This is practically the only reason people even come to Chania– A gem of natural beauty and history. As if lovely bars, cafes and restaurants in front of a seaside weren’t enough, tourists are particularly enchanted by the various monuments left behind by the foreign occupations – Venetian, Ottoman, and Egyptian. The harbour, built by the Venetians in the 14the century, quickly became known as a critical naval and commercial centre.

It’s best to walk the harbour from the west to the east, taking in the following highlights:

• Firka Fortress, and the chain that connected it’s bastion to the lighthouse.
• Akti Kountourio: The red building that was once a barracks and now houses the Maritime Museum of Crete.
• Angelou Street: Classic Venetian architecture there and some great eateries.
• Sintrivani Square
• Akti Tombazi: A line of artists capturing the harbour in paintings.
• Giali Tzamissi: The oldest Moslem building in Crete.
• Sourmelis Street: See damages leftovers from WWII.
• Stairs leading up to Kasteli Hill and the Byzantine Walls.
• Grand Arsenal: Once a repair dockyard for the Venetians, now the Center of Mediterranean Architecture.
• Akti Enoseos: Old customs building
• A collection of 7 venetian docks.
• A marina for small boats.
• The shipyards of Moro
• The breakwater that leads to the lighthouse.
• The Lighthouse, now defunct and closed, which used to hold the other end of the chain used in Defence of Chania.

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Chania before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Chania and book an accommodation of your choice.