When I saw cheap weekend flights from my local airport to Chania, Crete, I thought I’d go and spend a couple of days there. Weekends are particularly tough for me since Col passed away – we had plans for almost every weekend. Now there’s just me, and I try to keep busy and do the best I can. To do what he’d want me to do.
As I didn’t have much time in the city, I thought I’d best just stick to exploring Chania.
Once off the aeroplane and clear of passport control, I took the local bus into Chania. It’s the easiest and cheapest way into the city centre. The cost of a ticket one way is €2.50. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
If you have longer than a day, there are plenty of day tours to choose from.
For a day though, there’s plenty to see and do, or you can just head to a beach and just laze about. Beaches and lazing about aren’t my thing, so here’s how I spent the day.
Early Morning
Venetian Harbour Walls
I got up early in the morning around 07:00 to go for a walk around the Venitian harbour and its walls. Its the best time of the best time of the day to go, as you’ll have it pretty much to yourself. Any later in the day it will be thronged with tourists.
Chania Lighthouse
Chania lighthouse, is a jewel of the city, is one of the oldest lighthouses, not only in Greece and the Mediterranean but also in the world. The lighthouse was first constructed by the Venetians around 1595 – 1601, and it took its last form, in the shape of a minaret, during the Egyptian Period (1831 – 1841). After the latest restoration, completed in 2006, it was given the formation of the Venetian period. The minaret look and Egyptian influence are still clear.
To Eat
Chania harbour is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and tavernas. I was spoilt for choice. What is rather annoying is the people standing outside the restaurants touting for business and trying to get you to dine at a particular place. I deliberately chose a restaurant where this didn’t happen.
For lunch, I had a salad – crunchy cucumber, tasty tomato, onion and topped with soft cheese. Dressed with olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. It’s a must with every meal. The ingredients are all locally grown and organic.
Salad and soft cheese
I also had paidakia (lamb chops) marinated with oregano, lemon juice, herbs, thyme and pepper and then grilled at a high temperature until they are well done. Served with chips (fries) and an onion and pepper sauce. Delicious!
Paidakia
I was surprised at the cost of eating out. On one hand, I ate on the seafront/harbour area which is the main tourist area, so I expected the prices to be higher. But in comparison to my last visit to the Greek Islands (ok, it was in 2009!), it seemed a little expensive. For the meal above, I paid around €20. Not super expensive, but more than I was expecting. A free dessert and a shot of the local raki is usually thrown in and ‘on the house’, but I don’t have a sweet tooth (except for chocolate and ice cream), and I, as a rule, I don’t drink opened spirits abroad. I’ve heard too many stories of alcohol contamination and poisoning. I’m as confident as I can be that this isn’t the case in Crete – it’s just me being over-cautious.
Afternoon
In the afternoon I took a boat trip to Lazaretta Island. It is an uninhabited island close to the northern coast of Crete in the Aegean Sea. Years ago it was used a leper colony, today though, there is only a small church.
Lazaretta Island
Expect to pay around €10 for an hours boat trip. There’s the opportunity to swim and snorkel also.
After the boat trip, I went for a wander around Chania Old Town. The shadows and shade was a welcome break from the fierce afternoon sun.
Chania Old Town
While exploring the winding cobblestone streets you can find quaint and charming Venetian buildings which now are home to cafes and restaurants and Cretan handicraft shops you can buy handmade leather sandals and boots and of course endless shops that sell hand-carved Cretan knives and penises!
Chania Old Town
In the Evening
Sunset in Chania
During the cooler evenings, the harbour as a totally different atmosphere. The Old Venetian Harbour changes at night and has an ambiance of the past.
Sunset over the harbour walls
Even if you’ve walked along here during the day, when night falls, it’s a different experience with a totally different mood.
Chania lighthouse at night
As I only had a short period of time in Crete, this is all I managed to do. The best way to see more of the Island is to hire a car. If and when I return here, hiring a car is something I’d do.
Have you been to Crete? Tell me what you got up to.
Take care and safe travels.
My new travel buddy 🙁