Chania
General Information
- Departures every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
- Departure from port of Souda: 8:00
- Meeting point (see map) 30' before departure
Location
Chania is the second-largest city of Crete and boasts one of its most important ports. Situated on the northwestern coast of Crete, it is a coastal city and serves as the capital of the Prefecture of Chania.
History
It is one of the oldest cities of Crete with a history spanning over 5,000 years. The area has been inhabited since the Minoan era, with the ancient city of Kydonia being one of the most important Minoan settlements. The Kastelli hill, above the old port, was the site of the first settlement, which evolved and developed by combining agriculture with trade and shipping. Over the centuries, Chania came under the rule of the Romans and later the Byzantines, leaving important archaeological finds and monuments.
Chania’s strategic location attracted the attention of the Venetians in the 13th century, who captured the city and transformed it into an important commercial and cultural center. Venetian architecture and fortifications, such as the Firka fortress and Neoria, remain to this day and bear witness to this era. In 1645, the city fell to the Ottomans, who also left their mark by building mosques and baths. The colorful history of Chania, with the changes of conquerors and cultures, has shaped a unique identity that combines elements from all these periods.
Newest facts
In the new era, Chania in Crete is a lively and modern center that combines its rich historical past with dynamic development. The city has evolved into an important tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire the historical monuments, wonderful beaches, and authentic Cretan hospitality. The “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” international airport connects the city with destinations all over the world, while the port of Souda is one of the largest commercial and passenger ports in the Mediterranean.
Important people from Chania
Chania has given birth to and hosted many important personalities who have left their mark in various fields. Eleftherios Venizelos, one of the most important politicians of modern Greece and prime minister, hailed from Chania and played a decisive role in Greek history. In the field of art, Mikis Theodorakis, a famous composer and politician, also originates from the area and has made a significant contribution to the Greek and world music scene.
Local products
Popular local products include Cretan olives, renowned for their excellent quality olive oil, as well as Cretan graviera and cephalograviera cheeses. A variety of aromatic honeys, such as thyme and eucalyptus, are also highly sought after. Additionally, Cretan wines and local liqueurs, such as raki and tsikoudias, are popular choices for food enthusiasts.
Geography
The area of Chania includes the regions of Armeni, Platanias, Plaka, and Kalathas. It is also situated near the city of Rethymno, the third-largest city of Crete.
Milos is a top destination and one of the most popular islands, connected to Chania by sea. It is a short getaway to one of the most interesting island regions of Greece, reachable in less than 2 hours and 40 minutes with our vessels.
