Western Crete & Chania, greece
Attractions Guide
Chania, Greece
In Chania you can walk along the Old Venetian Harbor and admire the historic structures lining the harbor, such as the multi-domed Mosque of the Janissaries. Be sure to also take in views of the town from the far-side of the harbor wall, where the old stone Chania Lighthouse is located.
You might also visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania nearby to see interesting ancient Roman and Minoan artifacts. The museum is located in an impressive former Venetian monastery.
Seitan Limania Beach
The beautiful Seitan Limania Beach is a small calanque with brilliant clear blue waters, located on a peninsula approximately 30 minutes east of Chania near the airport. In order to reach the beach you'll need to hike down about 20 minutes each way from the parking area. Upon reaching the beach you'll notice the goats that wander around sand.
Balos Beach / Balos Lagoon
Head west along the coast of Crete to see the island's most gorgeous beach, known as Balos Beach (or Balos Lagoon). This massive lagoon has very shallow crystal-clear water surrounded by fine sandy beaches and is an excellent place for swimming.
You can also take in incredible views over the lagoon from the Balos Beach Trail Viewpoint along the hike down to the beach. The hike to reach the beach is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) each way, or longer as the parking lot and street parking fills up.
From the beach you can take a very short hike up the Tigani peninsular rock on the other side of the lagoon for more great views.
Imeri Gramvousa Island
About 1/2 mile (1 km) off the coast of Balos Beach is the tiny island of Imeri Gramvousa. At the island's highest point are the ruins of the 16th century Gramvoussa Fort, a hilltop Venetian fortress with breathtaking panoramic views over the coast and the mainland, which can be reached with a very short hike. The island also has an incredible sandy beach, an old church (Ekklisia Agios Georgios), and even a shipwreck.
You can reach Balos Lagoon by car, but in order to see the lagoon and the island you'll need to book a boat tour from the nearby Kissamos Port (which takes you to both), or take the shuttle boat to the island from the same port. Kissamos is located quite close to Balos Beach.
Elafonissi Beach
After enjoying the Balos area you can head down to another incredible beach, Elafonissi Beach. This sandy beach is surrounded by picturesque clear blue waters on both sides, and along with Balos Beach is a must-see attraction in Western Crete.
Sprouting out from Elefonissi Beach is a small long peninsula with a rock at the end of it. Atop this rock is the tiny Church Agia Irini, from which you can take in stunning views looking back at Elafonissi Beach. The walk to reach the church is approximately 2.1 miles (3.4 km) round-trip from the beach's parking lot.
Google Maps Attraction Lists
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