Discover the Unknown Parts of Crete: Chania
Discover Chania, one of the most visited prefectures of Crete, and for good reason. However, this time we will skip the most famous villages, beaches, and sites of Chania and we will discover Chania the Elissos way. Aka to focus on the unknown parts of this gorgeous prefecture.
So, discover Chania with Elissos, and we guarantee you that you’ll turn into a local in no time!
Fragokastello
In the southeastern corner of the prefecture of Chania is the historic Fragokastello, with the homonymous castle built by the Venetians in the 14th century. There is 1828, during the Cretan rebellion against the Ottomans, 5,000 Turkish soldiers massacred more than 600 Cretan warriors who had taken refuge in the castle. Since then, according to legend, every year on the anniversary of the massacre, the ghosts of the warriors, the Drosulites, appear from the adjacent cemetery and form a procession that passes through the castle and ends up at the sea. If you believe in legends and ghosts, don’t visit the wonderful beach of Fragokastelos between May and June.
Armei and Therisso Villages
We continue to the center of Chania, to visit some beautiful mountain villages, such as the verdant Armeni, with the huge plane trees at the roots of which flow rich springs. The abundant waters irrigate the entire area which over the years has turned into a huge orchard with fruit trees and flowers. In the village, you will find some excellent tavernas, with traditional cuisine. We recommend Drosostalia, where you will taste amazing snails and Cretan stew, at very reasonable prices. Therisso is another village that is worth visiting, mainly because of the amazing landscape and naturalistic possibilities it offers. If you are a fan of hiking, a beautiful 14-kilometer route starts from Therisso. Get your hike on in the imposing gorge, at the roots of the White Mountains.
Kantanos Town
Further south you will come across the historic Kantanos, a beautiful town, rich in Byzantine churches from the 13th and 14th centuries, and with the gorge of the same name, to which a stone-built road leads, suitable for either walking or cycling. Ipinio of Kantanou can be considered the most touristic Paleochora, which one can choose for a quieter stay than that of Chania, as it has many alternative accommodations, while some amazing beaches are also quite close.
Gavdos Island
From Paleochora you can take the boat that will take you to Gavdos, the southernmost European tip, with its picturesque settlements and amazing beaches (the beach of Ai Giannis is considered, according to the Discovery Channel, the second best in the world). Many free campers select this island, but if you are not a fan there are also rooms to choose from.
Chania Beaches
Finally, west of Chania, Kedrodasos is another wonderful, tropical beach, also chosen by many free campers for the excellent shade provided by the cedar-like juniper trees and the impressive dunes. At a distance of one kilometer is Elafonissi, the long narrow peninsula with the crystal-clear lagoon. Elafonissi has been included in the Natura-protected areas. It is full of dunes with sand lilies and cedar. While the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles and many species of rare animals nest here. The beaches on either side of the peninsula are reminiscent of the Caribbean.
Elissos Blog Articles on Chania
The 5 Breathtaking Villages of Chania that will Steal your Heart
It is not only the monumental beaches of the area that will steal your heart.
vegan summer salad at Serenissima RestaurantPhoto Credit: Serenissima Restaurant
8 Ways to Experience Chania
The walks, the sights, the hills, the coastal promenades, the green corners, the best Cretan taverns.
Flowering bougainvillea, old wooden doors, and stone mansions await you in the alleys of the old town. The most recognizable lighthouse greets you from the edge of the Venetian port. Aromas from tradition pour from the bazaar of the Municipal Market. The smell of fresh seafood accompanies your every step on the beach.
Gavdos, a Dreamy Island in the Libyan Sea
Freedom, nature, isolation. Three words to describe an island that in winter has only fifty permanent residents. In summer, of course, things change.
The “forgotten” in the south of Crete Gavdos or otherwise Claudius, is filled with people who are attracted by its mysterious energy, who want to sunbathe on the beautiful beaches of the island, cross its sandy hills, get lost wandering the starry its sky, to get drunk with the smells of pine and oregano and to take a sacred vow that she will return to live it all from the beginning.
Feature Image by: @evanpossley (IG Account)