MONASTERIES
There are many very old monasteries throughout the area, the most famous are Gouverneto, Aghia Triada and Katholiko, all of which are reasonably close by.
SAMARIA GORGE
Breathtaking scenery, this is a “must do” activity, at least once, if you like a long walk. Take a bus or coach trip (bookable from travel agents in Chania) from Chania Bus Station to Omalos, where you’re at the top of the most famous gorge in Greece. The quite arduous 5-6 hour trek takes you to an 8ft wide and 200ft tall ravine, and on to the beach of Aghia Roumeli, where you will find restaurants and shops.
WATER SPORTS
The nearest beaches for parascending, jet ski hire and other water sports are to the west of Chania, namely Stalos, Platanias and Meleme.
If scuba diving’s your thing, try one of the diving centres in Chania.
GO-KARTING
A go-kart track is located on the southern outskirts of Chania, best reached by joining the National Road near Souda and heading west towards Kissamos where you soon see the signs directing you to the track. There is also a good kart track opposite the Water Park at Limnoupolis.
WATER PARK
Limnoupolis is a wonderful water park and a great day out. It has all the usual flumes and ring rides together with acres of sun-bed areas where you can set up for the day. There are a number of eating venues and a swim up bar .
Visit limnoupolis.gr for more information.
MUNICIPAL MARKET
CHANIA
An imposing cross-shaped building with entrances on all four sides. Situated in the Pl. Venizelou, it houses butchers and fishmongers, fruit and vegetable sellers and a multitude of herbs and spices as well as general wares.
To build it, the central bastion of the city walls was demolished. It was inaugurated in 1913 as part of the celebrations of the unification of Crete with Greece. Well worth including on a trip to Chania.
NIGHTLIFE
If it’s nightlife you crave, you have to travel to Chania. Taxis are not expensive, but set a price before you get in. Lots of good music bars, all open well into the night, can be found around the harbour.
If clubbing is your thing then all the best ones are at Platanias, west of Chania, where top clubs like Mylos, Privilege and Tropicano will have you dancing well after the sun comes up!
ELAFONISI BEACH
One beach worth a special note is Elafonisi, a fair drive as it’s situated near the southwest tip of Crete, 76km from Chania. The islet and surrounding beaches are among the most beautiful on Crete. The shallow waters are warm and attract swimmers, spear-fishermen, and windsurfers from all over the world.
It has unfortunately become very popular and commercialised, but if you walk a few hundred metres left or right, you’ll find it much quieter.
Villa David is a beautiful place for a holiday, loved my week spent here with family. It’s about a 10 minute drive from Chania airport and within walking distance of a village, with small supermarkets and a couple of tavernas, very child friendly. Town of Chania is worth a visit as very pretty around the harbour and plenty of eating places to choose from. Probably worth hiring a car to visit the local sandy beaches, but also worth spending a lot of time at the villa, with its lovely pool, sunbeds and plenty of umbrellas for some time in the shade . A fabulous family-friendly villa.
Lynda Ralph, Leicestershire, England
