EXPLORE CRETE

The city of Chania is the capital of the prefecture and its administrative, economic, commercial and transportation centre. Since the ancient times, the city of Chania has faced many conquerors and the influences of many civilizations through time, evident on the city monuments. It is considered as one of the most beautiful cities of Greece and the most picturesque city of Crete. The Municipal Market is one of the most central spots in the city, hosted in a 1913 building. The Venetian port provides pleasant promenades through picturesque streets and attracts many visitors throughout the year. There are also many bars and restaurants by the seaside for every taste. 

Balos is famous for its turquoise waters, the wild natural beauty and the beautiful exotic scenery. The lagoon of Balos has white sand and exotic white, vivid blue and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm, making it ideal for children. In many places the sand has a lovely pinkish color, because of millions of crushed shells. The lagoon and the wider area, with rare species of flora and fauna, are protected under the Natura 2000 program. Moreover, the area is a shelter for the protected monk seal and the sea turtle caretta caretta. 

Elafonisi is located 76 km west of Chania and 5 km south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery and it is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of dunes with sand lilies and cedar trees. The endangered turtles careta careta and several rare animals nest on the island. The sand of Elafonissi is white, but in many places it is pinkish due to the thousands of broken seashells it contains. The blue-green waters will remind you of an exotic paradise.

The exotic beach of Falassarna is located 59 km west of Chania and 17 km west of Kissamos. Falassarna beach is one of the most famous beaches in Greece, and has been awarded as the best beach in Crete, and one of the ten best beaches in Europe in the past. Falasarna consists actually of five consecutive beaches, with the two most central being the most favorite. Falassarna beach is an exquisite choice with its wonderful, fine white sand and warm, crystal-clear exotic waters.

The Minoan palace is the main site of interest at Knossos, an important city in antiquity, which was inhabited continuously from the Neolithic period until the 5th century AD. According to tradition, it was the seat of the wise king Minos. The Palace of Knossos is connected with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth, the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Ikaros.