# Chania (regional unit)

Regional Unit of Chania (Greek: Περιφερειακή ενότητα Χανίων) is a region on the island of Crete. It has a population of 156,585 (2011).

## Settlements

* 35.516324.01791 Chania (Χανιά, Haniá) — largest city of the western region
* 35.229523.96052 Agia Roumeli (Αγιά Ρουμέλη) — small coastal town at the end of the Samaria gorge
* 35.49223.7053 Drapanias (Δραπανιάς) — the principal town in the Cretan municipality of Mythimna; it was built in the ruins of the ancient town of Mythimna
* 35.2013124.135874 Hora Sfakion (Χώρα Σφακίων or Σφακιά, Sfakia) — tiny capital in the southwest with white houses and the ferry to and from the Samaria Gorge
* 35.49723.6545 Kissamos (Κίσσαμος) — not big on tourism and most of its income is from wine, oil, and agricultural production
* 35.3438723.904846 Omalos (Ομαλός) — a high plateau notable for being at the top of the Samaria gorge
* 35.22923.6817 Paleochora (Παλαιόχωρα or Παλιόχωρα) — small resort village on southwest coast

## Other destinations

* 35.2723.531 Elafonisi (Ελαφονήσι) — a wonderful, but very crowded islet located close to the southwestern corner of Crete
* 34.84124.0862 Gavdos (Γαύδος) — the southernmost point of Europe
* 35.27111123.9613893 Samariá Gorge (Φαράγγι Σαμαριάς or just Φάραγγας) — A most visited gorge running from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.

## Get in
### By ferry

Ferry services from Athens (Piraeus port) to Chania (Hania) Crete island. Schedules here.
You have two options for ferry travel to Chania - overnight cruise (approx. 9 hours) from Piraeus on ANEK Lines; or 4.5 hour daytime high-speed ferry from Piraeus on Hellenic Seaways.

### By plane

* 35.53174724.1496784 Chania airport. This airport is much smaller and far less busy than Heraklion airport. However, short (40-50 minute) flights are available from Athens. In the high season you can find charter-flights from many European cities.

## Get around

Walk: Crete is a very safe and tourist friendly island.
The cheapest option would be to take the bus (which is also very safe). Besides that, renting a car or using taxis..

## See

* 35.31123.5331 Chrysoskalitissa Monastery (Located along the cliff top overlooking the southwestern coast.).
* 35.52240623.8311642 German War Cemetery (Germaniko Nekrotafio) (15th km old national road Chania- Kissamos). — one of the two German military cemeteries in Greece. Most of the soldiers buried here lost their lives on Crete.
* 35.48666723.7869443 Olive tree of Vouves. One of the oldest olive trees in the world, still producing olives. Estimated to be 2000-4000 years old.

## Do

Explore... The Chania's harbour area is beautiful and the lighthouse is incredible. The Maritime museum is also a great visit. The Old Town is full of all types of shops, pubs, and restaurants that are aimed at tourists. Crete is full of a number of beautiful beaches and breath taking views. For wine enthusiasts, Nostos Winery is a 20-minute drive from the centre and is a beautiful winery that offers incredible tastings.

## Eat

Go where the locals go...
However, if you are looking for a cheap and quick meal you can find gyros all over town.

## Drink

A must in Crete is Raki. Be careful... it packs a punch. Additionally, many local bars and restaurants give out free shots or drinks to all costumers.

## Sleep

You can expect plenty of choices concerning beach and city hotels in the region of Chania.

## Go next

You can walk to the bus terminal easily from the harbor or main market square - 5 to 10 minutes.