Chania City from Above | 01 May 2015
35.5167° N, 24.0167° E
Haniá or as it is widely spelled Chaniá (Greek: Χανιά, pronounced: hahn-yáh, also known as Xania) situated to the west of the island, is arguably Crete’s most picturesque and characterful city. It lies along the north coast of Crete, about 70km west of Rethymno and 145km west of Heraklion. Despite being heavily bombed during World War II, Chania Old Town is considered the most beautiful urban district on Crete. Its beautiful labyrinth of little streets creates a unique ambient atmosphere and leads to the impressive Venetian harbour with the characteristic lighthouse, Chania’s long – standing emblem. Numerous restored Venetian townhouses have been converted into boutique hotels full of character while partly restored roofless Venetian buildings house sophisticated restaurants and elegant bars, creating an unspeakable charm under the starry summer sky of Crete. Lively, colourful and cosmopolitan in the summer; romantic, cozy and nostalgic in the winter will make sure to captivate you.