Top Things to do in Chania Prefecture
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Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Chania Prefecture, Crete
Discover the best top things to do in Chania Prefecture, Greece including Souda Bay War Cemetery, Greek National Football Museum, Museum-Residence of Eleftherios Venizelos, German Military Cemetery, Agia Irini Gorge, Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera, Balos Lagoon, Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete, Kedrodasos Beach, Karavitakis Winery.
Restaurants in Chania Prefecture
1. Souda Bay War Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 403 reviews
Suda Bay War Cemetery is located approximately 5 km east from the centre of Chania (Xania). There are now 1,500 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated in the cemetery. 776 of the burials are unidentified but special memorials commemorate a number of casualties believed to be buried among them. The cemetery also contains 19 First World War burials brought in from Suda Bay Consular Cemetery, 1 being unidentified. There are also 7 burials of other nationalities and 37 non-war burials.
Reviewed By mariannecn
To be honest, I had never really thought that a visit to a cemetery would be in any way inspiring or memorable, but I was totally wrong. For the first time I understood what it meant to pay one's respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War 2. Reading the inscriptions makes one feel so humble and thankful. All those very young boys, who should have had their lives in front of them, ended up a long way away from home. I had no idea that the CWGC maintained war cemeteries and was so impressed by the beauty and simplicity of this one. It was a very moving and emotional experience.
2. Greek National Football Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 696 reviews
A unique Museum, the biggest one for a National Football Team, the Greek National Football Team, which was European Champions in 2004, located in the Old City of Chania and has over 1000 exhibits, balls from World Cup and Euro games, official shirts, photos and thw whole history of Greek football. BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC, THE MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE WHOLE MARCH.
Reviewed By che_ham
So glad we made the time to visit, this little museum is excellent, and can easily be visited even if you’re short of time. I’ve never been to a museum quite like this, it really is quite unique. We were limited on time, so were shown the shirts and memorabilia related to my team first - so I got to try on the shirts and get the pictures - then were shown the vast collection of international shirts worn by the greatest players of all time, and finally the lifting the Euro 2004 trophy given to Greece when they won the tournament. The personal touch here is what really makes it special though; being meeted and greeted as a friend, by someone with a genuine love of the game, and who delights in sharing this amazing collection that you can physically touch and feel, instead of the admiring-at-distance you expect of museums. A true home of world football.
3. Museum-Residence of Eleftherios Venizelos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
The Residence – Museum “Eleftherios K. Venizelos” is classified as an authentic (documentary) home since it is recounting the life of a personage and it is preserving authentic items, most of them in their original position. At the same time the life and era of the Greek politician it is presented giving to the monument the character of a modern museum.
Reviewed By histman
This is a well presented museum in the outskirts of Chania (bus to Stavros). It tells the life of one of Crete’s and Greece’s greatest statesmen at the beginning of the 20th century through the house which was the family home. Each room is very well interpreted with information boards in both Greek and English. The attendant on reception was excellent and loaned us a tablet computer with maps and information for each room. Don’t forget to visit the garage where you can see the car which was damaged as part of an assassination attempt in 1923. Entrance 4 euros (2 for seniors). Expect to spend an hour here.
4. German Military Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 506 reviews
Reviewed By Deutschexpat13 - Pulheim, Germany
Roughly 20 km west of the Crete port city of Chania, up on a hill looking down at the Maleme airport, one will find the German military cemetery at Maleme. From April to November 1960, German casualties were collect from around the island to the Gonia monastery. They were collected from 60 sites around the island. In 1971, they are placed in the Cemetery at Maleme. The cemetery was officially inaugurated in 1974. 4,468 fallen soldiers from the Second World War rest on the site. The names of 360 soldiers who fell on the island but could not be recovered are immortalized on metal plaques on the memorial site in the middle of the grave fields. Information plaques are in Greek, German and English
5. Agia Irini Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
The four-hour walk through the gorge takes you through beautiful, uncrowded scenery.
Reviewed By Cricketfeatures
We hiked from the top to the bottom. My wife and I did it with our 2 and 5 year olds. The 5 year old loved it. The 2 year old had to be carried most of the way. It took 3.5 hours with a picnic stop. All rockfall has been dealt with and the way is clearly marked. The bar at the bottom called a taxi. Wait time was only 10 minutes and cost a was 35 euros for a 7 seater.
6. Archaeological Site of Ancient Aptera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 682 reviews
Reviewed By 777SarahB777 - Guildford, United Kingdom
Fascinating site with multiple civilisations evidenced, most impressive are the Roman cisterns and bathhouse, Greek temple, amphitheater and peristyle house
7. Balos Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,155 reviews
Reviewed By marcotL403QV - Rome, Italy
The most beautiful beach in Creta (together with Elafonisi) and famous for its wild nature, with turquoise waters and white sands turning to amazing shades of pink in some places. Waters are shallow, perfect for kids and lovely for grownups too. A legendary lagoon is also worth stopping by. Beware the boats throwing thousands of tourists in the middle of the day, although that is a very practical way to reach the place without going by car on a bumpy road. Ferries go back and forth from Kissamos port, but there are multiple trips during summer time, so I’d recommend to take the earliest trip available and then move to the island of Gramvousa nearby when the beach gets too crowded !
8. Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,311 reviews
Walking in the Botanical park & Gardens of Crete offes spiritual tranquility and visual pleasure in addition to knowledge on plants and their material . Nearly 20 hectares of land are waiting to welcome you, full of fruit trees from all over the world, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants in a park different from others, where the land’s formation and the region’s microclimate make it a paradise for hundreds of plants and animals! In the midst of this colorful and vivid landscape stands a burnt centennial olive tree, a memorial and a reference to the dismal fires of 2003, the park’s history and origin. The newest and one of the most interesting sites of the Prefecture of Chania lies only 18 kilometers outside the city, on the feet of the White Mountains. It is ideal for visitors of all ages, combining enjoyments that only Crete can offer!
Reviewed By Luc220116 - Southern Finland, Finland
A very interesting place showing lots of plants with clear signs arranged in themes like fruit, herbs etc. Remember to wear good shoes since the path goes up and down and is sometimes quite difficult. This place does not fit small children or prams etc., neither for people with feet problems or some heart condition. The entrance fee includes a bottle of water.
9. Kedrodasos Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 545 reviews
One of the best beaches in Chania prefecture, quite untouched and unexplored. Many travelers use the area around the beach as a free camping spot. It is actually a cedar forest next to the beach. It is also a favorite beach for naturists. The road up to Elafonisi is quite good and then you need to take a non asphalt road for about 10 minutes. Then you also need to take a walk path for another 15-20 minutes. No matter the time you will need to go there, it's sure that you will enjoy that unique beach.
Reviewed By MrJDB - London, United Kingdom
Made the mistake of going to Elafonisi first which was beautiful but very very overcrowded with shallow waters. This beach is an absolute stunner; peaceful and an amazing landscape of trees and rocks down to the shoreline. Pack a lunch and water for a day of bliss.
10. Karavitakis Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
Our winery is open for visitors for a tour of the facilities and a tasting of our wines. We are open daily except Sundays from 10:00 till 18:00 from the 15th of April till the 20 th of October. Our guests are encouraged to prebook their visit but we are also available for walk in guests. In the last case there might be some waiting time due to a prebooked appointment of another guest. we offer wines produced mainly from indigenous Cretan varieties and some international ones also. Join us for a wine experience.
Reviewed By funseasun - Hersonissos, Greece
Thanks to Antonis we tasted a selection of different varieties and tastes of Cretan wines combined with cretan cheese and rusks ???? He was very detailed informed and helpful We had the chance to know the history and the technology of vinification for some of the wines We bought 12 bottles in very good price to take the memory back home Thank you
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