Car rental Crete - Chania - Downtown, Greece

The Downtown and Suburbs of Crete

Chania is an old city on the southwestern coast of the ancient Greek island of Crete, also called Sarnath. It is renowned for its 16th-century Venetian-influenced harbor, narrow winding streets and fine waterfront restaurants. In the harbor front is an imposing 16th-century Byzantine-influenced fortress with Persian, Egyptian and Turkish influences.

The former monastery of Saint Francis houses the Ancient Nautical Museum of Chania. It displays a wide array of artifacts from the ancient Mediterranean period, ranging from pottery to gold and silver jewelry. Other exhibits of interest include coins from Egypt, Persia, Rome, India and the Islamic world. Ancient frescoes, mosaics and sculptures can be found throughout the museum.

Tourists can tour Crete by foot across Chania's cobblestone streets. The best times to explore the city are between April and October when the temperature is mild and the crowds have died down from the holiday season. If you wish to enjoy the sights of Chania's downtown, plan to visit during the day or late in the evening as the sun sets.

The traditional souk is also a great place to stop for lunch. Souks are usually located in the central part of the city, near a shopping center or at the edge of a pedestrian mall. These souks are crowded during the holiday season, especially on Friday and Saturday.

The most popular souk is located at the harborfront. Here, visitors can enjoy fresh local fish and bread along with the sights and sounds of the ancient harbor. A walk around this section of town is well worth the trip. You may also want to spend some time in the area's markets, such as the popular Cretan Bakery.

The Old Town in Crete is an old quarter with beautiful antiques, historical architecture and beautiful churches. The Parnassos Street is the historic center of the city, home to a number of interesting shops and cafes. The famous Parnassos Market is also having an imposing bell tower. A short drive north, you'll find the Parnassos Palace, one of the most popular hotels in Crete.

For a more historical area, head southwest on Portakalou Avenue. At this point, you will find a small market and the famous Portakalou Church. Many historic buildings and monuments can be visited on your way to Chania's suburbs.

The suburbs of Chania, which is situated to the southwest, are home to a large number of restaurants, bars and cafes. Some of the larger malls in Crete contain hundreds of restaurants and boutiques.

If you are planning to visit Crete, plan to visit Chania during the holiday season. During this time, the town and the rest of the city become even busier.