Knossos
There are many interesting things to see and do besides sunbathing and swimming. If history is your thing, then the choice is vast. There are Minoan & Roman cities, some nearby and some on the south of the Island. Ancient Aptera is approximately 30 minutes away, the palace of Knossos is 2 hours away, and the Minoan Summer Palace at Faistos is two hours away. All are fascinating! If you wander around the streets of Chania, many ‘digs’ take place, and Ancient Kydonia is a few minutes walk away from the shops towards the harbour. The museums in Chana, although small, are well worth visiting.
10 pin Bowling
Try the Mega Place on the hill going down to Souda Bay. (20 minutes drive) It’s very modern and has about 20 lanes – no need to book although you might have to wait a while once you get there. There are pool tables and other games on the ground floor if you have to wait for your lane. Meals are available in the restaurant and the view over Souda Bay is magnificent. A delightful night out.
Go Carting
Water Park
Aqua Creta Limnoupolis is a well-run, wonderful water park and a great day out. It has all the usual flumes and ring rides with acres of sun bed areas to set up for the day. A host of varied eating places and a swim-up bar complete the fun. The best way to get there is to take the National Road from Souda and head for Kissamos; at the fourth junction, take the road to Omalos and follow the signs. The total journey time is about 45 minutes. Visit www.limnoupolis.gr for more information.
Samaria Gorge
It is probably one of the most popular things visitors to Crete do! If you like a long walk through wonderful scenery! Take a bus or coach trip from Chania to Omalos and you will be at the top of the most famous gorge in Greece. Breathtaking scenery, the well-photographed 8 feet wide and 200 feet tall ravine, a quite arduous trek ending up about 6-7 hours later at Ayia Roumeli, where you catch a boat to Chora Sfakion or Sougia for the ride home. It is best undertaken in early spring or autumn, as it gets very hot in summer; for the last 3 km, there is no shade or respite from the sun until you reach the beach. If you prefer not to use public transport or an organised coach trip, you must return to Omalos to retrieve your car. A quick look at the roads on the map will show you that this is not an easy option from Chora Sfakion, as you have to go back from Chania to Omalos; you’ll find it slightly easier from Sougia. We recommend that you read up about the Gorge from the guidebooks, this gives advice on footwear and essentials to take as well as other useful information about the walk.
Elafonisi Beach
This is a full day out as it takes about 2+ hours to get there, well worth it, as it’s stunning. It’s only 76 km from Chania, but the roads are twisting, and the going is fairly slow, with lovely scenery along the way. The shallow waters are warm and attract swimmers, spear fishermen, and windsurfers from all over the world. This is one of the most stunning beaches on the island of Crete, and amazingly, there are no hotels and very few amenities. Local honey, herbs, oil & oranges can be purchased at the side of the road on your journey.
Elafonisi Beach
Globally known for its enthralling natural beauty and dreamy appearance, the lagoon known as Balos Beach is located 60km on the north-western side of Chania.
Balos Lagoon is formed between Cape Gramvousa and the small Cape Tigani and below the mountain range of Platiskinos. Balos has white sand, soft seabed, and crystal water. Opposite the beach, there is a rocky island called Gramvoussa, and on top of this island, there is a steep Venetian castle with a gorgeous view of the region and the sea.
Balos is reached through a track road from Kaliviani, a village close to Kissamos. This track road is about 10 km and can be crossed by a 4-wheel car. Otherwise, visitors can go by excursion boat from Kissamos.
The beach captures your heart twice over: once with a dreamy view, and then, from up close, as a magical swimming spot. This place is a must-see during your stay in Crete.
The Municipal Chania Market
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.
The butchers and fish stalls are interesting and herbs and honey can be purchased as gifts to take home. If you use Saffron in your cooking it’s worth buying some, as it is really cheap compared to the UK.
Saturday Market is situated opposite the football stadium. Park before the stadium and follow the people heading towards the market. It’s mainly fresh fruit and vegetables but there are fresh fish & cheese stalls. Tasty oranges, wonderfully fresh tomatoes, beans & whatever fruit & vegetables are in season. If you walk to the bottom end of the market you will find stalls selling clothes etc it gets very busy so go early!
Nightlife
If it’s nightlife you want, you have to travel to Chania, taxis are not expensive but set a price before you get in. Many 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 Tropicana will have you dancing well after the sun comes up. Young Greek people go out very late and stay out nearly all night.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Hosted & coached by Ian Love (BASC proficiency award), he charges Euro 65 per person, which includes coaching, shotgun hire, cartridges, transport, coffee & lunch. This would be a full day out, as it takes an hour or so to get to the site. E-mail ian@sportingclays.force9.co.uk or telephone 0030 28250 31270. Beginners and experienced shots are welcome and the company is registered and insured. Special rates are available for parties over 4.