Visitors to Chania, the former capital of Crete, are often amazed by the abundance of historical buildings and monuments that bear witness to its rich cultural heritage. The old town, encircled by Byzantine and Venetian walls, sits along the coastline and on the slopes of Kastelli Hill.
Starting from the square with the Cathedral, you can follow the Chania tourist route eastward, leading you to the Janissary Mosque and the Mediterranean Center of Architecture.
Heading west from there, you'll reach the Maritime Museum and Firka Fortress. Near the striking red museum building, marked by a massive anchor at its entrance, you'll find one of the city's finest bookstores. This store offers a selection of fiction, guidebooks, Chania hiking trail maps, and history books, often available in Russian.
If you're staying near the bus station, your Chania walk can commence from a small square at the edge of the Old Town, leading to the sea. Here, you'll encounter numerous monuments honoring famous Greeks and enjoy access to free Wi-Fi.
From this square, the walking route around Chania continues towards Halidon Street, lined with boutiques, souvenir shops, and car rental agencies. Turning westward near the Cathedral of the Three Martyrs, you'll enter neighborhoods characterized by Venetian-style houses and charming narrow streets, like Zabeliou.
When you're in need of a break, you can choose from the many taverns scattered throughout the city for a refreshing stop. Finally, complete your stroll around Chania by reaching the ancient fortress walls at the harbor, where you can savor a breathtaking view of the lighthouse.
