ISSUE No 1, APRIL 2013
Cha niaPOST The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete
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The local FREE paper for the Chania area.
Offering a selection of local interest articles, news and other views from around the region of Chania and Western Crete.
With a local services section, a range of advertisers and pages of free classfieds, the Chania Post is an essential resource for anyone living in or just visiting this area of Crete.
IDE FREE INS p Ma Old Town
Visiting the city of Chania p. 8
NEW FLIGHTS FOR CRETE
Flying... from and to the airport of Chania
Read the full article on p. 3
Interview p. 4-5
Sports p. 30-31
Cretan folk dance p. 16
Receipe of the month p. 28
Cretan artists p. 18
Public bus is the best affordable way to travel to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete
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Chania
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FTP (Free Tourist Press) Publications S.A. CHANIA POST The local free newspaper for the Chania area Owner/Publisher: FTP Publications S.A. 73, Eleutheriou Venizelou str., Chania, 73100 E-mail: info@chaniapost.eu, pgiaitsis@gmail.com, netcafe@otenet.gr E-Publication: http://www.chaniapost.eu Editors: P. Giaitsis, J. Kriaras (real estate agent), Sp. Papakastritsios/ N. Tsatsaronis (outdoor activities), M. Markatos (pneumonologist) Advertising: 6977295075, 6973712161, 6978587698 DTP: FTP Publicatons S.A.
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The message and the medium New times demand new journalism even via traditional media like the newspaper. A new way of informing visitors of Crete is coming through the pages of the issue you have on your hands. Chania Post is your local free paper, from the very first minute you are coming to Chania. Our goal is for all of our readers to use this issue as their first guide to Chania, as their every morning piece of reading, as their accompanying paper in every spot of Chania area. So, we welcome you to Chania, we welcome you to Crete, home of Xenios Zeus the protector of visitors, who generously offers his hospitality to every stranger who wishes to honour his sa-
cred land. Hospitality, virtue, honour and friendship are the basic principles in the soul of every Cretan. That is what we want you to feel as long as you stay in Crete for your holidays... that is our message. Greece is going through the most difficult time in its history. But all those who visit our country understand that we try to offer as much as we can. Believe us! We are trying to regain the bet of the dignity we lost all these years. We owe it to our rich past, to the Greek history and culture that you all know what has offered to the people of Europe. Thank you for coming to our country, thank you for believing to Greeks, thank you for believing to our effort by reading these lines. Our CHANIA POST welcomes you to Crete! Enjoy your visit.
Republication, reproduction (total, partial, paraphrase or adaptation) of the content of the newspaper in any manner (mechanical, photocopying, recording or other) is prohibited without the prior written permission of the publisher. Act 2121/1993 and Rules of International Law applicable in Greece. All rights reserved by Š FTP Publications S.A., Chania, Crete, 2013.
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CHANIA AIRPORT... THE GATE TO CRETE New flights for “I. Daskalogiannis”
Airlines flying to Crete are increasing this summer. Following Ryan Air and Easy Jet, many airliners have decided to land their aircrafts to the three airports of Crete (Chania-I. Daskalogiannis, Heraklion-N. Kazantzakis, Sitia Municipal Airport). Flights to Crete are most likely to drop you off at Heraklion and Chania airport. Sitia airport was planning to take on charter flights last year, so from this summer flights to Crete are coming in three flavours. Chania Airport “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” or Chania International airport, is the second busiest airport in Crete. It took its name from Ioannis Daskalogiannis, a Cretan rebel against Ottoman rule in the 18th century. Chania Airport is situated 14 kilometres from Chania city (about 20 minutes’ drive). The Airport today hosts domestic flights to and from Athens and Thessaloniki with Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air. During the high season (April to early November) there are charter flights from across the Europe’ from Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and other European countries. This year is really special for Chania airport. Low cost airliner Ryan Air has announced that its airbase in Crete will be the “I. Daskalogiannis” airport. This means that Chania can be visited from 26 different places via airplane, but also that people of Chania can visit 26 places around the world with the wings of Ryan Air. The focus on civil aviation for the west of Crete has not always been on the current location. It was the airport of Maleme that served civil flights up to 1959, and dating back to the end of Second World War. Maleme (Military) Airport was constructed by the British Military, shortly before the Second World War. When the war was over, the facility was used as the main public airport of Chania. In 1959, this activity was transferred to the military airport of Souda. 1967 saw the construction of the first passenger terminal and parking space for two aircraft. In 1974, the airport also began to serve international flights. Because of insufficient capacity, there was the need for a new terminal building. Eventually, in 1996, the new terminal was ready, measuring a surface area of 14,650 m2, with 6 aircraft stands in front. It has a design capacity of 1.35 million passengers per year. In 2000, it was officially named Ioannis Daskalogiannis. The airport is also intensively used by the Hellenic Air Force and the American Military Base. The airport can be easily reached by car via the main road network. The city of Chania is about 20 minutes drive away. Other than by car, the facility is linked by airport buses to the city of Chania, from where transfer to other buses is possible. The airport buses depart 7 times daily. Journey time is about half an hour.
Flying... from and to the airport of Chania Passengers can also take a taxi to any destination across the island. The taxi stand is located just outside the terminal. Taxis operate as long as flights depart and arrive at the airport. Airlines using the International Airport of Chania: Aegean Airlines Athens, Munich, Thessaloniki Seasonal charter: Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion Armavia Seasonal charter: Yerevan Astra Airlines Seasonal: Thessaloniki Austrian Airlines (operated by Tyrolean Airways) Seasonal: Graz, Linz, Vienna Condor Seasonal: Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich Enter Air Seasonal: Bydgoszcz EasyJet Seasonal: London Finnair Seasonal: Helsinki Jet Time Seasonal charter: Aalborg, Aarhus, Billund, Copenhagen, Oslo Jetairfly Seasonal: Brussels Luxair Seasonal: Luxembourg Monarch Airlines Seasonal: Birmingham, London, Manchester Niki Seasonal: Vienna Norwegian Air Shuttle Seasonal: Bergen, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, Bodø, Stavanger, Tromsø Airport, Trondheim Novair Seasonal charter: Oslo Olympic Air Athens Orbest Orizonia Airlines Seasonal charter: Odense, Oslo, Sola Airport, Trondheim Airport Primera Air Seasonal charter: Landvetter, Stockholm Ryanair Paphos, Thessaloniki [begins 25/4)] Seasonal: Billund [begins 25/4], Bologna, Bremen [begins 4/4], Bristol [begins 27/4], Brussels South, East Midlands/Nottingham, Edinburgh [begins 4/4], Glasgow, Hahn, Katowice [begins 27/4], Leeds/Bradford, London-Stansted, Marseille [begins May], Memmingen [begins 26/4], Milan-Orio al Serio,
Oslo, Pisa, Rome-Ciampino, Stockholm-Skavsta, Venice-Treviso [begins 25/4], Vilnius [begins 4/5], Warsaw-Modlin [begins 26/4], Weeze, Wroclaw Scandinavian Airlines Seasonal charter: Aalborg Airport, Bergen, Bodø, Kastrup Airport, Gothenburg, Haugesund, Kristiansand, Oslo, Stavanger, Stockholm, Tromsø, Trondheim Sky Express Kythira Small Planet Airlines Seasonal charter: Manchester SmartWings Seasonal: Brno, Ostrava, Prague Strategic Airlines Luxembourg Seasonal charter: London-Gatwick Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia Seasonal charter: Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, Trondheim Thomson Airways Seasonal charter: London, Manchester Transavia.com Seasonal: Amsterdam Transavia.com France Seasonal: Paris-Orly Travel Service Airlines Seasonal charter: Brno TUIfly Nordic Seasonal charter: Billund, Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Malmö, Oslo,Stockholm-Arlanda & Skavsta OTHER AIRPORTS OF CRETE The Heraklion Airport serves as a hub for Olympic Airways, Sky Express and Aegean Airways. In addition to the three airlines mentioned above, Heraklion Airport also services domestic flights to and from the other Greek islands, such as Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos and Paros. The airport is also connected to the major airports on Athens, Greece and Thessaloniki. Charter Flights from all major European cities to Heraklion, Crete last 3 to 5 hours. Flights to Heraklion are available by many airlines from various parts of Europe. These charter flights come mostly from Romania, Italy, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom. The Sitia Municipal Airport serves Astra Airlines, Olypic Air, Sky Express and Aegean Airlines, wtih flights to Athens, Karpathos, Kasos, Rhodes, Alexandroupoli and Preveza. From this summer, the airport is also serving several charter flights.
p.4 Chania
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THE MAYOR OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CHANIA AND FORMER DEPUTY OF THE GREEK PARLIAMENT, MANOLIS SKOULAKIS, TALKS TO “CHANIA POST” ABOUT THE PERSPECTIVES AND HIS DREAMS FOR OUR CITY
Chania is a blessed place. Everything indicates that this year the tourists who will come will surpass all expectations. What the Municipality of Chania has planned to do to put forward the best possible for the place in order for all visitors to return home with the best pictures and memories? The Municipality of Chania has developed a comprehensive program for the promotion of Chania as a tourist destination that targets to the identification and promotion of tourist services, products and benefits of Chania. Our planning focuses on the implementation of a new tourism policy, using the modern technology. It’s characterized by an increased effort for openness, stronger presence and participation of our municipality in international tourism scene. Our goal is to give a new dynamic in the tourism sector with innovative initiatives and actions, new approaches, targeted publicity and promotional activities of tourist resources of the municipality, in cooperation with tourism institutions of our country. In this context we have started the tourism promotion campaign of the municipality in 2013 earlier this year, with the launch of five new tourism promotion commercials that show the beauty and attractions of each area of Chania titled “Chania: a journey of the senses.” We will also develop a new application for mobile phones which allows the visitor to receive information on a range of issues of tourist interest. So, what are the expectations for this season? Messages and estimates from international markets for the tourist season of 2013 are very positive, which means that according to the data available so far, the summer will be a significant increase in visitor arrivals to the island of Crete. We hope that these estimates will be verified, and Chania, with its high tourist resources, quality infrastructure, unparalleled natural beauty and wonderful people, will offer our guests an unforgettable vacation experience. Crete’s economy is based on tourism. Are you satisfied with all of what has been done so far to promote the island by everyone who is involved in tourism or we could have done more? Indeed, the economy of Crete - and Chania - relies heavily on tourism. The last two years - and despite the reduced budget for tourism promotion - all people involved in tourism have
the relative merits of our country, to promote new forms of tourism (gastronomy, cruise, religious, etc.) and to use the internet and new technologies (smart phones, web tv, etc.). You were born in a village far away from Chania. Do you think that these areas could get benefits from the increasing tourist arrivals in Chania? The possibilities certainly exist. It should however be born in mind that all the strengthening and development of our tourist product should obey the command “quality everywhere,” because without it, no region and no destination
Chania in order to receive high-quality tourism and sell a high quality tourist product? Each year, the tourism infrastructure of Chania hosts more than 700,000 foreign visitors in 40,000 hotel beds available in the entire county. In recent years, new high quality hotel infrastructure has been developed, meeting the requirements of the most demanding visitor. The fact is that as a destination, we need more beds in hotel infrastructure, especially four and five stars, if we want to attract high quality tourism. For example, 75% of available beds in Chania belong to the category of 3 stars. With the new luxurioushotels
THE MAYOR OF CHANIA
done significant efforts to highlight effectively Crete as a single tourist destination quality in major foreign markets with a perspective to attract more visitors. The “bet” is not to spend alotof money on tourism promotion, but to maximize the effectiveness of any action giving us added value for the tourist promotion of Crete and Chania, to highlight
can be competitive. With this condition and the possibilities available by region for thematic diversification of the tourism product, I am sure that over the next years, Chania prefecture will be greatly enhanced in terms of tourism development and opportunities. Do you believe that tourist infrastructure is sufficient in
created in Chania - and if the expansion of the airport will be completed- it is clear that we will need to upgrade the existing hotel infrastructure or creating new high specifications that will help to focus in the development of quality tourism, although we recognize the difficulties of the project because of the unfavorable economic environment.
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You pay close attention to the cruise. In just two years you have accomplished to put Chania at the center of cruise. Which is the secret of success and what is the plan for next year to maintain Chania in this high level of cruise services? From the first day we took our duties as Municipal Authority - and recognizing the significant prospects for the local economy and development of the tourist cruise market – we have given a specific and targeted initiatives to attract cruise companies in the port of Souda. In this context, the Municipality of Chania worked closely with the County Port Authority and local cruise tour operators to attract cruise ships in Chania and to create the appropriate reception conditions, hosting, management and service of cruise ships and passengers. Furthermore, as a Municipality, we participated - for the first time in 2011 - and we continue to be involved in all major global events, such as «Cruise Shipping Miami», which is the largest exhibition in the world for cruise tourism, we make contacts and meetings with representatives of all major companies and agents in order to attract new cruise ships at the port of Souda. The port will be upgraded in the coming years by the extension of the pier “Adrias”, by deepening existing platforms and configuration of multi-user (commercial) section of harbor interventions. All of these actions will provide a new era of opportunities for the further development of the cruise. Beside the cruise, the main gate of arrivals from forget that you have received international tourist abroad is the airport of Chania, which is now inside the awards for the tourist services you provide as a top new administrative boundaries of destination! the municipality. The flights are increasing, RyanAir creates its the beginning of our term as “All the strengthening and development From base... The airport has exceeded Municipal Authority, we have deits limits and it is required by the of our tourist product should obey the signed to take Chania at the top state to do something about the command “quality everywhere,” because tourist destinations in the world, airport’s expansion, which has focusing in the benefits for the lobeen jammed lately in the court without it, no region and no destination cal economy and employment, esof law. I suppose that the “airport can be competitive”. pecially in the midst of this difficult case” is in your concern? economic climate. In this context, following a systematic method, There is no doubt that the expanwe undertook initiatives to get sion and modernization of the airport of Chania is a high into new tourism markets, to participate at world tourpriority project for Chania and Crete in general, which ist exhibitions, to highlight to the natural beauty and should be completed as soon as possible. There is no advantages of our country, while we achieved, with the doubt that will contribute to enhance the development cooperation of tourism and business groups, to attract prospects of Chania and western Crete, as it will double low-cost airlines in Chania, in order to have tourism all the number of incoming visitors and it will create new year round. The city of Chania has been rewarded as opportunities in the tourism sector. Moreover, the large one of the most well-known places by the readers of a dynamic recording in Chania in international tourist ar- famous tourist magazine in the world, «Condé Nast Travrivals - which is reflected from the most official data - eller», who revealed Chania as “top tourist destination”
our municipality, by cleaning the roads, upgrading the urban and suburban green spaces, building more open spaces , creating modern and accessible infrastructure… all of these will benefit both the residents of our municipality and the thousands of our visitors.
confirms the necessity of implementation of this project. We all hope that the completion of this project will move rapidly in the coming months.
authentic destination for our visitors. My message therefore - and what we recommend to all our visitors - is to release all their senses and become a living part of the country and our people... that’s the only way to really get to know Chania and its beauty! Because Chania can offer to all tourists a magical “journey of the senses” all year round, which they should not miss...
I would like you to send your message to all visitors who are now in Chania and they read these lines. How do you welcome them and how would you describe Chania in a few words? The Municipality of Chania, with its rich natural environment, quality infrastructure and comparative advantages, is the ideal travel destination for all seasons, offering high quality services at all levels and security, fully satisfying even the most demanding visitor. Culture, tradition, quality products of the Cretan land, local flavours and the unique Cretan diet, sandy beaches, magnificent canyons, traditional villages of the hinterland, countless churches, quaint chapels and monasteries, are a priceless “treasure” that awaits each visitor to discover. This “treasure” comes to “tie” with the incomparable hospitality of the people of our country, making Chania a unique and
MANOLIS SKOULAKIS
Chania is one of the top tourist destinations! Do you think that there is still some way to go in order to keep Chania at the top level? And of course we don’t
for 2011. A similar distinction as a “top emerging tourist destination” received by the city of Chania in 2012 from the popular travel website Trip Advisor. These awards have filled us with more responsibility to improve our services and provide a number of areas which are inextricably linked to tourism, such as the environment. We make any possible effort to improve the quality of life in
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Thank you TripAdvisor...
Elafonissi and Balos, both in Kissamos, are in the list with the 25 best beaches in Europe, according to Trip Advisor, the wellknown tourist site of the web which cited a list of the best beaches in Europe for 2013, as chosen by the voting and comments by users. Greece holds two of the top ten on the European list, Elafonisi in Crete in sixth place and St. Paul’s Bay in Lindos, Rhodes, in tenth position while the lagoon of Balos ranked 19th. The top 25 beaches in Europe 1) Rabbit Beach Lampedusa, Italy 2) Playa de las Catedrales Ribadeo, Spain
3) Rhossili Bay Swansea, United Kingdom 4) Playa de ses Illetes Formentera, Spain 5) Woolacombe Beach Woolacombe, United Kingdom 6) Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Crete, Greece 7) Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan, Turkey 8) La Pelosa Beach, Stintino, Sardinia, Italy 9) Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall 10) St Pauls Bay, Lindos, Rhodes, Greece 11) Playa de la Concha in San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain 12) Longsands Beach Newcastle, United Kingdom 13) Fig Tree Bay Protaras, Cyprus 14) Playa de Bolonia Tarifa, Spain
15) Paleokastritsa, Greece 16) Kaputas Beach Kas, Turkey 17) Cala Mariolu Orosei, Italy 18) Falesia Beach Albufeira, Portugal 19) Balos Lagoon Kissamos, Greece 20) Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, United Kingdom 21) Cascais Lisbon, Portugal 22) Ponta da Piedade Lagos, Portugal 23) Playa de Zahara de los Atunes Zahara de los Atunes, Spain 24) Shipwreck Beach Zakynthos, Greece 25) Bay of Silence Sestri Levante, Italy
resorts restaurants, bars and other amenities are open throughout the year. A wide variety of activities are available, from lazing on beautiful beaches, to scenic walks through dramatic scenery, enjoying some unique wildlife or partying until dawn. You may be surprised by the warmth of the friendliness and hospitality of the islanders. Cretans live life at a relaxed pace, and you will soon find yourself slipping into this lifestyle, as well as enjoying the varied and delicious foods, which comprise one of the healthiest diets in the world.
properties in other destinations and countries is the climate, the diverse landscape and environment, the cost of living, the low crime rate and the warmth and hospitality of the Cretans. With low cost of living in most areas, the friendly and hospitable locals are ready to teach you how to enjoy the simple things in life within a natural environment. In Crete, your stress levels will drop and your enjoyment of life will rise!
Why... Crete? Crete has proven over the last few years to be one of the most popular destinations for anyone looking for a home either for holidays or a retirement. Demand for the island is increasing at a rapid rate. An average of 310 days of sunshine per year, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and brilliant star and moonlit nights, its natural beauty, a fascinating history and a low crime rate are just a few of the reasons that make the island of Crete so special. Crete is the biggest Greek island and lively all year round. It is the closest European destination to the sun! Outside the tourist
What makes a property in Crete so desirable, compared to
There are properties to suit every budget and taste for those seeking their dream home in a Cretan paradise, so finding your ideal home has never been easier!
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CHANIA
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See it... the other way!
IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT CHANIA, ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CITIES IN GREECE, ONE THING IS FOR SURE... WHEN YOU COME HERE YOU WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND!
Don’t miss...
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THE CATHEDRAL dedicated to Panagia Trimartyri (Virgin of the Three Martyrs).
Where to stay
Porto Veneziano Hotel lies in a privileged location, right at the Old Harbor of Chania Town. The impressive construction is a true ornament for the town, while its 51 rooms offer a comfortability to all guests.
Where to eat
Being in operation for more than 30 years, Palazzo tavern is famous for its youthful and friendly atmosphere and for its great philosophy regarding the entertainment and the Cretan cuisine.
Where to drink your coffee
Remezzo Cafe - Snack Bar – Restaurant is situated at the Old Venetian Harbor of Chania. It lies in a magnificent location, right in front of the sea. We are waiting for you to join us and relax with a drink or a cocktail by the sea.
Distance from Athens: 276 kilometers
VENIZELOS TOMBS popular spot offering a panoramic view of the Chania city.
OLD HARBOUR the most picruresque and world wide known site seen of Crete.
Chania is a unique city bearing a rich and long history and culture. Its name is often glorified in historical documents as the city raised brave soldiers, groundbreaking politicians, intellectuals and artists. It is considered as the city of Justice and Freedom and its rare beauty justifies its characterization as the “Venice of the East”. The city of Chania was a crossroad between the East and the West for many centuries, and for this reason it was claimed by its enemies and suffered the presence of many conquerors. The old city of Chania has managed to preserve its cultural heritage and traditional architecture and to successfully combine it with its modern lifestyle. A walk in the narrow streets of the old city offers nostalgic images from the past. We invite you to visit our lovely city and its unique monuments, the Grand Arsenal, the Egyptian Lighthouse, the Venetian dockyard (“Neoria”) etc. Walk through the streets and discover the numerous churches and the majestic neoclassic buildings. Enjoy the sea breeze at the portside, the colors of the old city and taste the local cuisine in picturesque restaurants and tav-
OLD TOWN MUNICIPAL MARKET an evening stroll round is covered, it is in the alleyways is like a shape of a cross and a journey back in time. there are 76 shops in it.
erns. The city of Chania and its people welcome you to the thematic portal of the Municipality and invite you to experience their warm hospitality. Step by step, the city will reveal its secrets and beauties through a journey in history. The streets, plateaus and parks are an important feature of the city of Chania. Their role is not only functional, but also to beautify the city and the lives of its resi-
It is considered the city of Justice and Freedom and its rare beauty justifies its characterization as... the “Venice of the East”. dents. In this unit, you will find general information and guides of the city plan that will help you go around the city. Here you will find information on the parking availability and parking spaces in the city of Chania. You can also find all the street names and
plateaus of the city, the districts where they are located, and some information about them. CHANIA IN HISTORY (from www.chania.gr) The archeological excavations in the city of Chania revealed that the modern city is built over the ruins of Kydonia, an ancient city of great importance. The ancient city of Kydonia was constructed during the prehistoric times. According to Cretan mythology, the city was founded by Kydonas, the son of Hermes or of Apollo (according to a different theory) and of the nymph Akakalida, daughter of king Minos. Homer refers to the city of Kydonia as one of the greatest cities of Crete and Kydonians are considered a pre-Hellenic race. Many ancient writers consider Kydonia the “mother of other Cretan cities”. There are many theories around the etymology of the city’s name. The name “Chania” might originate from the name “Hthonia”, one of the ancient names of Crete. According to other theories, the name “Chania” derives from the Arabic word “Hani” or from the name of a district
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PLACES AND BEACHES FOR SWIMMING IN CHANIA
Up left: Agioi Apostoloi - Chryssi Akti (3,5 km W of Chania - Sand) Right above: Stavros (16 km NE of Chania - Sand and pebbles)
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Up right: Marathi (16 km N of Chania - Sand and pebbles) Down left: Agia Marina (8 km W of Chania - Sand and pebbles)
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Left above: Kalathas (11 km NE of Chania - Sand) Down right: Stalos (5,5 km W of Chania - Sand)
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p.10 Chania of ancient Kydonia, “alchania komi”. Prehistoric and Hellenistic period (3.000 - 69 B.C) The history of the city of Chania goes back to the Neolithic period, as indicated by the archeological findings (3rd-2nd millennium B.C). The ceramics found on the hill of Kasteli, east from the port, is the earliest testimony of human presence and activity. The geographical location of the prehistoric settlement was ideal, not only because it was next to the sea, but also because it was surrounded by the rich valley of Chania. Thus, the location encompassed all the requirements for the development of agriculture, fishery and sea commerce. Since its early years, the settlement developed to an important commercial center and achieved strong commercial relations with the island of Kythira. In about 2.200 B.C, the area south from the Municipal Market of Chania was inhabited. In 1450 B.C, the settlement of Kasteli was destroyed by a big fire. About one hundred clay inscriptions with Minoan Linear A symbols were found burned by the fire, which indicate the existence of a Minoan palace in the area. After the 1450 B.C destruction, the city was rebuilt and flourished until the end of the Minoan period, in about 1100 B.C. The post-Minoan ΙΙΙ period (1400 - 1100 B.C) was also a time of flourishment for the settlement. The necropolis of the prehistoric settlement was extending to a large distance around it. Numerous post-Minoan tombs (1400 - 1200 B.C) have been discovered on the east, southeast and northeast part of the modern city of Chania, where numerous vessels bearing post-Minoan inscriptions have also been found. It is certain the city of Chania, including Kasteli, the old and the new part of the city, was inhabited during the first centuries of the first millennium (the geometric and archaic period). There are only few remains that date back to the classic period (5th and 4th century B.C). However, the settlement probably flourished during this period, as indicated by the tombs found in excavations and according to the testimonies of ancient writers. It is known that the great sculptor Krisilas, student of Feidias, originated from Kydonia of the classic years. Although Kydonia was attacked many times by its enemies and during the civil wars between Cretan cities, it managed to maintain its integrity and glory for many centuries. Roman period (69 B.C - 330 A.D) The Romans were well aware of the strategic importance of the island of Crete and its conquest would open the way to the East. Rome had attempted to conquer Crete but was defeated in 71 B.C. Kydonia was the first city that confronted the Roman army. Despite its strong resistance, the city was finally conquered by the Romans. The Roman General Cointos Kaikilios Metellos the Cretan, as he was called after his victory, managed to conquer Kydonia in 69 B.C, and shortly after, the whole island of Crete. There is evidence that during this period there were luxurious public and private buildings, and excavations have revealed numerous sculptures and mosaic floors in different parts of the city. The ancient theater of the city was preserved until 1583 when it was demolished by the Venetians to use the building material for the construction of the city walls. Finally, the initial construction of the “Byzantine” wall of the acropolis of Kasteli was probably built during this period. The necropolis of the city of Kydonia was spread around it. During the post-Roman years, Kydonia was still the greatest city of the region and for this reason it hosted the headquarters of the paleo-Christian Episcope. The recent discovery of a large paleo-Christian Basilica under the foundations of a Venetian Cathedral temple in the district of Kasteli indicates that Kasteli was probably the center of the city during this period. 1st Byzantine Period (330-824 A.D) The city of Kydonia continued to flourish during the 1st Byzantine period, until the Arabic occupation. Christianity started to spread in the island during the 1st century. The Eparch of Kydonia participated in the 342-343 meeting of Sardiki (Sofia), and his name is recorded in meeting reports and Church documents until the 9th century. Tombs and tomb inscriptions found in the Church of Aghios Ioannis and in the region where the orphanage is located today indicate the position of the city’s cemeteries during this period. During this period, Byzantium focused on its interests in the East. As a consequence, Crete and other provinces of the Empire fall into obscurity and in a state of historical lethargy. Later, Crete becomes an independent administrative region under
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the supervision of a Byzantine General. The administrative and military center of Crete was the city of Gortyna. The population of Crete during the 1st Byzantine period was of Greek ethnicity and had been converted to Christianity. The island suffered from the attacks of the Arab pirates and from natural disasters and these two factors resulted in the decay of many cities and had serious consequences in the social and economic life. Crete did not posses a strong and organized defense during this period and the Byzantine navy was not sufficient for the protection of the island. Arabic Period (824 -961 A.D) The occupation of Crete by the Saracens in 824 A.D shattered the island and had serious consequences on the social, economic and religious sectors. It was a “dark” period for Kydonia. The Arabic period lasted from 824 A.D to 961 A.D, when Crete was liberated by the forces of Nikiforos Fokas. The historical sources from this period are few, and archeological excavations have not revealed much from this period. However, the Arabic coins found in specific regions of Crete led specialists to the conclusion that the Arabs did not conquer the entire island. This is probably because they were pirates and only needed to occupy some coastal areas. Handax (today the city of Heraklion) was the central establishment of the pirates, and the place where they stored their treasures. During the Arab period, Crete was detached from the Byzantine Empire and suffered the darkness of a year-long Arabic night.
2nd Byzantine Period (961 - 1204 A.D) When the army of Nikoforos Fokas liberated Crete from the Arabs, the island was again united with the Byzantine Empire and entered a new period that lasted 250 years. The main preoccupation of Byzantium was the restoration and stabilization of its authority in the island, and for this purpose it attempted to erase all Arabic influence in the social, political and religious sectors. In this framework, Byzantium will order the establishment of populations in Crete from other regions of the Empire. During the 2nd Byzantine period, noble Byzantine families came to Crete from Constantinople and took over the leadership of the island. In order to protect Crete from another possible attack from the Arabs, the Byzantines built fortification walls in various coastal regions. Kydonia was still an important city during the 2nd Byzantine period and held its strategic location over the hill of Kasteli. For this reason, Kydonia was one of the regions the Byzantines chose to protect and fortification walls were built in the area over an ancient wall, using the ruins of ancient Kydonia as building material. Today, only a few parts of the Byzantine walls are preserved in Kasteli. It is also during this period when the city changed its name to “Chania”. Venetian Period (1204-1669) During the 4th Crusade and after the fall of Constantinople in 1204, Crete was assigned to Boniface of Montferrat, who then sold the island to the Venetians. However, in 1266 Crete was occupied by the Genoan count of Malta Enrico Pescatore and the Genoans, the enemies of Venice, looted and destroyed the city. It took 8 years for Venice to regain control of the island. From 1210 to 1252 Venice struggled to establish its authority in western Crete, as it faced strong resistance from the locals. In 1252, the prefecture was divided in 90 feuds assigned to the Venetian settlers, who in return were ordered to reconstruct the city of Chania. The Venetians settlers then constructed the wall of Kasteli and
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organized the new urban plan of the city within the walls, according to Venetian standards. A new modern city was then constructed within the city walls and significant private and public buildings were built, such as the Cathedral of Panagia (Virgin Mary), the house of the Rector and the houses of the Venetian Commanders. The public buildings were built lengthwise the central road (corso- today the street “Kanevaro”) that crosses Kasteli to the east. The imposing Gothic style entrances of the Venetian palaces were preserved until the beginning of the 20th century. A residential district developed around Kasteli known as “vourgoi”, which means “suburbs”. The fortification of the city started in 1336 and its construction lasted for 20 years. In the beginning of the 14th century, the monastery of Aghios Fragkiskos (St. Francesco) of the Franciscans was built, as well as the monastery of Aghios Nikolaos of the Dominican monks. Catholics dominated the urban centers of Crete, in contrast with the rural areas where Orthodox religion was predominant. There are few remains from the first period, when the city was limited in Kasteli, as earthquakes and other natural disasters caused a lot of damage. The city of Chania developed to the second city of “the Kingdom of Crete” and it became the headquarters of the Rector and of the Latin Bishop. The city and its port became the center of a rich agricultural region, with strong economic and cultural relations with Venice. Gradually, the city extended outside the old fortress, and the reconstruction and modernization of the city walls was necessary. Thus, in the mid-16th century the city was re-fortified under the supervision of the famous for his fortification works Μichele Sanmichielli, who designed modern walls with a trench, which was never filled with water. Within the new limits of the city -which also included the portside-, a better urban plan was designed and temples were built or renovated, as well as large public and private buildings, in line with the doctrines of the Venetian mannerism. A new aqueduct was constructed, as well as several military buildings. The 22 dockyards (“Neoria”) were also constructed, which were used to shelter and repair the Venetian ships during the winter. The islands of Theodorou, Souda and Gramvousa were also fortified. However, the local population remained loyal to its Christian Orthodox and Greek origins and strongly resisted the Venetian settlers. From 1212 until the end of the Venetian period, the Cretan population organized 27 revolutions. The leaders of these revolutions came from the families of the “12 lords”, who maintained their feudal privileges from the Byzantine period and were distinguished by their material and intellectual wealth, as well as by their loyalty to the Orthodox dogma. The role of these prominent families and of the Church was of great significance during the revolutions. Despite the efforts for cultural submission, western culture never managed to dominate over the local culture. However, through time these two cultures managed to coexist -always in hostility- and some cultural exchange took place. This cultural exchange resulted in the “Cretan Renaissance”, a bright period when Cretan artists and intellectuals created masterpieces in literature, architecture and painting. Early Turkish Period (1645 - 1831) Despite the efforts of the Venetians to reinforce the defense of the island, they were not able to protect it from the Turkish threat. The Turks were determined to establish their authority in the Mediterranean, and after a long period of instability, fights, lootings and diplomacy, the occupation of Crete by the Turks finally started in 1645. In June 1645, Gioushouf Pasha and his army disembarked in Kissamos and Kolympari and attacked the fortress of the Theodorou island. In June 15 of the same year, the siege of the city of Chania begins and after 57 days of struggles the city is finally surrendered. The whole island of Crete was occupied in 1669, after 25 years of war. After the occupation of the city, the new conquerors brought back the orthodox Bishop of Kydonia in his ancient Episcopal see, at the temple of Aghioi Anargyroi, in an effort to please the local population. They also converted old Catholic Churches into Mosques and also constructed new Mosques in the city. They also founded public baths, from which only three are preserved today, as well as public water fountains, usually located next to the Mosques. Other public buildings were also constructed, such as hospitals,
p.12 Chania barracks and other military buildings, the Venetian fortress was reinforced and the urban plan was limited within its limits. With the Turkish occupation, the socio-political conditions change dramatically in the city of Chania. Wealthy Muslim families become the new upper class and feudal lords. The new living conditions are closely connected to the religion and social organization of the conquerors. The city of Chania becomes the headquarters of the Turkish Pasha. The 1770 revolution led by Daskalogiannis-Vlachos from Sfakia, who was heinously executed (he was flayed alive), as well as the numerous revolutions that followed throughout the 19th century greatly influenced the socio-political structures of Crete and the developments in administration and culture. The great 1821 national revolution shattered the relations between the Turkish and the Greek population in Crete and bloody massacres took place in the city of Chania. Egyptian Period (1831 - 1841) After the end of the revolution, Crete was assigned to the Regent of Egypt, Mehmet Ali, until 1841. During the Egyptian occupation, the breakwaters and the famous Egyptian lighthouse were constructed in the port of Chania. The Egyptian administration published the first Cretan newspaper in Chania, “Vakai Girit” (“The Voice of Crete”), in both languages, Greek and Arabic. Late Turkish Period (1841 - 1898) The 2nd Turkish period begins with the reclamation of Crete by the Turks. In the mid-19th century, the city of Chania is declared the capital of the island, because of the frequent revolutions in the region of western Crete. This fact greatly influenced the development of the city, mainly with the predominance of more tolerant policy, along with an economic flourishment. New public and private buildings were constructed, following the modern neoclassic styles of architecture, and the city gradually acquired a European character and was extended outside the city walls. New temples were built, such as the Cathedral temple of “Trimartyri”, as well as new Municipal Departments, schools, ect. In 1841, the mobilization of Hairetis begins, followed by the mobilization of Mavrogenis in 1859. With the latter mobilization, the Cretans achieved to carry guns freely, to practice their religion and to establish a Christian committee, which was responsible for the supervision of education issues, social welfare, hereditary and family rights. The 1877 - 1878 revolution followed, which resulted in the famous “Halepa” Agreement. According to the Agreement, Crete was detached from the Ottoman Empire and acquired certain special rights, such as the right to establish educational associations and to publish newspapers, while the island was still commanded by the General Cretan Administration. The people of Chania then founded the educational association “Minos”
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(1879) and the agricultural association “Demeter”. In 1880, the theatrical company “Efterpi” was founded and its members were famous citizens of Chania, such as Elefterios Venizelos. In the same period, numerous (Greek and Turkish) newspapers were published in Chania. In 1889, however, Turkey started repressing the rights of the Cretan people and the 1889 revolution followed as a reaction. In 1896, the city of Chania witnessed a great slaughter of its people, and yet another one in 1897, when the Municipal Departments were burned down. The Great Powers, who were always interested in Crete due to its strategic geographical position, decided the international occupation of the island, while Greece sent an army of 1500 men in solidarity. Cretan State (1898 - 1913) On December 9, 1898, Prince George of Greece arrived in Souda and became the ambassador of the newly born Cretan State. After the foundation of the “Cretan State”, the city of Chania met its greatest flourishment in history as the capital of Crete. Since then, Chania became a great administrative, intellectual, commercial and industrial center. The new Cretan State had its own flag and currency -the Cretan drachma-, the Bank of Crete was founded, as well as the Constitution of the Cretan State, the Cretan police, the official newspaper of the Cretan State and the elections for the selection of state representatives. In the beginning of the 20th century, the city of Chania has a population of about 21,000 residents, according to the 1900 census. The city developed to an organized multicultural center with an original Cretan character, many picturesque streets, small plateaus and Venetian, Turkish and Greek style buildings. New districts developed outside the city walls with beautiful neoclassic buildings and farms. During the years of the Cretan State many reconstruction works took place and the famous Municipal Market was built. The educational level of its resident was increased significantly, as new schools and educational center were founded. In 1899, the famous philological association “Chrysostomos” was founded and the foundation of many other educational, intellectual, charity and athletic associations followed. Many cultural events were organized with theatrical, music and dance performances from Greece and abroad. The phonograph and the cinema were introduced in the city of Chania during the same period, and many newspapers and magazines are published with valuable material. In 1901, the city of Chania pioneers in the women’s movement, as the minister Georgios Daskalogiannis from Sfakia submits a proposal for the emancipation of women. Since the beginning of the 20th century, serious political moves towards the unification of Crete with Greece started to take place. The “Cretan Issue” was resolved after the end of the Balkan Wars. The unification of Crete with Greece was finally real-
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ized on the 1st of December 1913, after long diplomatic procedures, when the Greek flag was first raised on the “Firka” fortress. The architecture of the city The architecture of the city (aspects) The architecture of the city (aspects)The architecture of the city (aspects)The architecture of the city (aspects) The Venetian, Turkish, traditional and modern architecture coexist in harmony in the beautiful city of Chania, creating a unique attraction for the visitors. Archeological sites, temples, plateaus and unique buildings adorn the charming Municipality of Chania. In 1964, the city of Chania was declared a historical monument by the State and since then there have been many efforts to preserve and project its historical character. The main goal of the program is the preservation of all the historical monuments of the city, the projection of the local culture and the upgrading of the quality of life of the residents. Despite the intense development of the last few decades, the interventions, the disasters and the impositions of modern architecture, the old city managed to preserve its historical character to a large degree. Historical Sites and Districts The old city of Chania is distinguished for its picturesque historical districts with the unique architecture that defines the cultural character of the city. The historical districts of Chania bear the history of the city and a walk through their streets will satisfy even the most demanding sightseers. - Topanas & the Jewish District - Tampakaria - Kasteli - Halepa - “Koum - Kapi” - Splantzia - Santrivani - Nea Chora - Profitis Elias (Prophet Elias) Contemporary Years Chania continued to be the capital of Crete in the next decades after the unification. Many reconstruction works were realized for the “modernization” of the old city, altering its traditional character to some degree. The people of Chania continued to participate in national battles. The 1938 movement against the dictatorship of Metaxas was strong in Chania, the city where democracy and freedom was always a vision. The role of Chania in the Battle of Crete was also significant, since the Germans first attacked western Crete and faced the strong resistance of the locals who fought bravely throughout the war. In 1964, the old city of Chania was declared a historical monument by the Greek state and great efforts started for the preservation and projection of its historical monuments.
p.13 Chania Monuments Archeological research has proved that the city of Chania is inhabited since the prehistoric era. The monuments that adorn the city of Chania stand as the best evidence of its long history. If you are attracted by the past, you will definitely enjoy the unique architecture of old city and the wonderful monuments of city. In this unit, you will find interesting information on the city’s monuments, organized in historical periods. Streets and Plateaus of the city The streets, plateaus and parks are an important feature of the city of Chania. Their role is not only functional, but also to beautify the city and the lives of its residents. In this unit, you will find general information and guides of the city plan that will help you go around the city. Here you will find information on the parking availability and parking spaces in the city of Chania. You can also find all the street names and plateaus of the city, the districts where they are located, and some information about them. - The 1866 Plateau - The Plateau of Eleftherios Venizelos (Santrivani) - The street “Tzanakaki” - The street “Iroon Polytechniou” (Heroes of the Polytechnic School) - The street “Andreas Papandreou” - The Municipal Garden
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Municipal Market of Chania Important specialized building, erected in the period of the Cretan State. It is cross-shaped in plan, influenced by the buildings of the socalled Iron Age of the 19th century, which characterizes the period of the Industrial Revolution. The building is distinguished by its elegance and good balance and preserves in schematic form the typical features of the late Neoclassicism. The building of the Market was founded on April 14, 1911 by the Municipal Manolis Mountakis and was inaugurated on December 4, 1913 by the Prime Minister, Eleutherios Venizelos, during the celebration of the Union of Crete with Greece. Since then it has been used as the town’s public market. Residence of Eleutherios Venizelos The building was constructed in around 1880 as a villa, in the square of Chalepa, the suberb of Chania. It assumed its present form in 1927 when Eleutherios Venizelos himself undertook the task to renovate the house. The outer, south staircase was then abolished and replaced by an open balcony on the first floor and a protected entrance on the ground floor. The reception halls were all housed on the ground floor and a spacious, open balcony was added to the main facade. A typical characteristic of the building was the surrounding area, especially the front garden, which was often taken care of by Eleutherios Venizelos himself. In 1980 the building was protected by a preservation order. It still belongs to the Venizelos family.
Your local FREE paper USEFUL INFORMATION MUNICIPAL TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
53, Milonogianni Str. Chania, tel: 28213-41665-6, fax 28210-93300, email: tourism@chania.gr
GREEK NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION
Kriari 40 (1866 Square), Megaro Pantheon, Chania, Tel: 28210-92943
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF CHANIA
Address: Halidon 21, Tel: 28210-90334 e-mail: keepka@culture.gr Opening hours: everyday from 8.30 to 15.00 MONDAY CLOSED. Entrance fee: 2,00 €
NAUTICAL MUSEUM OF CRETE
Address: Akti Kountourioti (Kountourioti coast) Tel: 28210 - 91875, Fax: 28210-74484 e-mail: Mar-museum-crete@otenet.gr Opening hours: everyday from 08.30 to 14.00 CLOSED ON OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS Entrance fee: 3,00 €
BYZANTINE & POST-BYZANTINE COLLECTION
Address: Theotokopoulou 78, Tel: 28210 - 96046 Opening hours: everyday from 8.30 to 15.00 MONDAY CLOSED, Entrance fee: 2,00 €
HISTORICAL ARCHIVE OF CRETE
Address: I. Sfakianaki 20, Tel: 28210-52606, e-mail: iakr@otenet.gr Opening hours: everyday from 09.00 to 13.00 CLOSED ON WEEKENDS, Entrance fee: FREE
WAR MUSEUM OF CHANIA
Address: Tzanakaki Str. , Tel : 28210 44156 Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 09.00 to 14.00 Entrance fee: FREE
THE HOUSE OF EL. VENIZELOS
Address: Elena Venizelos Plateau, Tel: 28210 -56008 e-mail: info@venizelos-fountation.gr Opening hours: everyday from 11.30 to 13.30 and from 18.00 to 20.00 (except weekends) Entrance fee: 2,00 €
TRANSPORTATION The transportation services of the Prefecture are satisfactory. There is an extended road network, while the port of Souda offers a direct connection with the port of Piraeus. The airport of Chania also offers flights to multiple destinations. The urban buses service the city of Chania from early in the morning until late at night: - From the terminus at the 1866 Plateau, there are buses to Aghious Apostolous, Glaro, Kalamaki (Panorama), Daratso and Galata. - From the terminus at the plateau of the Municipal Market, there are buses to the port of Souda, the Venizelos tombs, and the Polytechnic School of Crete. - From the terminus at the street “Zymvrakakidon”, next to the KTEL intercity bus terminal, there are buses to the Hospital. Coach buses connect the city of Chania with all the Prefectures of Crete. The intercity bus terminal of west Crete (KTEL) is located on the street “Kydonias” and “Partheniou Kelaidi”. Urban KTEL of Chania - Tel: 2821098115 KTEL Chania - Rethymnon - Tel: 28210-93306 “Radio - taxi HERMES “- Tel: 28210-98700 “Radio - taxi OF CHANIA “ - Tel: 28210- 94300 Airport of Chania - Tel: 28210 83800 Olympic Airways - Tel: 28210 57701 Aegean Airlines - Tel: 28210 63366 ΑNEK Lines - Tel: 2821-0275004
MUNICIPALITY OF CHANIA www.chania.gr
The most “traditional greek taste” from “the best in town”... 48, Kydonias str., Tel. +3028210 - 88380
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TRADITIONAL FOLK DANCES OF CRETE
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PENTOZALI(S)... THE WAR DANCE
The Pentozali or Pentozalis is the trademark folk dance of the island of Crete. It takes its name from its five (“pente”) basic steps and its sprightly and ultimately very fast pace (“zalos” being a rare Greek word for “jump”). The name can thus be translated as “five-jumps”, its typically Greek wordplay implying that dancing it can make one jump five times over. Also in the spirit of wordplay, “zali” means dizziness, and the name of the dance can also be understood (“five-dizzy”) as one that can make the dancers dizzy five times over.
stands still and rigid, so that the first dancer has a stable base on which to perform. Once the first dancer has finished his part, he is expected to break ranks and slowly dance his way to the back
of the line, yielding his place to the second, and so on. Women also perform the dance, but their steps are more restrained because their dress does not allow for high jumps. Traditional Cretan menswear, on the other hand, facilitates acrobatic dancing as it includes the black vraka, a variant of breeches that are worn tight around the waist and thighs and extremely baggy and loose around the hips. Pentozali music is instrumental: the main tune is played by the pear-shaped, bowed Cretan lyre, to the accompaniment of a lute, played not in a melodic but in a percussive-like fashion. It is the lyre player who usually directs the flow of the dance: he improvises to signal the first dancer to improvise too, and resumes the main tune when it is time for the first dancer to yield his place to another. It has often been suggested that this may be the descendant of a Minoan dance, perhaps that of the Kouretes, a mythical troupe of ancient warriors. There is a forgotten dance of the area of the Psiloritis Mountains where the Kouretes lived, called Empyrrikios (from the ancient dance Pyrrhichios), whose steps are very similar to Pentozali.
creased air pollution, greater risk of flooding, higher temperatures and changes in the seasons.
to affect food productivity, water quantity and quality, air quality, and the distribution of plants and animals.
The Pentozali is a war dance, vigorous, with high jumping movements and allows for much improvisation. It starts at a moderate pace and accelerates progressively. The dancers hold each other by the shoulders and form an incomplete circle, which rotates counterclockwise very slowly, or sometimes not at all, because most of the lively steps are semistationary. The first dancer is expected to improvise engaging in acrobatics; in this case he and the second dancer hold hands, rather than shoulders, and the second dancer
Medical advices for your holidays in Chania Climate change and the lungs Are you ready for climate change? Remember that hotter temperatures will mean that allergy seasons start earlier and last longer. Some very hot days will produce unpleasant peaks in pollution. What is known about climate change? The world’s leading scientists are clear that the global temperature on Earth is gradually rising. If action isn’t taken, temperatures are expected to increase by 1.8 – 4.0˚C by 2100. European governments are now taking action to try to ensure that temperatures do not increase by more than 2˚C. However, even if efforts are effective, a certain amount of climate change is unavoidable. We must be prepared for the effects, which may include: extreme weather conditions, in-
What causes climate change? Global ‘greenhouse gas’ emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) have grown since pre-industrial times, with an increase of 70% between 1970 and 2004. This is very likely to be the cause of an increasing greenhouse effect and increases in global temperature since the mid20th century. Will climate change affect my health? The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that “There is now a strong scientific consensus that global warming will affect, in profoundly adverse ways, some of the most fundamental determinants of health: food, air and water”. Climate change will affect people in different ways. Extreme weather events will become more common and are expected
Will climate change affect my lungs? The main lung conditions that may be affected by climate change include: • asthma • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) • rhinosinusitis • respiratory tract infections How can you help? 1. Improve insulation in your home. 2. Use low-energy light bulbs and switch them off when leaving the room. 3. Turn off computers, TVs and other appliances when not in use. 4. Reduce your carbon footprint: walk or cycle more - use the car less! Use public transport more often. 5. Use air conditioning and water coolers less. 6. Share lifts to school with friends and neighbours.
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DISCOGRAPHY OF MANOLIS KONTAROS
MANOLIS KONTAROS... the “nightingale” of Crete
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“Each singer, if he loves what he does, he must, first to himself, serve the music genre through which he can be expressed. No matter what kind it is. What is important is to serve properly and honestly, expressing genuine feelings and do it with passion”. Manolis Kontaros
Who is Manolis Kontaros Manolis Kontaros was born on June 14, 1968, in Vrisses Apokoronou, Chania. He is the son of John Kontaraki (hailing from Tzitzife Apokoronou) and Anna, nee Makridakis, from Fre Apokoronou. He has three sisters, Maria, Georgia and Zacharenia. He was married in 1998 Athena Mafridaki and gained four children Giannis, Anna, Iakovos and Helen. He lives with his family in Rethymnon.
In addition, from his early years he dealt with cretan dances as a dancer in the artistic group Apokoronou. By the standards of Nick Manias and Manolis Kaklis, he begins his professional activity based on the song. Although his family is not dealing with musical instruments, Manolis Kontaros is coming from deep traditional roots in terms of cretan hospitality and singing. His father, Kontarogiannis, is knowledgeable and performer of rizitiko song. The stimulus to deal with the music came from groups who were regularly at his home.
He started playing music at the age of 17 years. Originally written in the music school of Ross Daily Chania, where he took his first lessons on the lute.
Key spot in his career was his permanent partner for 18 consecutive years, the lyre virtuoso George Tsouroupakis, with whom they recorded several records. George,
unfairly and suddenly, died in 2008, spreading sorrow to all lovers of his virtuoso playing. Manolis Kontaros has appeared at events across the island, in many parts of Greece and abroad. For more than 26 years, Manolis Kontaros is offering his soul for the traditional Cretan music and he has become one of the most famous local artists. His band consists of: Michael Georvasakis (lyre), Manolis Kydonakis (lute), Anthony Lazanakis (guitar), Dennis Athanasakis (bass) and Anthony Fylladitakis (percussion) and also the sweet voice of Theano Heretakis gives color and warmth to the band.
ΚΙΣΣΑΜΟΣ
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The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete
Time of Greece: GMT +2
Let me be your guide Chania Prefecture in... 5 pages
A few things you have to know
Crete, the 5th biggest Med Island, lies in the southern frontier of Europe. Crete combines mountains and sea, the new alongside with the old and ancient with contemporary history. It is a cultural crossroad due to its strategic geographical position. English, German, French, Russian and other languages are widely spoken in tourist resorts. The climate is a factor that greatly contributes to its attractiveness. It is mild Mediterranean – dry and warm, which means high sunshine all year round, very small seasonal changes in temperatures and no extreme weather phenomena. Tap water is safe for consumption, the consumption of bottled water is recommended. The international call code for Greece is +30.
where to go what to visit what to eat travel information museums excursions shopping Beaches in Chania
Elafonissi
There are many beautiful beaches available in the county of Chania (415 km coastline), many of which are organised for bathers and are combined with exceptional hotel units.
Falassarna
The beaches of Nea Chora, Chrissi Akti (4km W), Agioi Apostoloi (5km W), Stalos (7km W), Agia Marina (12km W), Platanias (15km W), Gerani (15km W), Kissamos (35km W), Balos (55km W), Falassarna (52km W), Elafonissi (73km SW), Paleochora (72km S), Sougia (60km S), Loutro (84km S by boat from Sfakia), Fragokastelo (78km S), Sfakia (70km S), Marathi (17km E), Stavros (17km NE), Kalives (20km E), Almirida (21km E), Georgoupolis (37km E), Kavros (42km E), Kalathas (13km NE) are only a small selection of the most popular beaches of Chania, most of them awarded with blue flag. Make your choice!
Museums
Historical - Folklore Museum of Gavalochori Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Address: Gavalochori Apokoronou Museum of Typography by the newspaper “Haniotika Nea” Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Address: Park of local industries, Building 13-03 Operation Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30-13.30 (except Wednesday) & Wednesday 18.00-21.00
self service refreshments in glass Pita with pork giros Pita with chicken giros Pita with beef (politikos) giros Pita with kalamaki (pork) Pita with kalamaki (chicken) Pita with kebab (beef) Pita with kebab (turkey) Pita burger Pita haloumi (Cypriot cheese)
2.00 € 2.20 € 2.20 € 2.00 € 2.20 € 2.20 € 2.20 € 2.20 € 2.20 €
Museum of the Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon Telephone: (+30)2821063310 Venizelos House Operation Hours: 8.00-20.00 Address: Αkrotiri Home of Eleftherios Venizelos Telephone: (+30)2821056008 Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of the “Akritai” of Europe Telephone: (+30)2823042265 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Collection of Chrysopigi Monastery Telephone: (+30)2821091125 Archeological Museum of Kisamos Telephone: (+30)2822083308 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of the Monastery of Gonia Telephone: (+30)2824022313 Address: Kolympari Museum of Marine Wealth and Fishing Tradition Telephone: (+30)2824023299 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Byzantine and Folk Museum of Spilia Telephone: (+30)2824022080, (+30)2824022357 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of National Resistance (Therisso) Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Archeological Museum of Chania Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Telephone: (+30)2821090334 Archaelogical Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of An. Skalidis Telephone: (+30)2822061052 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of School Life Telephone: (+30)2821074764 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Historical Archives of Crete Telephone: (+30)2821052606 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Accessible for people with special needs: Yes War Museum of Chania Telephone: (+30)2821044156 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Museum of Chemistry Telephone: (+30)2821042504 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00
ONLY 1,40 €
Folk Museum “the Cretan House” Telephone: (+30)2821090816 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection of Chania Telephone: (+30)2821096046 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Nautical Museum of Crete Accessible for people with special needs: Yes Telephone: (+30)2821091875, (+30)2821074484 Operation Hours: 09:00-16:00 Nautical Address: Akti Koundourioti, Old harbour
Cultural Organizations
Centre of Mediterranean Architecture Chania, Akti Tombazi 31 (Megalo Arsenali). Tel. (+30)2821040101, (+30)2821040201 Villa Koundourou (Youth Centre and Municipal Cultural Workshop) Chania, 2 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Tel. (+30)2821053730, (+30)2821040896. Open: 9.00-14.00 & 18.00-21.00 Municipal Art Gallery Chania, 98 Chalidon Str. Tel. (+30)2821092294, (+30)2821092419 Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan (Yali-Tzamisi), Venetial harbour. Tel. (+30)2821083235, (+30)2821083232 Park for the Preservation of Flora and Fauna Technical University of Crete, Akrotiri. Tel. (+30)2821055988. Open: Mon.-Sat.
Cultural Events
May: Second fortnight, celebration of the battle of Crete. It includes events commemorating those who were killed and several cultural events. “Koresia” athletic games Canoe kayak at Kournas Lake. Beginning of the summer: Venizelia - Track events at the National Stadium of Chania. May - September: Athletic events in the municipality of Nea Kydonia which include: Beach volley - Beach Soccer - Beach Handball and racket games. July - August - September: Cultural Summer Events of the municipality of Chania.They include music and stage performances at the theatre of Eastern Trench, Public Garden, Venizelio music school, Park of Peace and Friendship and other events in several neighbourhoods of the town. Cultural summer events are also organised by the municipality of Kisamos, Nea Kydonia, Pelekanos and Georgioupolis.
with free refilling
Kalamaki (pork) 1.00 € Kalamaki (chicken) 1.20 € Kebab (beef) 1.20 € Kebab (turkey) 1.20 € Sausage 1.00 € Burger (beef) 1.00 € Burger (chicken) 1.20 € Pantsetaki 1.00 € Haloumi (cypriot cheese) 1.20 €
as many times as you like! Mega giros (pork) Kebab buritto (beef) Chicken buritto
3.70 € 3.70 € 3.70 €
(all come with arab pie, french fries and sauce)
Pork flogera Chicken flogera Kebab flogera Sausage flogera
3.50 € 3.50 € 3.50 € 3.70 €
(sandwiches with french fries, veggies and sauce)
In Ya Souvlaki, we cook everything with extra virgin cretan olive oil and we use only fresh cretan products, offering quality and taste.
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The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete June: Cherries Festivity in Karanou. 24 June: Festivity of St. Ioannis Klidonas, in Fres, Akrotiri, Perivolia, Therisso, Vamvakopoulo. 29 June - 6 July: Naval week festival. July: Festivity of Kalitsouni cheese pie, in Kandanos. July: Naval week in the old harbour and every second year in Palaiochora and Georgioupolis. 21-28 July: Elafonisia - Municipality of Inahorio. They include: memorial service at the monument of Elafonisi, athletic games, performances, festivity in honour of the elderly and traditional treat. 26 July: “Promotion of Kisamos” - Club, Grambousa pilgrimage excursion from the port of Kisamos to Balos and to the island of Grambousa. 30 July: “Pottery Festival” in Nohia. 30-31 July: Wine festival in Vouves. First Sunday of August: Blessing of the fruit of the earth at the Monastery of Archangel Michael (Rotonda) Kato Episkopi. 8-9 August: Wine festival in Vouves. 1-10 August: Venetian Harbour of Chania photography exhibition for Chania Music Tradition, dance - dancers. 16 August: Honey Festival in Afrata. 1-10 September: Sardine festival in Nea Chora and in Souda. 27 September: World Day of Tourism. Festive events at the old harbour of Chania. End of October or beginning of November: Chestnut festivity in Prases and Elos.
Festivals to honour the saint-protector of each village
Asi Gonia, St. George’s Day, April 23rd or after Easter Day: A big festival. All the shepherds of the area bring their animals to the mass in order to be blessed, then they milk them and distribute the milk to the pilgrims.
Asi Gonia, St George’s Day
da, Alikampo, Kefala, Kalikrati, Koustogerago August 29th,John the Precursor’s: Rodopou Gionas, Douliana, Stylos, Kournas September 8th, το Birth of the Mother of Christ: Gavalohori, Tzitzife, Sassalo September 14th, Feast ofthe Holy Cross: Nippos, Rodovani September 15th St. Nikitas’: Kampia
Monasteries and Churches
The Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Chrysopigi lies a short distance from the town of Chania on the route to Souda harbour. Operation Hours: 08.00-12.00 and 15.30-18.00 Telephone: (+30)2821091125, (+30)2821029840 The monastery of Agia Triada of Tzagarolon is one of the richest and most beautiful monasteries in Crete. It is built near the airport of Chania, in the position Tzobomylos of the Cape Melecha and at the foothills of Stavros Mount. The distance from Chania is only 15km.
The monastery of Panagia Chrisoskalitissa is located 72km south of Chania, very close to the magnificent lagoon of Elafonissi. It operates as a nunnery and reminds of a fortress, perched on a 35m high rock with boundless sea views. The Monastery of Saint George in Karydi (in Apokoronas Province) is located about 2km east of Vamos village. The monastery was abandoned for many years but was restored in 1996 and today it is operating normally.
The Holy Monastery of Partenon or Life-Giving Spring was founded by the Bishop of Kisamos & Selinon Anthimos Leledakis in 1905-1910. It was renovated between 1962 and 1965, by Bishop Irineos Galanakis.
7.50 €
Chicken variety (for 1 peson)
8.50 €
Giros (chicken), burger (chicken), fillet (chicken), bacon, sausage, pita, french fries, veggies and sauce
Politiki variety (for 1 person)
8.50 €
Giros (beef), burger (beef), kebab (beef), sausage, pita, french fries, veggies and sauce
Ancient Lissos The ruins of Lissos are saved between Paleochora and Sougia. It was the port city of Dorian Elyros. It flourished in the Hellinistic, Roman and the first Vyzantine period and destroyed by the Saracens Arabs. It also issued its own currency, as Lissos. Ancient Tara (St. Roumeli) The ruins of the ancient city Taras found at south coast of Crete near the village of Agia Roumeli. The city flourished particularly during the Roman era. They found the remains of a temple, possibly dedicated to Artemis and Apollo. Archaeological site of ancient Anopolis The archaeological site of ancient Anopolis located 87 km south of Chania. Anopolis was an independent city during the classical times and flourished during the Roman and Byzantine times. Firkas Castle Castle Firkas was built in the 16th century by the Venetians to protect the city of Chania. There Venizelos declared the official union of Crete with Greece. Today it hosts the Maritime Museum and a small theater. Souda’s Castle
Early Christian Basilica at Almyrida Apokoronou. It is an early Christian three-aisled basilica of the second half of the 6th century. The church of St George in the centre of Kournas, a settlement with interesting folk architecture. It was built at the end of the 12th century.
self service refreshments in glass Giros (pork), burger (beef), sausage, kalamaki (pork), pita, french fries, veggies and sauce
Ancient Aptera
Katholiko monastery is located 20km east of Chania, near the northern shores of Cape Akrotiri. It is located near the exit of the gorge Avlaki, at a short distance from the sea.
St George of Mythimna - Kisamos. The single-room, vaulted church of St George in the archeological site of Methymna, near Drapania of Kisamos, was built during the first half of the 15th century, in the place of a late Roman Bath.
Pork variety (for 1 person)
Ancient Aptera This site is located 15 km South-east of Chania, near the village Megala Chorafia. The strategic location of the city with two ports, Minoa (modern Marathi) and Kissamos (near Kalives today) at the entrance of the natural bay, which guaranteed the possibility to control the movement of trade, boosted its growth. Ancient Polirinia The ancient city was Polirinia in place of the village Polirinia Kissamos, 49 km west of Chania. At the top of the hill was the citadel of which was T-shaped, from where the view was immense, from Crete to the Libyan Sea, which stretched the realm. Ancient Falasarna The site of the ancient Falassarna located on the western edge of Cap Gramvousa the west coast of Crete. The town was surveyed again in the 19th century by English tourists, who identified the village and closed the port.
Gouverneto Monastery. The actual Monastery complex was built from 1537 till 1548. According to tradition, it was connected with miraculous St John the Hermit, and was used for the housing of the Saint’ s pilgrims. Telephone: (+30)2821063319
Monastery of Pasinos. It is a complex of monasteries built during the Venetian rule (16th century). It architectural style is western, the church being placed in the centre of the complex.
Agios Ioannis Sfakion, St John’s Feast, May 8th: Traditional festival of Sfakia. Azogyre, The Holy Fathers’ Feast, October 7th: In the beautiful village with the visitable impressive cave of the Holy Fathers. Elos, Agios Dikaios,May 6th: Extraordinary view and a unique fair. Lissos, St Kyrikos, July 15th: The pilgrims start arriving ancient Lissos on foot or in boats from Sougiaγια early in the afternoon of the previous day. A real fair of Selino in a mythical place. Sembronas, Apopigadi, St. John’s, June 24th: One of the feasts, that take place on a very high location, with an incredible view. Sougia, Harey, St. Antony 1-2 of July: Unique traditional fair at the seaside small church which is situated in Harey. The route on foot from through the E4 path that lead from Sougia to Agia Roumeli lasts two hours with the unique background of the Lybian sea and piney slopes. It is possible to go there also by boat from Sougia. Overnight stay outdoor. Therisso, Assumption of the Mother of God, August 15th: In the beautiful village where Eleftherios Venizelos declared the revolution of 1905. Sfakia, Thymiani Panagia, last Sunday of May. Chrysoskalitissa, the Assumption of the Virgin, August 15th: At the beautiful monastery, which is a real «balcony» to the Lybian Sea a famous festival takes place. Frangokastello, St. Nikitas’, September 15th: Big festival during which riding races take place. August 6th, the Transfiguration: Ksirosterni, Tzitzife, Karres of Kissamos, Sassalo August 15th the Assymption of the Virgin: Voulgaro Panagia of the Summit, Kolympari Gonia, Pemonia, Fre, Eksopolis, Litsar-
Sightseeing
Biftekoplimira
Gouverneto Monastery
ONLY 1,40 € 10.00 €
Turkey kebab (2 pcs), beef burger (2 pcs), beef kebab (2 pcs), pita, veggies, french fries, sauce
Berdema 10.00 €
Giros, beef kebab, chicken kalamaki, pork kalamaki, salad, french fries, sauce
Stiva giros
12.00 €
Giros (pork, chicken, politikos), pita (2 pcs), veggies, french fries, sauce (1/2 Stiva giros 7.00 €)
The castle is built on the islet of Souda, and protected the port of Souda and Chania. It occupies almost the entire island. Built in 1715 and surrendered to the Ottomans in 1715. On February 14 the Greek flag was raised, lowering the Turkish and giving the signal that there is now the Greek sovereignty over the island of Crete. Intzedin Castle Located 14 km east of Chania. Has been characterized as historical monument. Built in 1872 in the position of the tower was built in 1646 by the Turks, who drove the Venetians. The name comes from the name of the son of Sultan Abdul Aziz Intzedin. Has been used as a prison for political prisoners, among them which has been the El. Venizelos. During the dictatorship of Pangalos many dissidents jailed, and when the dictatorship fell, Pangalos was imprisoned there too. Finally, from the isolation rooms of Yaros, in 1948, the first communist political prisoners were moved there.
with free refilling
as many times as you like!
Grilled stiva
16.00 €
Club (pork, chicken or politikos) Skepasti (pork, chicken or politikos)
5.40 € 4.50 €
Beef kebab (2 pcs), turkey kebab (2 pcs), pork kalamaki (2 pcs), chicken kalamaki (2 pcs), sausage (2 pcs), pantsetakia (2 pcs), pita (2 pcs), veggies, french fries, sauce (1/2 Grilled stiva 7.00 €)
all come with double pita, sauce (red or yellow), gouda cheese, tomato, lettuce and french fries
48, Kydonias str. For your delivery order just call +3028210 88380
In Ya Souvlaki, we cook everything with extra virgin cretan olive oil and we use only fresh cretan products, offering quality and taste.
p.24 Chania
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ERIA Resort is the one and only hotel in Crete is the ονε and only hotel so far in Crete and Greece, which was designed and built from the start for people with disabilities. With all the extras and amenities offered, we saw that our customers should be able to visit the sights of our island. We have started a major effort to design and organize accessible tours, but also to record all the information about access to various recreational areas. By disposition, determination and knowing the accessibility standards, we have managed to organize wonderful excursions throughout the island. The cooperation and assistance of the association of tourist guides is significant, and also the willingness shown by entrepreneurs in our proposals to improve access to their businesses. We just... inform you that Crete is accessible and ideal for holidays for all.
Sidewalks from the center to the old city are comfortable, with ramps and pathways for the blind. Old town of Chania is ideal for walking, shopping, dining and entertainment. The municipal market has excellent access to all areas and municipal toilets for people with disabilities in the outer courtyard. The archaeological museum at Halidon street is perfectly accessible in all areas and has toilets for people with disabilities. The cathedral, in the heart of the city, has excellent access with a ramp next to the main entrance. The priests are always at the temple, always there at your disposal for information about the church and its history. Walking on the west side of town, you should know that the toilets for people with disabilities in the street Zambeliou are available throughout the day. For those who want to find a restaurant with good access and toilets for the disabled, there are taverns like Zepos, Plateia and Semiramis.
The old town of Chania is an UNESCO cultural heritage, with monuments and attractions from antiquity to modern times.
The beautiful city of Rethymno is ideal for walks, shopping, dining and entertainment. There are toilets for people with disabil-
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ities in the old city. More on Rethymnon next time. In Heraklion, the main sight is the world famous Palace of Knossos. Following renovations in recent years, is the most accessible monument, with the exception of the sections with the stairs. We recommend you to have a guide to this unique journey to Minoan times. With his/her guide the visitor will be able to “see”, “feel” and “understand” even the inaccessible parts of Knossos. The tour to Knossos completes with a visit to New Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Available municipal toilets can be found at Knossos and the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. The beautiful city of Heraklion is ideal for walks, shopping, dining and entertainment. There are toilets for people with disabilities at various focal points of the city. More about Heraklion next time. In Lassithi, stands the town of Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Ierapetra, Elounda and Plaka, with the widely read island of Spinalonga. The island became world famous through the book of Victoria Hislop “The Island”. More about Lassithi next time.
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The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete
The area enables the individual hiker to explore the nature and the beauty of the county via routes that are unparalleled beauty. The most appropriate to inform the interested visitor is the Mountaineering Club of Chania. The E4 Path begins in the Pyrenees mountains across Greece, arrives at Kissamos, across Crete to Kato Zakros and finally arrives in Cyprus. As far as the track is part of the prefecture of Chania, it passes from coastal areas and the White Mountains. The main routes of the European path are the following : Kasteli Kissamou – Sfinari Length: 22,5 km, Best season: Spring – Autumn Sfinari – Chrysoskalitisa Monastery Length: 32 km, Best season: Spring – Autumn Chrysoskalitisa - Palaiochora Length: 22 km, Best season: Spring – Autumn Sougia – Agia Roumeli Length: 13 km, Best Season: All year Loutro - Fragokastelo Length : 19,5 km, Best Season: All year Sougia - Koustogerako-Omalos Length: 24,5 km, Best season: Spring – Autumn Agia Triada - Gouverneto – Katholiko Route Difficulty: Very Easy, Route Duration: 2 Hours Visit Period : All Year Gorge of St Irene – Sfakia Route Duration: 3 Hours, Route Length: 8 km Visit Period : All Year , Route Difficulty: Normal Paleochora - Sougia Route Difficulty: Easy, Route Length: 14,5 m Route Duration: 6 Hours, Visit Period : All Year National Park of Samaria Route Difficulty: Easy, Route Duration: 6 Hours Route Length: 16 km, Visit Period : May-October
Gavdos Route Difficulty: Very Easy, Visit Period : May-October Douliana – Gavalohori Route Difficulty: Easy, Route Duration: 1 Hours Visit Period : All Year On the Summit of Kigilos Route Difficulty: Normal, Route Duration: 7 Hours Visit Period : All Year Agia Roumeli - Agios Ioannis Route Difficulty: Easy, Route Duration: 5 Hours Visit Period : All Year Gorge of Polyrrenia Route Difficulty: Easy, Route Duration: 3 Hours Visit Period : All Year Sasalos-Makronas (Halase gorge) Route Difficulty: Normal, Route Duration: 4 Hours
Gorges
The Gorge of Samaria Route Length: 18 km Route Duration: 7 Hours Visit Period : May-October Address: Lefka Ori The Gorge of Imbros in Sfakia Route Duration: 2 Hours Route Length: 8 km Address: Chora Sfakion The Gorge of Agia Irini in Selino Route Duration: 3 Hours Route Length: 7.5 km Address: Selino The Gorge of Aradena in Sfakia Route Duration: 2.5 Hours Route Length: 5.5 km Address: Aradena, Sfakia The Gorge of Elygia The Gorge of Trypitis Route Duration: 8.5 Hours The Gorge of Diktamou Route Duration: 3.5 Hours The Gorge of Therisso or Eleutheriou Venizelou Route Length: 6 km The Gorge of Chalase or Sasalou Route Duration: 4 Hours The Gorge of Prasse Route Duration: 2 Hours The Gorge of Kavi or Iligga Route Duration: 3 Hours The Gorge of Asfendou Route Duration: 3 Hours The Gorge of Kalikrati Route Duration: 3 Hours The Gorge of Katholikou Route Duration: 0.5 Hours
Mountain Shelters
Kallergi Capacity: 45 Route Difficulty: Easy Route Duration: 1 Hours Visit Period : April-October Svourikti - Holiopoulos Capacity: 20 Route Difficulty: Easy Route Duration: 3 Hours Tavri Capacity: 40 Route Difficulty: Very Easy Route Duration: 1.5 Hour Route Length: 7.7 km Volikas Capacity: 30 Route Duration: 3 Hour
Caves
Cave of Panos or Lera The cave “Panos or Lera” is developed in Mount Vardies, at an altitude of 70m., in the settlement Stavros Kydonias. It consists of an “antechamber”
and four rooms with chiselled cavities, which have been explained as places for the welcome of statues. Cave of Asfentos The cave “of Asfentos” is situated at the position”Skordolakia”, at the westeastern part of the beginning of the gorge of Asfentos . Cave of Hagia Sofia The cave of “Agia Sofia” is at the western walls of the gorgo of Topolia, at a distance of 47 km from the city of Chania. It consists of two rooms on different levels.
The Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves
The Olive Tree Museum of Vouves is ideally located next to the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves, the oldest olive tree in the world, which is visited by approximately 20.000 people every year from all over the world. There are at least ten more monumental olive trees in this area, namely the same number of trees as in the whole of Crete. The museum is housed in a traditional building, which maintains all the characteristics of an austere and, at the same time, authentic, intelligent and functional folk architecture of this area, the preservation of which constitutes one of the cultural objectives set by municipal authorities. The building was donated to the Municipality by the family of Panagiotis Karapatakis, who used it as its residence. The Olive Tree Museum of Vouves is located in the village of Ano Vouves, aprox. 30 km west of Chania. Take the Chania – Kissamos national road (E65) and use the Kolibari exit, in order to proceed west (to the left) towards the Village of Spilia. Then, just follow the signs leading to Ano Vouves village and to the Olive Tree Museum of Vouves. Olive Tree Museum of Vouves (Free Entrance) Information: tel. +3028240-22279, +306945157667 Welcome to Chania. Welcome to the place that has been uninterruptedly populated since 3500 B.C. Here the past encounters the present in a harmonious composition. Minoans, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans carved space and time in cultural monuments that uniquely blend beauty with the natural monuments, the endemic fauna and flora, the vivid colours and intense scents of the landscape of Chania. Meanwhile, life goes on: modern tourist facilities, high technology, supply of perfect services. Here the greyish green olive groves and the golden orange groves shine under the life-giving sun; here the sea stretches out and embraces the sky, losing itself indistinguishably in the infinite blue, in the infinite green; here tradition has been kept intact over time, passing down its special colours and qualities. Among them, the Cretan cuisine, with its delicious healthy meals, offering unrivalled gastronomic experiences, constitutes the point of reference of a diachronic culture. Here the land follows its own rhythm 365 days a year, the land lives to the beat of important cultural and sports events, popular feasts, the revival of old customs, music and dancing nights, giving thrills and arousing emotions, initiating the visitor into the secrets to the good life, exalting the soul and the body. Welcome to Chania, a destination that will be carved in your memory for ever. Apostolos Voulgarakis You will surely be back! Vice Prefect of Chania
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The best affordable way to travel Western Crete. Public regular bus service to Chania - Rethimno - Heraklion... and to all the villages of southwestern Crete
MUNICIPALITY OF CHANIA
IA N A H C . . . Y M F O TOP
Chania Prefecture
is not only... Chania city
Municipal Market The Municipal Market of Chania, the large building of 4000 square meters in a surrounding area of 17.200 square meters, is the “heart” of the city. It is an original building that, apart from a business activity center, also provides a concrete image of the ancient Greek marketplace. Great for shopping tradiotional Cretan products.
Georgioupolis A resort village 43 km east of Chania, about 22 km west of Rethymno. Formerly a small fishing village, Georgioupolis is very much a tourist town now, with many cafés, tavernas and small hotels and apartment blocks.
Venizelos Tombs One of the most popular spots offering a panoramic view of Chania are the Venizelos family tombs, a few kilometres east of the city, on the road to Akrotiri and the airport.
MUNICIPALITY OF KANDANOS-SELINO
Sougia Located in a distance of 70 roughly km south-western of Chania. It is built in the ruins of the ancient Syias where mainly in the Roman and first Byzantine period people lived here. Saved ruins are vaulted graves and water reservoirs from the Roman period and a church from the 4th century with eminent mosaics. Nice beach where you can have free camping.
Old Harbour Chania’s old Venetian Harbor is the most picruresque and world wide known site seen of the hole Crete. Lots of choices to drink your coffee, to have lunch or dinner in the restaurants or enjoy shopping time. Stavros Stavros is located on Akrotiri, only 13km from Chania, 3km from the airport and 10km from Souda harbour. One of the finest beaches for swimming. British Commonwealth War Cemetery in Souda Bay The War cemetery is a quiet and restful place for the allied forces who lost their lives here on the Battle of Crete in 1941. Aghia Marina Agia Marina is one of the most important tourist resorts of Chania. Great beach for swimming and lots of choices for shopping, eating and clubbing.
MUNICIPALITY OF PLATANIAS
Thodorou Just a few miles to the north west of the port of Chania. The island is a nature reserve and it is therefore forbidden to go ashore, except that is for one day a year (8 June), when visitors are allowed to take the path to the church and back in order to worship. Platanias The heart of tourism in western Crete. Everything can be found in Platanias... swimming, eating, clubbing, shopping. A “must” place to visit or stay. All days and all nights are different in Platanias and you will find out why. Maleme German Cemetery The cemetery is 3km south up the winding paved road. The 4,465 men buried here fell in the Battle of Crete in May of 1941. The Germans landed at the small airport of Maleme when they attacked Crete. Samaria Gorge If you come to Chania and you don’t pass through the Samara Gorge then your visit is just... incomplete. The Samariá Gorge is a National Park of Greece, a major tourist attraction of the island and a World’s Biosphere Reserve. A must for visitors to Crete is to complete the walk down the gorge from the Omalos plateau to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. The village of Samariá lies just inside the gorge. It was finally abandoned by the last remaining inhabitants in 1962 to make way for the park.
ed by wonderful sandy beaches with crystalline waters like Kalyves and Kiani Akti. Good place for shopping with lots of traditional tavernas. Just 3 km away is Almyrida, with traditional travernas to enjoy lunch after your swimming.
MUNICIPALITY OF SFAKIA
Frangokastello The castle of Frangokastello stands since centuries. It reminds of the Venetians, Turks and Greeks, battles and blood, slaughters and sacrifices. The legends are still alive, taking us in their own world and left the “Drosoulites”, visiting us again some magic mornings. Sfakia The south-eastern region of the Prefecture of Chania is called Municipality of Sfakia and includes the villages Hora Sfakion, Anopoli, Agios Ioannis, Agia Roumeli, Asfendou, Loutro, Patsianos, Skaloti, Impros, Askifou and Fragkokastello. The distamce to Chania is about 70 kilometres. Entire Sfakia is characterized by the natural beauty of wild mountainous landscape which is combined unique with the sea. Loutro The village was named by the baths that were found there. The water was coming from Anopoli. Between the old buildings that you can see there, there is also the goverment building that was used during the revolution at 1821. From Loutro you can visit the ruins of ancient Aradenas with the Byzantine church of archangel Michail and Anopolis. Perfect place for a weekend escape. Aghia Roumeli It is a coastal settlement in south-western Crete and it allocates a wide beach while the access is feasible only with boats from Hora Sfakion, via Loutro and from Palaiochora or Sougia, while the village does not allocate road access. Constitutes popular tourist destination because it is located at the southern entry of the Gorge of Samaria, the biggest gorge in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe with a length of 18 kilometres.
MUNICIPALITY OF APOKORONAS
Kalyves Picturesque village located about 20 kilometres east of Chania, in one of the greenest areas of Greece. The village It is surround-
Paleochora Located in the south-western part of the prefecture. The distance to Chania is about 70 kilometres. It is built on a peninsula between two beautiful bays where it is rained by the Lybian Sea and it is right to consider it the “Nymph of the Lybian Sea” and “Land of the sun”. The movement in the region is high in summertime, on one side from the excursionists choosing it as the harbour of departure to the Island of Gavdos, Sougia, Agia Roumeli, Loutro and Sfakia and return from the Samaria Gorge, on the other from the holiday-makers that select it as a place of their summer vacations.Palaiochora has all the benefits the visitor needs as banks, doctors, supermarket, drugstores, police, post, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, port authority, custom, cinema, bars, disco, and rented cars. Elafonissi When the weather is fine it is possible to walk to the island through the shallow water. The island is a protected nature reserve. On the mainland the 17th century Chrysoskalitissa Monastery is approximately 5 km from the island. One of the best places for swimming in the whole world
MUNICIPALITY OF KISSAMOS
Falassarna May be the best beach on earth, as awarded by its visitors. The place to be for swimming. Also, don’t miss the great party the first weekend of August. Gramvousa-Balos At the north western point of Crete you will find Gramvousa, a small island with an impregnable castle, a fortress, a masterpiece of the 16th century, and Balos, the unique lagoon of Crete, with its blue green waters, it pink sandy beach and famous shells! An impressive and unique environment of steep rocks and cliffs, an immense blue sea and hidden sandy beaches, and the serene lagoon of Balos, combines with the remains of the long lasting history of the region: monasteries, churches and the imposing castle of Imeri Gramvousa.
MUNICIPALITY OF GAVDOS
Gavdos is a small island which is located 26 naval miles (48 kilometres) southern of Crete and it’s extent is 27 square kilometres. It is the most southern Greek and simultaneously European point with population of 98 residents. Perfect for a daily cruise.
p.28 Chania
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A unique traditional receipe from Crete. Satisfaction and success... guaranteed.
Little secrets
The secret to cutting down on preparation time for making these Cretan Kalisouni sweet cheese pastries is to use Wonton Pastry Wraps which can be found in the freezer of your local Chinese supermarket or deli.
The... alternative
Filling: - 2 kg spinach or the other greens - 1/4 water glass oil - salt, pepper, mint - onion, finely chopped
Dough: - 4 cups flour - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt Preparation: Mix all the ingredients well, knead the dough with - 3/4 cup water your hands and let it rise for 1-2 hours. Roll out the pastry using a rolling pin. Make a big sheet, 1/2 cm thick and cut it in the shape of tea saucer. Remove the roots from the spinach, wash it well and cut it in to small pieces. Saute it in an empty casserole for 5 minutes, squeeze with your hands and put it in a bowl. Add the onion, salt, pepper, mint, oil and mix them together. Using a rolling-pin roll out a pastry sheet, the size of a soup plate. Fill each pastry sheet with a tbsp. of the mixture, fold and close it well and then fry them in very hot oil on both sides. You can also bake them in the oven for 30-40 minutes at 180 oC after having basted them with a beaten egg and sprinkled with sesame.
Filling: - 1 lb Manouri Cheese (or Ricotta) or 1 lb fresh Mizithra Cheese - 1 egg, lightly beaten - 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely grated - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 2 tablespoons sugar - olive oil (for frying) or clarified butter (for frying)
Cretan Kalitsounia
with Manouri or Mizithra Cheese
Preparation:
1. Prepare a stiff dough with the flour, olive oil, salt and water. 2. Leave to rest for an hour. 3. Crumble cheese. 4. Mix well with egg, zest, cinnamon and sugar. 5.Separate dough in two. 6. Take half of dough and roll out
1/8 inch thick on lightly-floured surface. 7. Using a water glass, cut into small rounds 3 inches in diameter. 8. Place 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture on each round of dough, moisten edges with a little water, fold over and seal well, pressing the edges together with a fork.
9. Repeat with remaining dough and cheese filling. 10. Heat enough olive oil or clarified butter to come up about 3/4 inch of pan. 11. Fry pastries until golden brown. 12. Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and serve hot.
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Island of herbs and honey Nature meets tradition in Crete
“Nature does not seek to perpetuate the human species but to secure the biodiversity of the species.” Theophrastus Nearly 20 hectares of land are waiting to welcome you, full of fruit trees from all over the world, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants in a park different from others, where the land’s formation and the region’s microclimate make it a paradise for hundreds of plants and animals! In the midst of this colorful and vivid landscape stands a burnt centennial olive tree, a memorial and a reference to the dismal fires of 2003, the park’s history and origin. The newest and one of the most interesting sites of the Prefecture of Chania lies only 18 kilometers outside the city, on the feet of the White Mountains. It is ideal for visitors of all ages, combining enjoyments that only Crete can offer!
No matter how you see your visit here, whether as a scenic trek, or an interesting tour of nature’s paths, the Botanical Park is the ideal alternative proposal for a day’s escape from the city’s noise and the fashionable beaches. Shortly after you pass Fournes village and before the historical Lakkoi-Skordalou, a sign will direct you towards the Botanical Park, to an unprecedented tour of the region’s magical nature and the creative imagination of the four brothers who dreamt of and realized this unique heaven on earth! When you first see the park and its facilities, it is impossible to imagine that this is the same expanse of the 15-20 hectares which burnt to the ground in the fires of 2003, today literary reborn from its ashes. In the place of the grey landscape stands a walking, educational and entertainment park-unique in its kind in Crete – waiting for young and old, locals and foreigners, to get acquainted with the more than 150 species of fruit trees together with the dozens of herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants it hosts, while enjoying their walk through a lush natural environment. The secret of enjoying your visit to the maximum is to wander through the paths of the Botanical Park slowly and leisurely, making many stops for rest in the various suitable rest points available. Thus you shall have the opportunity to truly appreciate the beauty which you will encounter. During the summer months, the best time to schedule your visit is early in the morning, avoiding the strong heat, and having the opportunity to complete your experience with an excellent meal in the park’s restaurant. Its totally local, organic and seasonal philosophy will be unforgettable.
Flora The nearby Balkan Peninsula is one of the richest areas in the Mediterranean for plant diversity. On Crete especially there are 210 plant species per 600 square miles. Cretan consumes four times more fruit than the average southern European and six times more than the northern European The fruit trees are completely adjusted to the temperate climate of the island and produce fruit of excellent taste. The aromatic herbs constitute another great tradition in Crete. Botanical researches have discovered that the island has one of the most interesting and rich ecosystems in Europe. The European travelers who visited Crete in the 19th century praised the cretan orange. The Greek mythology narrates that the citrus fruits was Gaia’s (earth’s ) gift for the marriage between Zeus, the father of the Gods and Hera. The island enjoys perhaps one of the best Mediterranean climates, with mild temperatures prevailing all year round. Testimony to this is the abundance of tropical plants. Crete, marked by its position on the crossroads of North, South, East and West, has played an important role in the spread of the grapevine and the wine. As a matter of fact, it has been the bridge for the grapevines to pass from Egypt to Greece and then to Europe. Climate Crete is in the Mediterranean climate zone, which is the most important aspect of its climate. It has a temperate climate. The atmosphere may be quite humid, depending on the area’s proximity to the sea. Winters are quite calm and wet, with many rains – most of which in the western parts of Crete. Snow is rare on plains but often on the mountains. During the summer, median temperature ranges between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, and is definitely lower than the temperature in mainland Greece.
Organic Cretan Herbs DITTANY OF CRETE For stomach pain, aphrodisiac, nerve tonic. Also applied externally for wound healing. THYME Tonic, diuretic, stimulant, aids digestion, general wellbeing, colds. MALOTIRA Antioxidant, colds, indigestion, diuretic, coughs.
LAVENDER Sedatives, migraine, headache, nefrastheneies, insomnia, insect instead of nafthalinis. VERBENA For fat loss, cholesterol, high blood pressure, stress. CRETAN OREGANO It helps against cough stomach pains and diarrea. It is used in the kitchen on salads, pizza, potatoes and meat. SAGE Tonic, depression, indigestion, gastritis, arthritis, high blood pressure. CHAMOMILE Stress relief, indigestion, insomnia, ulcers, stomach pain, colic, diarrhea.
Operating Hours: 1st of April to November, every day From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (last admission at 7:30 p.m.) Admission: 5 Euro (children under 12 and under are FREE with their parents!)
BOTANICAL PARK OF CRETE
Fournes, 15th km Regional Road Chania-Omalos
Mobile: 6976860573
email: info@botanical-park.gr
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Water sports Camping Caving-Canyoning Climbing Country Sports Cycling Extreme Sports Fishing Flying-Gliding Horse Riding Kites-Kite Surfing Shooting Jet Skis Sailing-Windsurfing Scuba Diving-Snorkeling Shooting Surfing & Wave Ski Surfing Walking-Running-Scrambling Water Skiing-Wakeboarding
Discover the municipality of Chania as a cyclist Enjoy the island beauties, the sun and the scent of thousands of flowers and herbs, as a bicycle rider. Rent a bicycle and make your plans to visit breathtaking costs and many picturesque traditional villages on the mainland of Chania’s municipality. In close proximity to the most famous tourist area (up to 20km west from Chania town), there are many different bicycle paths where you can see and feel the nature’s changes, because the seascapes are to close to the mountains. You can feel the same in the areas either to the south and to the west side of municipality. Take a map of Chania, decide on the area that you would like to visit and plot your course on the map. Please keep always to
your mind to: - protect yourself from the sun, - be aware of vehicle traffic, - use a helmet and other accessories to protect yourself if you decide to follow paths on the mountain with a “mountain” bike, - check the altimeter changes because the mountain areas are to close to the sea, - always keep local phone numbers with you in case of emergency or dial the European emergency number (112) from your mobile. Take a swim in crystal sea waters and don’t forget to stop at one
TREKKING
The municipality of Chania is ideal for trekking because of the morphology of the terrain and the good weather conditions makes it perfect for walking. The best time of the year for this type of activity is from April until October, even though during the summer months you can combine walking and swimming at one of the many beaches within the municipality. Because of the unique morphology of the terrain, there are several gorges you can visit, each with different levels of difficulty. The most popular are the Samaria Gorge, Gorge of Saint Irini, and Imbros Gorge. One can visit these areas from April on. It is recommended that hikers become informed on permissibility of each gorge. There are other gorges for more advanced hikers that will require a guide, and therefore, you will need to contact a travel agent.
You can bicycle alone, with your friends or with your family. If you organize the adventure alone, all you need is to rent the bike. If you would like something more professional, you can visit the “Hellasbike” company (www.hellasbike.net). They organize daily bicycle tours for mountain biking and moderate road biking in different areas and at different levels of difficulty. They also provide technical support and help in case you need it. You can trust them.
many tourists.
Walking: An activity that is addressed for many people, of all ages In the last 20 years, more and more people choose this type of activity for exercise or activity. It can be combined with other activities such as bicycling, mountaineering, or other extreme sports.
of the many villages to enjoy your coffee and the traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Apart from the gorges, with their woodland natural beauty, as hikers you can choose other simple routes, ones that are close to where you are staying. You can walk amongst thousands of olive trees, orange trees and lemon trees, enjoying the scents of nature, away from the sounds of the city and the areas with
Chose one or more days to hike and visit the local area within the city of Chania, or combine your hike with a day at one of the hundreds of beaches in the area. The experience will be an unforgettable one. You can visit beautiful villages, meet the local people, farmers, and enjoy their company at a traditional village cafe or “kafeneio”. You will find the locals to be very hospitable making your stay a memorable one. For safety reasons, the least number of persons involved in this type of activity should be two. Hikers should also have the appropriate gear such as: • daypack • trekking shoes • waterproof jacket • fleece • water bottle • hat • sunglasses • suncream We recommend that you combine hiking with bicycling in cooperation with Hellasbike, where you can book the trip that interests you. For your next holiday, next year, visit the webpage www.alpine.gr, where you will find different activities and proposals such as trekking, cycling, canoeing etc.