Half day Private Tour Chania Highlights

In this Chania private guided tour, you will explore the city accompanied by a local English-speaking leader (optional Official Guide). You will find out why this is one of the favorite European destinations, not only on account of the natural beauty of the region as a whole but also because of the beauty of this Venetian city built in the ruins of Kydonia.

Our local expert will organize and conduct a dream visit to the area or help you design and customize the tour based on your preferences. Here are a few of the most interesting monuments, buildings, and museums in Chania.

Firkass Fortress

This great fortress was built to fortify the port. It now houses the Naval History Museum, where a permanent exhibition of the Battle of Crete, which took place in 1941, during the Second World War, is on display. In addition, it traces the history of maritime trade and the naval history of the island of Crete.

The collection brings together models of ships and submarines, weapons and navigation instruments, historical documents, and a model of the city. From the tower, there are beautiful views of the port, the Venetian lighthouse, and the mosque, and it is the place where the Greek flag was raised in 1913.

Chania Lighthouse

This small lighthouse is located at the end of the Venetian harbor wall, and from where you enjoy fantastic views of the coastline, the port, and the city.

Mosque of the Janissaries

The Turks built this multi-domed building after the conquest of Crete in 1645. It is the oldest Ottoman building on the Island of Crete.

Etz Hayyim Synagogue

The Jewish population of Chania frequented the synagogue, dating back to the 15th century, until the German occupation between 1941-1945, when they were forcefully sent to the concentration camps. In the synagogue, you can see a plaque that pays homage to the 376 Jews who lost their lives when the ship that deported them was sunk by a British submarine.

Schiavo and the Venetian Walls

The huge Schiavo bastion and the great Venetian walls that flank it make up the best-preserved stretch of Venetian fortifications built in the mid-15th century against the Turkish threat.

Other places of interest are the Turkish Baths housed in an impressive domed building in the harbor area; the Venetian Renieri Gate, which is found in one of the main streets of Chania, called Theofanus Street. 

Greca Tip: During your stay in Chania you can enjoy kaltsounia and ntakos with mizithra cheese and plenty of virgin oil accompanied by some of the best local wine varieties, tsikoudia or raki (local drink).