Venetian palazzos, Ottoman baths, Catholic churches, Jewish synagogues, Orthodox cathedrals… Fusing east with west, Chania is one of these places that get under your skin. No wonder it has recently been voted among the world’s top 5 destinations by TripAdvisor’s travelers choice awards. If you are lucky enough to visit Crete’s arguably most picturesque city, you are bound to become spellbound too. Yet with so many things to do and see, you’ll probably need some assistance to navigate through the choices. This is why we hereby present our Oscar Suites & Village guide to the not to be missed Chania Highlights & Attractions:
Iconic Chania Highlights & Attractions:
The old town with its Venetian port paint a world famous, alluring picture that has circulated the globe many times over. Set about exploring Chania Highlights & Attractions in real life, and you’ll get to feel that you are on a cinematic set. Admire the emblematic, so called “Egyptian Lighthouse” built by the Venetians in the 16th century and then restored by the Egyptians in the 19th. Buy local cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruit and vegetables and Cretan raki at the characteristic cross shaped municipal market, designed after Marseille’s local market and inaugurated by prime minister Eleftherios Venizelos in 1913. Visit the Maritime Museum in the Venetian “Firka” Fortress at the entrance of the Old Harbor to understand what Chania has undergone throughout the eons. Head to the luscious municipal gardens to marvel at the imposing, trademark clock, but also to catch an arty movie at the open air cinema.
Secret Chania Highlights & Attractions:
Formerly notorious and quite run down, nowadays the Ottoman and Jewish quarters of the old town are the epicenter of all fun-oriented action. Do as the Chanians do and have coffee or drinks at the numerous cafe bars in the area; or sample Cretan and international delicacies at the restaurants lining the maze like streets. Venture a bit further, towards the east and the Byzantine wall, get lost in the alleyways, travel back in time and get caught up in the moment. There are so many hidden gems to discover-including a secret, tiny hamam, in a former Turkish merchant’s residence with a very private, intimate feel.
Head to the Tambakaria area which housed the tanneries back in the 19th century. Today it is home to one of the most renowned restaurants in Chania, offering fresh seafood amidst a striking setting, with the waves crashing almost by your feet. Nearby there is also another littoral, multifunctional place- cafe- bar- restaurant, gallery and events space– set against an equally dramatic backdrop; with a distinctly artistic aura and a new age orientation.
Seaside Chania Highlights & Attractions:
Party like there is no tomorrow at Agia Marina-Platanias: Just a few kilometers away from the charming old town, this seaside cosmopolitan resort in Chania, offers an unrivaled mix of all day action and fun under the sun and the stars alike: Swimming, snorkeling or surfing in exotic, light blue waters or just working on your tan throughout the day; eating and drinking and dancing your worries away until the sun comes up.
This is the privileged locale of Oscar Suites & Village: Our family style, cosy Chania hotel, 9 km from town, that blends immaculate style with loads of pampering and thoughtful functionality. Boasting private balconies with a garden, pool or mountain view, state of the art amenities, as well as fully equipped kitchenettes, all of Oscar’s accommodation options, whether the studios, or the one and two bedroom apartments, allow you to live as independently as you wish in a self catering manner, yet in ample style and comfort. And for those keen on living in the lap of luxury, the chic private Jacuzzi suite, with its very own sizeable balcony, outdoor Jacuzzi bathtub and breathtaking sea vistas, offers optimum indulgence of the senses.
With its laid back atmosphere, true hospitality ethos, luxurious facilities and superb food and drink, the eco friendly Oscar Suites & Village is the ideal base from which to enjoy Chania Highlights & Attractions. Just visit Oscar’s suites & Village website and start planning your dream holiday in Crete!
