CHANIA

Chania and the west part of Crete is an oasis of relaxation and tranquillity. Endless stretches of seashore bordered in frothy lace, inlets of absolute beauty and sandy beaches tucked away at the foot of imposing mountains. Impenetrable but yet such majestic gorges, holy caves and lush, green plains thickly covered with olive and citrus trees. It is a self-sufficient land in every way that is rich in endemic and rare flora and fauna.Chania, is a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offering an essential beauty that will compel you to return time and time again.About two thirds of the entire Chania prefecture population of 120,000 lives here in what is today Crete’s second largest city. Its landmark, the so-called “Old-Harbour district”, is the Venetian harbour, lined with sparkling marinas, waterfront restaurants, cafes, jewellery stores and traditional art galleries. Here you can sip a cappuccino in the morning, have lunch overlooking a flotilla of boats and dance the night away in one of the numerous bars and clubs.Whatever your idea of the perfect lifestyle is, chances are you can find it here. On the days that you’re not relaxing by the pool or on the beach, you and your family will have no problems finding exciting things to do in and around Chania.The beauty of living here is that you can enjoy the peace of seafront rest and relaxation, or plunge into the daily buzz of a dynamic and sophisticated community.The earth’s topology and the climate make the area a paradise for thousands of plants and animals. The sea lilies, labdanum, cyclamens, the Cretan tulips, the cretan maple and mainly the unique dittany, and mountain teas, that are therapeutic infusions, are abundant. On Omalos plateau, one can find “stamnagathi”. In all of Crete we encounter 17 endemic plants 4 of which are found only in the Chania province. The proud Cretan wild goat “kri-kri”, is found free only in the breathtaking Samaria Gorge. There, as well as in other places, one can also see the Cretan eagles and partridges.The Cretan folk tradition which is marked mainly in weaves, “tsevredes”, carpets, blankets etc. expresses the feel of beauty and artistic mood of the people of Chania. Simple village women, but also organized associations, produce weavesfrom silk or wool.Handicrafts from glass, wood and metal, along with pottery, woodwork and metalwork workshops. Particular is also the art of producing boots called “stivania” at Skridlof road in Chania where the smell of processed leather is dominant. Also Cretan knifes are characteristic with the witty four-lined poems.