Old Venetian Harbor in Chania, Crete

Written by Greek Boston in About Chania, Greece, About Crete Greece, Greek Travel Guide Comments Off on Old Venetian Harbor in Chania, Crete

Each year, visitors flock to Crete from all over the world to enjoy the gorgeous weather, pristine beaches, and famous historical sites. While places like the Knossos Palace and resort communities such as Agios Nikolaos seem to get a lot of press, there are plenty of other places on the island that are worth taking note. The Old Venetian Harbor in Chania is one of those places. Here is more information about this gorgeous place that not only has a rich history, but also has plenty to do:

History of the Old Venetian Harbor in Chania

Like many places in Greece, the Old Venetian Harbor in Chania shows how diverse Greece’s history really is. On the island of Crete, the Venetians considered Crete, which was then referred to as the Kingdom of Candia, one of their holdings. As part of their influence, the island of Crete has many Venetian structures and fortresses. The Old Venetian Harbor is one of these places. Considered one of the main hubs of the island at the time, the harbor has an old fortress and a lighthouse that is perched at the end of the long stretch.

Stroll the Length of the Old Harbor

For those who are visiting the city of Chania, strolling through the Venetian Harbor is considered to be one of the highlights. Give yourself plenty of time to walk the whole distance because you’ll absolutely want to make it to the end so that you can take plenty of pictures at the lighthouse! The views from the lighthouse are outstanding, and it makes the whole walk completely worth it. There are also various points throughout the walk that are great for taking photos. This walk is much better experienced at a relaxed pace, but you will find locals who enjoy running the length of the harbor, as well, to get some exercise.

Visit One of the Cafes, Bars, or Restaurants

Another thing that makes the Venetian Harbor in Chania so much fun is that there are cafes, bars, and restaurants that are located right along the pathway, especially at the beginning. These places are throbbing with visitors all day long. During the day, you’ll find people leisurely eating a meal or sipping their drinks while enjoying the view. In the evening, you can either enjoy some of the nightlife or enjoy your dinner in one of the quieter restaurants. Don’t forget to walk either before or after your meal so that you can truly enjoy the experience!

Watch the Sunset in the Venetian Harbor

Visitors and locals alike flock to the Venetian Harbor during sunset to enjoy the view. This is the best spot in Chania to watch the setting sun light up the sky! If you do want to go for a stroll or eat a great meal, time it so that you’re on the harbor at sunset. Whether you eat your food outdoors or end up at the lighthouse during this time doesn’t matter – you’ll be able to snap a great picture no matter where you are.

While in Chania on Crete, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit the Venetian Harbor!

Categorized in: About Chania, Greece, About Crete Greece, Greek Travel Guide

This post was written by Greek Boston