Fasten your seatbelt & experience the minoan history like never before! Europe’s oldest civilization meets Europe’s first 3D Museum and 9D Cinema!
Partake in entertaining photoshoots throughout the 3D Museum (non archaeological) with life-like statues and mesmerizing 3D art that comes to life through your phone’s camera
Experience the 9D Cinema which will take you back in time with moving chairs and fully immersive special effects such as Wind, Rain, Snow, Bubbles, Fog, Lightning, Earthquakes and more. Enjoy 4 movies B2B in 14 languages!
Kindly note: Accessibility / Body Shape and Size limitation of our seats.
Andreas, an experienced soap maker, will provide you all the details and information to produce your own soap.
In 1.5 hours you will learn to make your own soap and gain experience in soap making. In a fully equipped laboratory you will have the opportunity to do the entire soap production process.
For the preparation of your own soap, we use ingredients that come from our land and at the end of the activity you take a soap with you.
By completing the workshop you will be in a position when you return home to produce soap for your own use.
Travel through stunning natural landscapes up into the mountains of the Kissamos region on this 7-hour tour from Chania.
Stop at a traditional family winery, established in 1993, and learn about the varieties of wine they produce and their ideas for modern farming processes and wine production.
Taste award-winning local Vidiano, Muscat of Spina and some international varieties such as Grenache rouge, Syrah and Mourvèdre that each have a unique taste due the local terroir.
Next you’ll visit a traditional village and see the oldest olive tree in the world, with an estimated age of 3,000 years.
This is a day filled with tasting different wine expressions of noble grapes and a variety of delicious foods.
Head to another winery in the Kissamos region to taste a special local blend of white wines with Vilana, Vidiano and Assyrtiko varieties.
Walk through the idyllic landscape of the vineyards and visit the family’s olive oil factory. Learn about extra virgin olive oil production. The wine tasting here will be accompanied by a tasting of extra virgin olive oils and local pure products, creating combinations your palate will never forget.
You’ll also learn the Cretan way of saying goodbye drinking the award-winning Tsikoudia.
Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Crete through our exceptional cooking class, where authenticity meets healthy organic ingredients. Immerse yourself in the flavors of the region, featuring extra virgin olive oil, locally sourced meats, aromatic herbs, and freshly harvested vegetables.
Begin your culinary adventure with a leisurely stroll through our vegetable garden, connecting with the raw produce and gaining insights into the diverse array of herbs. Discover the secrets of Cretan cuisine as you embark on the preparation of a traditional meal, guided by local expertise. Take a scenic mountain walk to a shepherd’s enclave, where the captivating story of olive harvesting unfolds.
Return to our culinary haven to savor the exquisite flavors of Cretan cheese and wine, setting the stage for the creation of appetizers like ntakos and tzatziki. Elevate your culinary prowess with a delightful dinner, skillfully paired with regional wines. Conclude this gastronomic journey with the sweet notes of traditional jar desserts, leaving your palate satiated and your heart filled with the warmth of Cretan hospitality. Immerse yourself in a truly authentic and memorable experience, where every dish tells a story of the vibrant culinary tapestry of Crete.
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.
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.
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.
Aptera is a highly significant archaeological site in West Crete. Established in the 8th century BC, the ancient city of Aptera was strategically located to control Souda Bay and prospered during the Hellenistic period. However, it was abandoned during the Arab years due to pirate attacks. The city relied on the ports of Marathi and Kalives, which made Aptera one of Crete’s most important commercial centers, if not the most important one.
Tradition has it that the city was named after the Sirens who lost their wings in a musical contest against the muses, rendering them wingless (aptera in Greek). However, it seems that the name actually comes from Aptera Artemis (wingless Artemis), who was worshipped in the area, as evidenced by the city’s coins.
Aptera was fortified with a strong wall, of which a large part (4km) still stands today. Within the city, one can find a sanctuary from the 5th-4th century BC, enormous Roman vaulted cisterns, a carved-in-ground theater, a “parliament,” and a nearby necropolis. Various artifacts have been discovered, including vases, coins, figurines, inscriptions, and sculptures.
The city of Aptera was renowned for its skilled archers who served as mercenaries in various areas outside Crete, bringing wealth back to their homeland. The valuable silver they introduced enabled the city to mint its own coins. These intricate coins typically featured the goddess Artemis on one side and the city’s founder King Apteras on the other. Other designs depicted Apollo or Hera and a torch, bee, or bow.
Aptera is situated 13 km from Chania and is most conveniently reached by car, as there are no direct public buses to the site. Alternatively, you could take any bus heading towards Rethymno or Heraklion and get off at the crossroads leading to Aptera. However, keep in mind that this option requires a 45-minute uphill walk to reach the archaeological site.
South of the archaeological site of Aptera and near the village Stylos, at position Azogires, we come across the domed tomb of Stylos that was discovered in 1961, having already been looted, by archaeologists Nikolaos Platon and Kostas Davaras. This impressive tomb belonged to a local lord and features a circular stone chamber and a long, road corridor (20.80 m long).
The relieving triangle above the entrance housed 12 cups from the Hellenistic period, a detail that verifies that ceremonies were conducted there. Similar Hellenistic pottery was also discovered in the corridor.
The Minoan settlement situated near the village of Nerokouros in the suburbs of Chania was unearthed in 1977. A Minoan villa, constructed according to palatial standards (such as tiled floors, polythyron, and two floors) was discovered at this location. The villa is believed to date back to around 1600 BC.
Another, less remarkable house was found 300 meters to the east, featuring two storage rooms and a tiled floor. Besides the Minoan sites, various other antiquities spanning from the Minoan era to the Early Christian years have been excavated in the broader area of Nerokouros.
The Minoan Kydonia was established at the present site of the old town of Chania. Kydonia was likely the third largest town of Minoan Crete. A flourishing craft industry developed here, and the town became wealthy through maritime trade, which was facilitated by its location. In fact, ancient writers referred to Kydonia as the mother of the Cretan towns.
There are two versions of the origin of the name. One version attributes it to Kydon, the mythical son of Minos and the nymph Akakkalida. The other version suggests it comes from an old name for Crete (Chthonia).
Most remnants have been identified on the Kastelli hill above the old Venetian port. Plates of Linear A and Linear B have also been discovered. The remaining traces, such as the palace of Kydonia, are situated beneath the modern city of Chania and have not been excavated.
The city has continued to develop up until today, incorporating elements from all periods of the island’s history. So far, excavations have uncovered Minoan tombs, Mycenaean buildings, small palaces with frescoes, numerous vases, Roman statues, Hellenistic mosaics, and more.
The Agia Triada of Tzagarolon Monastery is among the most opulent and stunning monasteries in Crete. Located near Chania Airport, it sits on the Tzobomylos area of Cape Melecha and at the base of Mount Stavros. Chania is a mere 15km away.
The monastery was established by Venetian noblemen Jeremiah and Lawrence Tzagarolo. Jeremiah, a renowned scholar and friend of the Patriarch of Alexandria, Meletios Pigas, had an extensive education. He was even considered for the role of Patriarch of Constantinople. Influenced by Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio from Verona, Jeremiah designed and constructed the monastery complex.
Nowadays, the monastery houses a small museum showcasing various paintings and icons. The most notable pieces include a 12th-century altar covering, icons of St. John the Theologian (16th century), St. Nicholas (17th century), and the works of painter Skordilis: the Enthroned Christ, Living Spring, and the Second Coming (1635-1645).
Despite its storied history, the monastery still plays a significant role in the religious and economic life of Crete. As a Stavropegic institution, it falls under the direct management of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Visitors can experience a beautifully preserved and lively monastery that produces and exports organic products such as olive oil, wine, honey, vinegar, and high-quality olive oil soap.
The Gouverneto or Gderneto Monastery can be found 19km east of Chania, on the northern side of Cape Akrotiri of Chania, near the Agia Triada Tzagarolon Monastery. To reach it, follow the signs from Agia Triada.
Perched on a rocky site at an altitude of 260m, close to the entrance of the Avlaki gorge, the monastery features fortress architecture and four towers with bastions guarding its corners. Built before 1537, as evidenced by an inscription at the fortress entrance, Gouverneto Monastery is one of the oldest in Crete. It is thought to have been founded by hermits and monks from the nearby seaside Katholiko Monastery, who may have constructed the new monastery atop an existing ancient temple to protect themselves from pirate attacks.
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the monastery is also known as Kyria ton Agelon (Lady of the Angels Monastery). Its church has a cruciform shape with a dome, and the entrance is adorned with relief representations of monsters. Construction began during the Venetian Era but was only completed 2.5 centuries later due to the Turkish invasion of Crete and subsequent ban on building Christian temples.
Surrounding the church, which is situated in the center of the courtyard, are the other buildings of the complex. These include 50 monk cells on two floors, a dining room, a small museum, and more. Additionally, two chapels dedicated to Agii Deka (Saints Ten) and Saint John the Hermit can be found next to the church.
St. John the Hermit, who lived in a cave in the adjacent Avlaki gorge, is considered the founder of the monastery. A stone-paved trail leads down to the sea through the gorge, and after a 20-minute descent, you’ll encounter the Arkoudospilio Cave, followed by the ruined Katholiko Monastery and the cavernous church of St. John, where the hermit resided. After another 10 minutes, the gorge concludes at a narrow, rocky fjord with green waters.
Visitors can explore the monastery on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (9:00 to 12:00 and 17:00 to 19:00) and on weekends (9:00 to 11:00 and 17:00 to 20:00). Please ensure you are dressed appropriately, as shorts, swimwear, and similar attire are not permitted.
The Monastery of St. John the Baptist, located in the Korakies area of Akrotiri near Chania’s airport, is a historic yet relatively unknown convent in Chania.
Throughout its history, the monastery has been destroyed multiple times by various conquerors of Crete, resulting in the loss of valuable documents that could have helped determine the exact date of its foundation. However, it is believed to have been initially established before the Fall of Constantinople (1453) in the coastal region of Agia Kyriaki, within Chania’s Halepa suburb. Due to the continuous pirate raids by the Arabs, the nuns relocated to a safer location on St. Matthew’s hill, and eventually moved to their present location.
Enclosed by a tall wall, the monastery’s main entrance is relatively modest compared to other monasteries in Akrotiri. Within the lush grounds, visitors can find the two-aisled church of St. John the Baptist (celebrated on August 29) and St. George (April 23), accompanied by simple cells and other monastery buildings. The monastery’s icons have been painted by the nuns, and the small chapels of St. Andrew the Cretan and Panagia Portaitissa can also be found on the premises.
In the past, a notable Housekeeping School operated within the monastery, in the present-day museum location. The school quickly gained an outstanding reputation across the island, with the nuns even sewing the wedding dress of Greek Queen Olga in 1867.
Located at Tria Kamarakia, near the Rethymnon-Chania highway, the Holy Cross “St. Raphael” Foundation is a quaint, informal monastery with a primary focus on charity work. Its main temple is a three-aisled basilica dedicated to the Neomartyrs (Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene), the Holy Cross, and Saint Ephrem.
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.
Situated close to the village of Meskla, 20 km away from Chania town and nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, you’ll find the impressive yet compact Sarakina Gorge (be careful not to mix it up with the other well-known Sarakina Gorge in East Crete, near Mythi in the Province of Ierapetra). The gorge takes its name from local lore that suggests Saracenes once used it as a hiding place. The gorge’s somewhat elusive location keeps it off the beaten track for many locals, maintaining its status as an untouched, natural spectacle.
Hidden within a deep ravine, Sarakina is bordered by towering cypress and plane trees. In an effort to make this natural gem more accessible, local authorities have developed walking trails throughout the gorge. Starting and ending in Meskla, next to the Church of the Panagia, where you find the parking space. The circular trail offers an hour’s worth of easy hiking. The journey commences with a ten-minute walk on a dirt road which then leads to a path alongside the river.
The trail is interspersed with wooden and stone staircases and metal walkways crossing the river. After the first segment, the landscape transforms drastically, transitioning from a gravel bed to solid limestone boulders. The resulting view is an awe-inspiring natural artwork as the rock appears split down the middle, carving out a breathtaking sculpture.
Located 1.8 km from Koum Kapi Beach, COSY APARTMENTS offers air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi.
The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with walk-in shower, a bath or shower and a hair dryer, while the kitchen features an oven, a fridge and a stovetop. Kitchenware and kettle are also provided.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Municipal Art Gallery of Chania, Mitropoleos Square and Folklore Museum of Chania. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from COSY APARTMENTS.
from
€72
/night
Casa D’Irene Apts has air-conditioned guest accommodation in Chania Town, 2.1 km from Koum Kapi Beach, 2.1 km from Municipal Art Gallery of Chania and 2.2 km from Mitropoleos Square. Complimentary WiFi is providedthroughout the property.
Each unit has a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and bathrobes. An oven, a toaster and fridge are also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
Folklore Museum of Chania is 2.2 km from the apartment, while Saint Anargyri Church is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from Casa D’Irene Apts.
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€115
/night
Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Stelios house is situated in Chania Town. This apartment is 2.1 km from Kladissos Beach and 2.1 km from Koum Kapi Beach.
With free WiFi, this 3-bedroom apartment features a flat-screen TV, a washing machine and a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. Towels and bed linen are available in the apartment.
Popular points of interest near the apartment include Nea Chora Beach, Municipal Art Gallery of Chania and Mitropoleos Square. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from Stelios house.
from
€86
/night
Set in Chania Town, 1.7 km from Nea Chora Beach and 2 km from Kladissos Beach, Zacharoula’s Home offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With inner courtyard views, this accommodation features a patio.
The apartment with a terrace and garden views has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment.
The apartment features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Popular points of interest near Zacharoula’s Home include Municipal Art Gallery of Chania, Mitropoleos Square and Folklore Museum of Chania. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.
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