Chania Old Venetian Port

The magnificent Chania Old Venetian Port is the most romantic and photographed spot of the city. The heart of Chania is beating here during all summer, it is busy, full of cafe bars, restaurants and Greek traditional taverns with Cretan food specialties, pastry shops, souvenir shops and well preserved historical monuments. Old Town will travel you back in time with a mixed of Cretan,Venetian elements.

You can start your walk on the waterfront of the old harbor and walk to the pier that will lead you to the lighthouse. The beautiful lighthouse of the old port of Chania was built by the Venetians and rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century by the Egyptians in the form of a minaret.

The walls of the fortress “Firkas” were built by the Venetians to protect the harbor. It once housed the Venetian naval guard in Crete and today houses the Maritime Museum of Crete with a huge collection of nautical findings illustrating the rich history of Chania.

The Οld Τown of Chania

Your next stop when visiting the old port of Chania must be the old town. You can easily reach the old town from any alley that connects the old town with the port. The narrow, maze-like alleys date back to different eras. You’ll enjoy a romantic walk through the old buildings. You’ll also come across archeological excavations that brought to light rich findings and even floor plans of entire buildings. They’re proof that Chania was built on the site of an important ancient Cretan city called “Kydonia”. According to tradition, Kydonia was the third largest city founded by King Minos in Crete (3,650-3,000 BC).

Square of the Fountain: During the Turkish conquest, this was the central square of the Christians in the old city of Chania. Today it is called “Eleftherios Venizelos” Square and is full of cafes, restaurants and other stores. It is located right next to the busy waterfront of the Old Port.

​Chalidon Street is the shortest way that leads you from the center of Chania directly to the Fountain Square in the center of the old town of Chania. On the right side of the street is the Cathedral of Chania. A little further on there is a real Turkish bath (Hamam). Opposite the cathedral there is a Catholic church. In its forecourt is the entrance to the Museum of Cretan Folklore. Next to the Catholic church is the restored church of St. Francis (from the 14th century). It is the most impressive Venetian church, consisting of a nave and two closed courtyards. Today it houses the Archeological Museum of Chania. It is definitely worth a visit, because here you can find utensils, mosaics and various other antiquities found in the area of Chania.

There is a lot to do and discover in the old town, which will surely amaze you and give you unforgettable memories!