Sea, Sun and Historical Gems

The port city of Chania on the island of Crete is the perfect beach holiday destination. Besides abundant sunshine, this Greek island boasts a wealth of historical and cultural attractions.

Narrow, winding alleyways characterise the townscape of Chania. The Old Town is an open-air museum graced with centuries-old sights. Especially charming: many of the hotels in Chania are former Venetian patrician houses that eloquently combine historical flair with modern comfort. Built by the Venetians in the fourteenth century, the old harbour today features an endless slew of tavernas that offer splendid vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and of Chania’s landmark lighthouse.

Chania as a starting point for exploring Crete

Whether by car or by boat, Chania is an excellent starting point for exploring the island of Crete. A case in point is the Akrotiri Peninsula that, besides Chania International Airport, is home to myriad monasteries and to Stavros beach, which is hugely popular among day trippers.

Great photo opportunities are to be had in Rethymno, Crete’s third-largest city (after Heraklion and Chania), which is situated on the island’s north coast and less than an hour’s drive from Chania. The historic town centre is sprawled across a peninsula and includes an impressive fortress that towers majestically over the city. Time permitting, a visit to Paleochora should not be missed. Embedded between two beautiful beaches, this little town in southwestern Crete has the enviable reputation of being the island’s sunniest spot.

Caribbean ambience in the Mediterranean

Good weather is not just a treat for sightseeing, but also for soaking up the sun and dipping into the inviting sea. With almost no rain between May and September, Crete is the perfect beach holiday destination featuring gems such as the islet of Elafonissi that resembles a tropical paradise and can be reached by ferry from Paleochora. The crystal-clear waters are a tourist magnet, as are the white sands that feature a distinct pink hue caused by tiny particles from pink coral and shells. Thanks to the lagoon’s shallow waters that extend out from the beach for several metres, Elafonissi is also ideal for families with small children.