In Crete, summer is not a season. It is a mode, a state, and an attitude towards life. We chose Chania for a short trip, longing to experience the vitality of a place that effortlessly marries history, natural beauty and genuine hospitality. Our journey across the island was made more comfortable and enjoyable by a rented car. At Avis.gr, we found the right vehicle – robust and agile enough for the challenging Cretan road network and also fuel-efficient.
We collected the car at the Avis station, conveniently located near the airport, at the scheduled time. After the courteous staff explained everything we needed to know, we commenced our exploration of our chosen destination, enthusing our senses.
We settled into our accommodation and, as it was still relatively early and the weather favourable, we decided to have our first dip in the waters of Chania. Marathi was our choice. A beach not far from the city of Chania, 17 kilometres southeast of it. Gorgeous and importantly, user-friendly with sandy shores and clear, shallow waters – perfect for our first swim of the season. The continuation involved dining at one of the taverns near the beach, returning to our accommodation and an early night, as the next day a day trip was awaiting us.
In Elafonisi
To get to Elafonisi, we drove for about one and a half hours on a challenging route, with the road being excessively narrow at many points and the turns being incessant. Nonetheless, the reliable car we had rented kept us safe.
Arriving at this point of unparalleled beauty, we marvelled at it from above. The sandy beach in many places had pink tinges, the result of thousands of broken tiny shells mixed with the sand. Elafonisi is a narrow and long peninsula, with shallow waters. A tranquil haven that captivates its visitors. It’s still early June, so there aren’t many people here. However, if you plan to visit here in July and August, it is advisable to do so as early in the morning as possible.
Following Elafonisi, we journeyed to its neighbour, Kedrodasos. A place of rare beauty that is, in itself, a reason to travel to the south-western tip of Chania Prefecture. We suggest you do so, but respect this remarkable ecosystem.
A city for all seasons
Chania is one of the Greek cities that have successfully integrated their history into modern times with vibrancy and respect. The inhabitants love their city deeply, a sentiment easily perceived even during a brief visit. We explored on the early summer days, and the mild temperature was a perfect ally. We started from the west and the Firka Fortress, continued to the Yiali Tzami (The Seaside Mosque), the Great Arsenal which is home to the Centre of Mediterranean Architecture, and all the way to the end of Akti Enoseos (Unity Coast). From there, we continued towards the iconic Egyptian Lighthouse.
Another must-have experience is wandering the narrow streets of the Old Town, where signs of Venetian rule are almost omnipresent in the architecture. Perhaps the place that best symbolises the multicultural history of Chania is the 1821 Square with its massive plane tree and the Church of Saint Nicholas, with its bell tower on one side and minaret on the other.
We visited Paleochora with its gorgeous beaches on the southern part of the island – where it seems summer lasts 12 months a year – Kournas Lake, Crete’s only natural lake with its white sandy beach, and Seitan Limani, a strikingly beautiful beach that we wholeheartedly recommend if you can manage the somewhat difficult hike to reach it.
One certainty when visiting Chania, even for a few days, is the necessity of a trip to Falassarna. The beach is less than an hour’s drive from the city. It’s an impressively long beach, notable for its soft, golden sand that invites barefoot strolls. The waters are azure and dazzling. The beach is organised but large enough that you’ll always find a spot, should you simply wish to spread your towel. Unquestionably, you mustn’t leave without experiencing the sunset, with the sun gradually submerging into the sea, creating a colour spectacle that etches itself into memory.
Visiting the Venizelos tombs, with their captivating view of the city
Even if one finds themselves in Chania for less than 24 hours, it’s worth ‘stealing’ a bit of time to visit this hill, where Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophocles are buried.
The history of this site is just one reason to come here. Another is the idyllic pine forest park that hosts the tombs, and the breathtaking view from the hill across the city of Chania. Especially just before sunset, the colours of the city and the sea are so captivating they engage all senses.
The next morning, we returned our car to the Avis station at the airport, promising ourselves that at the earliest opportunity, we would return to Crete to explore more natural beauty spots, providing, of course, we could find enough time. We knew our journey would be facilitated by Avis, making it an easy task.
