial exchange. The modern name "Chania-Al Hanim" was given during the Arab occupation (9th B.C.-10th B.C.), while during the Venetian era (13th b.c.-17th b.c.) it is renamed to "La Canea". For centuries, the city serves as a nautical crossroad between three continents, a pole of attraction for powerful trade transactions and for Empires driven by intentions of conquest and expansion. Romans, Arabs, Venetians and Ottomans have marched, conquered and left a deep footprint, creating a modern, cultural mosaic on the architectural outlook of the city and a cosmopolitan feel at this remote corner of the Mediterranean.
