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Located in Chania Old Town, situated around 7 km from Venizelos Graves, Sali Chelidonaki boutique suite offers free WiFi, air conditioning, and household amenities such as coffee machine and a microwave. It is housed in a Venetian building and it is set 200 metres from Maritime Museum Of Crete.
The apartment features 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and 1 bathroom. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is featured.
The apartment offers a terrace. A car rental service is available at Sali Chelidonaki boutique suite.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Firkas Fortress, Nautical Museum of Crete and Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan. Chania International Airport is 16 km from the property.
Find below list of things to do near Sali Chelidonaki Boutique Suite:
Move between different attractions in Chania as you solve riddles during this interactive scavenger hunt and self-guided walking tour. Go at your own pace as you spot sights such as Firkas Fortress, the Church of Agios Nikolaos, and Chania Old Town.
To get started, simply download the app on your mobile device (download instructions received via email after booking) and go to the Aviation Memorial Monument to begin your adventure.
Navigate between attractions using the map, follow the clues to complete each challenge, and unlock the next location as you go. Explore your way by pausing the app at any point to do some sightseeing or take a break.
Start your tour of the Memorial to the Fallen with a meaningful punch to the stomach. Explore the Gate of Sand and admire its view. Marvel at the architecture and unique location of Yali Jamisi. Then, head to the Maritime Museum of Crete to learn about the history of Crete and Hellenism at sea.
Next, be enchanted by the old castle of Chania with its unique history. Admire Talos Square, named after the mythical hero. Learn about the historic Synagogue and the intriguing history of the old Archaeological Museum of Chania. Take tons of photos of the miraculous Metropolitan Church of Chania.
The icing on the cake is Saint Nicholas with its incredible architecture as it is the only functioning Christian church with a Mosque.
Did you know that Chania has been inhabited since the Neolithic Period? We’d love to share the amazing history of this little town with you. You’ll discover its remarkable architecture along the way, including a magnificent lighthouse, churches, mosques, shipyards and the old town’s well preserved houses. They’re a reminder of all the people and cultures that have influenced local life, from ancient times through to the Byzantine era, the Venetian occupation and Turkish rule. I’ll also point out the entertainment and cultural offerings that make the modern town so vibrant.
During this tour, I’ll give you local insight, share fun facts, and introduce you to Chania’s cultural identity through storytelling. We’ll explore some secret spots and find the old town’s hidden treasures too.
Some of the stories you can look forward to include:
• The legend behind the Cathedral of Chania
• The history of Chania’s Jews
• The Venetian families that were powerful here, like the Renieri, Delfino and Colombo
• How Felice Napoleone Canevaro, Dominikos Theotokopoulos and Ioannis Daskalogiannis shaped the city
• The ancient city of Kydonia
This tour is a valuable introduction to Chania’s turbulent history.
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for this walk. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars en route for a quick (or lengthy!) stop.
Music:
Xserra – Bouzouki (Freesound.org)
Shorthopper – Joura Accordian (Freesound.org)
Discover Chania’s Old Town on a private or shared group guided tour with a local. Learn about local history, and taste delicious Cretan street food as you explore.
Meet your guide in Chania’s bustling market, then set off into the historic Old Town. Unravel the history of Chania as you stroll around the streets and admire the impressively well-preserved architecture.
Stroll along the cobbled narrow paths of the city, and learn about Chania’s Venetian past, renaissance heritage, and Ottoman influences. Pass by famous landmarks and soak up the charming atmosphere as you mingle with the locals.
As you explore, discover the flavors of Cretan cuisine, stop at colorful food shops and taverns, selling wine, olive-oil, cheese, herbs, spices, and more, and enjoy street food samples along the way.
Begin your journey of Knossos by meeting your guide at your hotel in Heraklion, where you will be greeted by your guide who will take care of you throughout the day.
Head straight to Knossos, where you will visit the ancient Minoan Palace, an important city in antiquity that supported continuous life from the Neolithic era to the 5th century.
According to tradition, Knossos was the seat of the wise king Minos. Learn about the archeological site’s fascinating myths, including the famous labyrinth and the minotaur legend, and that of Daedalus and Icarus.
Next, head into the Heraklion mainland, which is known for its vilana, kostifali, and vidiano indigenous Cretan grapes. Crete’s winemaking tradition dates all the way back to antiquity, and Cretan winemakers have consistently produced outstanding, award-winning wines.
Taste some of these flavorful wines at a family-owned organic winery, where you’ll enjoy six different wines along with local nibbles.
Next, tuck into a delicious local lunch in a cozy, traditional, family-owned tavern that serves home-grown and freshly made delicacies from farm to table. This is your chance to sample truly authentic Cretan cuisine.
Then, explore a typical village in Archanes as you wander its narrow lanes, and discover a world concealed from time. Here, savor the local liqueur called raki before heading back to your accommodation in Heraklion.
Let the day begin tasting the most traditional local breakfast and witnessing phyllo making process.
Continue with a leisurely stroll guided by a local through the enchanting Old Town of Chania. Traverse narrow streets, surrounded by centuries-old architecture, as your guide unveils tales of Chania’s fascinating history.
Step into the Folklore Museum, gaining an insightful glimpse into Chania’s vibrant cultural heritage. Explore a thoughtfully curated collection that vividly illustrates the traditions woven into the region’s fabric.
Venture off the beaten path to discover local workshops. Witness the revival of craftsmanship from days gone by, meeting skilled artisans dedicated to preserving ancient techniques. Engage with modern artists who skillfully blend tradition and innovation in their creations, providing you with a unique and firsthand insight into the rich heritage of Chania.
Explore the picturesque city of Chania, the freshwater of Lake Kournas and your boat trip from Souda bay, on this day trip from Rethymno.
Enjoy pickup from your hotel and the scenic journey to Lake Kournas. Once there, explore the lake or tuck into a delicious meal at a local taverna. Enjoy the relaxing views beneath looming mountains. Look out too for the local wildlife – moorhens, eels, and turtles are among the permanent residents of this friendly wetland.
Then, head for Chania, the charming city perched on Crete’s north west coast. Admire the lively port of the Old Venetian Harbour and its imposing lighthouse. Stroll the atmospheric narrow streets of the city, filled with shops, churches and tavernas.
Pick up some traditional local products like cheese or pastries at the municipal market. Shop for leather goods and souvenirs at the famous Halidon Street.
After your free time thereyou are off for Souda bay where your boat will be waiting for you. Experience a relaxed and refresing round, where you will be provided with masks and you will be free to snorkel into the blue sea.
Arrive at marathi beach and enjoy your bath and sunbath there. Take pleasure in being out in nature amongst this beautiful scenery, before hopping back in the vehicle for your journey back to Rethymno.
Find below list of beaches near Sali Chelidonaki Boutique Suite:
Nea Chora, a picturesque sandy beach, lies just a kilometer west of Chania city center along Akti Papanikoli Street, opposite the Lazaretta islet. A short 15-minute stroll from Chania’s old harbor, this beach boasts a well-maintained main area with several facilities at hand. While mostly sandy, Nea Chora also features rocky patches. It’s the perfect spot for those who prefer to stay nearby the city center. East of the beach, you can still spot the old soap factory’s towering chimney and the former sanatorium of Chania. Nea Chora is a favorite among locals for its seafood taverns, but there are also plenty of restaurants, snack bars, and cafes to choose from. Every summer, the beach hosts the “Sardine Festival”, complete with traditional music, dancing, and free fish for attendees.
Kladissos beach
Further along the river Kladisos, a second beach unfolds all the way up to Aptera beach. Kladisos beach is a lengthy sandy bay, interspersed with pebbly areas. Despite its proximity to Chania and its appealing beauty, the beach remains relatively secluded and unspoiled. The simplest way to access this beach is by crossing the Kladisos river via the pedestrian bridge.
Situated at the eastern edge of the scenic port of Chania, in front of the historical Bedouin district, is Kum Kapi Beach. This location was once inhabited by African economic migrants who lived in rush-made huts during the Ottoman period, having initially arrived on the island as slaves. Presently, the only visible structures are a long coastal street lined with cafes and nightclubs, with no huts in sight. The area derives its name from the Turkish phrase Kum Kapisi, translating to the Gate of Sand, which was a gate on the Venetian Walls adjacent to this sandy beach.
Kum Kapi Beach stretches for approximately 1km to the east beneath a pedestrian road. In previous years, the beach was a popular swimming spot in Chania, but the deteriorating quality of seawater led to swimming being banned. Recent developments in the biological cleaning infrastructure of Chania city have improved the water quality, making it safe for swimming according to the city’s Water Supply and Sewerage Authority. However, Kum Kapi Beach remains unorganized and is still not trusted by locals.
To the west, the ocean meets the road’s wall with no beach in between. On the east side, a strip of sandy beach is formed where most people swim. Further east, a beautiful cove is formed, although locals still avoid swimming there.
Kouloura Pond, Halepa
In the Halepa suburb of Chania, next to the Agia Kyriaki chapel and beach, you’ll find Kouloura – a small rocky pond. This spot is a favored “pool” amongst Halepa residents, each of whom has a unique tale to share about the place.
Lazaretta islet, situated across Nea Chora, functioned as a leprosarium for the Venetians in the 17th century, similar to most islets in Crete’s cities. Its moniker is derived from Lazarus, whom the Roman Catholic Church recognizes as the lepers’ patron saint.
Historically, it has been identified as a burial site, presumably for patients, and the site still exhibits the remnants of buildings that the Turks demolished in 1645 to install a sizeable cannon to assist their siege of Chania’s stronghold at the harbour entrance. In certain areas, fragments of bombs dropped during the German military operations in World War II can still be observed.
The islet is home to a Saint Nicholas shrine, constructed by a local man in 1954. This man suffered a sunstroke on the island but was able to swim to Nea Chora and survive. The island features a small sandy beach, favored for snorkeling and often visited by local diving schools and seafaring tour boats. In the 1950s, long-distance competitive swimmers frequently selected Lazaretta as their starting point for races, with the inner harbour of Chania serving as the finish line.
Situated 2.5km west of Chania city and just east of Agii Apostoli, you’ll find the glistening Golden Beach, or Hrissi Akti as it’s known in Greek. It’s essentially two sandy beaches separated by a rocky outcrop. The western cove is the primary Golden Beach, while the eastern one is the quieter Aptera beach. The west bay is the more popular of the two, boasting excellent facilities such as umbrellas, lifeguards, showers, cafes, water sports and more. Its fine golden sand and shallow waters are particularly appealing to families with young children, and there’s even a playground nearby.
Aptera beach, on the other side of the rocky divide, offers a more tranquil experience. It’s less developed and has the remnants of the Aptera Beach hotel which was abandoned in the late 90s due to financial difficulties. This beach is perfect for those looking for solitude and is conveniently close to Chania.
The entire Agii Apostoli area is dotted with small parks filled with pine and eucalyptus trees. Access to Golden Beach is easy, either by bus from Chania or by foot.
Find below list of gorges near Sali Chelidonaki Boutique Suite:
The Cyclamen Gorge, also known as Agios Georgios Gorge or Gorge Vandes, is nestled on the northern slopes of the White Mountains. Its starting point is the Aletrouvari settlement, situated at an altitude of 300m, and it extends east of Agios Georgios village, ultimately ending at the village of Vandes, which is at an elevation of 50m. The stream that runs through this gorge gathers water from the Drakona area, resulting in the formation of quaint, small ponds at certain spots.
However, this route is not recommended for novice hikers as it requires approximately 2 hours to traverse from Aletrouvari or about 1 hour from Agios Georgios. As visitors journey through this route, they will encounter a diverse landscape that changes along the river, all under the cool shade of towering plane trees and cypresses.
Positioned near the city of Chania, the Therisso Gorge (also known as Eleftherios Venizelos) is an awe-inspiring sight. This six-kilometre-long canyon is adorned with impressive vertical cliffs and lush greenery, rivalling any other gorge in the Chania region. Accessible by car, it’s worth combining a trip to the gorge with a visit to the historic village of Therisso, nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, just 15 kilometres from Chania. This village, steeped in history, offers an unforgettable experience to any visitor.
With a population of just over 100, the valiant village of Therisso has held a significant role in Crete’s modern history, mainly due to the resilience of its inhabitants against Turkish invasions. In 1866, the village was burnt by Mustapha Pasha Naili, forcing many, including the mother of future Greek Prime Minister, Eleftherios Venizelos, to relocate to Kythera and the Peloponnese. Therisso gained further historical prominence in 1905 when Eleftherios Venizelos and his allies initiated a revolution against the autocratic rule of Prince George, imposed by the Great Powers, charting a course for Crete’s union with Greece. Notably, the heroic Halides brothers, key figures in the 1821 revolution, also hailed from Therisso.
The Diktamos Canyon, nestled within the White Mountains, commences 21km to the east of Chania, near the Katochori village at an elevation of 300m. It concludes 8km further east, at the Faragi village, situated at a height of 40m and in close proximity to the Stylos village in the Apokoronas province. Consequently, it is also referred to as the Katechori Gorge or Stylos Gorge. The canyon’s stream serves as the primary tributary of the Kiliaris River, gathering water from the northern slopes of the Mavri peak and discharging it onto the Kalives beach.
Navigating through the canyon can be challenging, with certain areas requiring extra caution and approximately 3 hours to traverse. The canyon is a stunning, verdant landscape filled with towering trees and steep inclines, home to dittany or diktamos, a herb endemic to Crete. In Stylos, you have the opportunity to explore the ancient church of Apostle John (Agios Ioannis Theologos), refresh yourself at the local springs, and replenish your energy at the village’s taverns.
The Avlaki Gorge, nestled in Arkoudovounia near the Gouverneto Monastery, just 16km east of Chania city, stands as one of Crete’s most significant canyons with a rich religious history. This secluded area provided refuge for numerous monks and hermits in its caves, and also houses the ancient, abandoned Katholiko Monastery, making it known as the Katholiko Gorge as well. Although the gorge isn’t entirely accessible, a marked trail from the Gouverneto Monastery offers a scenic but steep descent towards Katholiko. On the journey, you’ll encounter the Cave Arkoudiotissa and the ancient temple of Artemis after a 10-minute walk, followed by a further 10 minutes to the deserted Katholiko Monastery and the cave of Saint John the Hermit.
Walking for another 15-25 minutes along the riverbed from the monastery will bring you to the Katholiko Bay, passing by caves where hermits once resided. The gorge’s exit reveals a slender, rocky fjord with deep blue waters, a small Venetian well, a tiny harbour used by monks, and a quarry that provided construction materials for the monastery. The area also features a rock formation resembling a boat, said to be a pirate ship turned to stone by a monastery abbot’s curse.
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