A rare sight, with visitors from around the world which number to around 20,000 annually.

From the branches of this olive tree, the medalists were crowned during the Olympics in Athens in 2004.

Next to the olive, a sophisticated museum, gives information on the collection of olives and to prepare the most valuable product of Crete, olive oil and a traditional tavern with authentic local cuisine.
A destination not to be missed.

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The actual population of the Municipality of Chania is 53373 inhabitants (2001 census) and an area of 12.564 acres. The city of Chania is built on the ruins of ancient city of Kydonia which has seen and survived many invaders, whose cultures have left their marks in facades of ancient remnants and monuments.

The beautiful city of Chania has managed to maintain its local authentic colors, despite the influx of tourism.
It is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Greece and the most picturesque of Crete. Chania is characterized by an intense cultural lifestyle. Many cultural events take place each year (exhibitions, festivals, theater and musical events, art etc.).

The city has two “entrances”: the airport in Akrotiri, and the port of Souda (the largest in the Mediterranean).
The municipal market is the pride of the city, right in the center of the town, a brilliant cross-shaped building that was completed in 1913, and its size is in proportion to that of Marseille.
Located near the city center is the Public Gardens right next to the Park of Peace and Friendship of nations. The gardens are the prettiest in Crete. The public garden offers a small zoo with animals amongst a plentitude of Cretan fauna.

The Venetian harbor is picturesque at all times of the day and seasons and attracts many people both visitors and locals alike, for its beauty and for its choices of entertainment satisfying all tastes and demands. The old city districts “within its walls” preserve their Venetian nobility. Narrow paved alleys are surrounded with tasteful renewed houses, from various ages, provide the perfect location for a pleasant walk.
Many neoclassic houses have also been saved and are being renovated in picturesque, historic neighborhoods near downtown, such as Halepa, Tabakaria etc.
Another reference point and great attraction are the Tombs of Venizelos located a few kilometers off the east side of town, on the way to the airport. These are the graves of Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophocles, Prime Minister of Greece from 1943 to 1952. In the same place there is the statue of the hero Spyros Kagialedaki or Kagiales who used his body as a flagpole to hold up the Greek flag during the bombardment of the Cretan rebels from the “Great Powers” who did not want Crete to unite with the rest of Greece. From the hill of the church of the Prophet Elias where the graves are located, is a magnificent view of the city of Chania which is truly magical. You can admire this view while having a coffee or refreshment; needless to say your experience will have… another taste.

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MONASTERY OF SAINT JOHN – Giona
About 6 km from the village of Rodopi and the middle of the way to St. Paul we find the famous monastery of Agios Ioannis Giona.
There is a famous and renowned festival every year on August 29, with a throng around 4000-8000 people, with overnight feast, food and plenty of wine in honor of the Saint.
In front of the church is a mythical tree, where after the miraculous intervention, the leaves come out upside down, ie with the fluff up.
Strange natural phenomenon.

AFRATA BEACH
A picturesque cove with pebbles, situated 3,5 km north of Kolimbari, where you will come across Ellinospilio, an important monument of the Neolithic and Late Minoan period (found bones of humans and animals and rare lithomatiko material).
A small tavern will offer food and water. Diving is a allowed here.

SAINT PAUL
Starting from the Rhodope village about 12 km on a difficult dirt road, we come to the ruined abbey of St. Paul.
However difficult the path, the magic of the landscape is enough to compensate you.
From the monastery with holy paintings and impressions of pirates and Venetians emerges a wonderful, quiet and secluded small bay with crystal clear waters.
An ideal choice for an enjoyable and relaxing bath.

DELIANA GORGE
The gorge of Deliana starts from the village and ends in Mesaflia (village near Paleochora).
Its length is about 3 km, is easily accessible and you get 1 + 1 hours go – come. Ideal time to traverse, is in the spring, where the vegetation is at the peak and the water in the river flows in abundance.
Taverns await the visitors with traditional Cretan food at both Deliana, and in the nearby Panethymo.

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Pirate treasures are rumored to exist in the rugged caves of the island, as piracy flourished in the area with the fabulous exploits of the famous pirate Barbarossa remain topic of discussion even today.

Gramvousa can be visited from May to October with daily organized cruises from the port of Kissamos and of course by private boat.

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Famous is also the party which is organized every year in early August with great success and appeal to locals and visitors!
On the edge of this beach, flourished in the 4th and 3rd century BC century one of the most important settlements – port of Crete and that the origin of the name was given from the local heroine nymph “Falasarni”.

In 67 BC it was destroyed by the Romans to suppress piracy and finally by the earthquakes of 365 AD and 66 BC.
Today there are several findings and the impressive throne of Neptune, pictures worth to keep in your memory along with those of a truly exceptional beach!

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Also in February 1907 the steamer Imperatrix, while traveling to India was wrecked on the reefs around the island. Just 38 people (out of 140) were saved from the raging waves, and we owe it to self-sacrifice and care of the monks of Chrysoskalitissas and the few locals.

Although it has connected the beauty of these two incredible tragedies, the idyllic landscape is one of the most beautiful and most visited beaches in Crete, always present in as top world which must be enjoyed by every visitor.

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