Arriving in Chania

Saturday May 10 was a beautiful day with a high of 24C.  We finished our packing and headed to the InterCity Bus Terminal where we were catching the 11:30 a.m. bus to Chania.  We took a wrong turn, but got to the terminal in time to catch the bus.

Walking by Phyllosofies and Kirkor cafes at around 10:40 a.m.   Packed with people.

The coach was very comfortable.  Lots of colourful flowers lining the highway.  We made one pit-stop at Rethymno, Crete's third largest city with a landmark 15th century fortress.  It was a three-hour trip and we arrived in Chania at 2:30 p.m.

Photo taken from the bus window- lots of flowers and interesting landscapes.

Driving into Rethymno- Fortress on the seafront

Chania is located on the northwest coast of Crete.  It is known for its 14th century Venetian harbour, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants.  It was historically the seat of Venetian, Turkish and then Cretan rule.  

Our Airbnb is only about a five minute walk from the Chania bus station.  We had read about Red Jane, an artisanal bakery known for its sourdough, located in an abandoned interwar foundry.  It was en route to our Airbnb, so of course we went in and bought a baguette.  We chatted to the woman who served us, and she gave us a brownie on the house.

Red Jane bakery

Our Airbnb is very large with a huge balcony.  Our host, Efi, met us and gave us a tour of the apartment.  She had just finished making us a cake, and there was also a bowl of fruit and a bottle of white wine.  It turns out she is an archaeologist and works at the Chania archaeological museum, which is on our list to visit.

Large bedroom


Huge living room, dining room and kitchen space


Another view with the well-equipped kitchen


Outdoor deck with another table--- Allan checking things out

The home-made cake-- just out of the oven.

We got settled in and then went for a walk towards the Old Town. We are in the downtown part of Chania but only a 10 minute walk from the Old Town.   We pass through 1866 Square en route and stopped for coffee at Monogram, highly recommended by European Coffee Trip (a very good coffee app).

Allan at the Monogram entrance

Enjoying our coffee on the Square- we'll be back to buy some beans.

There were many fierce looking statues in the square

1817-1916

We walked by the Greek Orthodox Cathedral which was completed between 1850-1860.  It is called the "Presentation of the Virgin Mary Holy Metropolitan Church."  We couldn't go in as there was a wedding.

There was a wedding at the Cathedral

We continued our walk to the Venetian harbour.  

Eastern side of the Harbour

Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan- built in 1645- oldest Ottoman building in town.

Chania Lighthouse was originally a naval post created by the Venetians that would protect the city from Turks or pirates.  In 1645, the Turks took control of the city, during which time the lighthouse was left to ruins.  Egyptian troops who were aiding the Ottoman Empire, rebuilt the lighthouse in 1864.  It suffered damage in WWII, and was refurbished in 2006.

Chania Lighthouse

Old Sailing boat

View of the eastern part of the harbour

Lots of colour on the main part of the Venetian Harbour

We headed back to the apartment, walking through 1866 Square with its imposing statues.  We will find out more information about the statues on Sunday, when we take a Free Tour.

1797-1884

We had a light dinner and I worked on the blog.  We are having problems downloading pictures.  Keeping fingers crossed.  We found the Venetian Harbour quite beautiful, especially with the lighthouse and interesting architecture.  However, we were a bit dismayed by the many tacky tourist shops on the narrow streets and the touristy restaurants on the Harbour.  We are taking a Free Tour on Sunday afternoon and hopefully will find more spots where the locals hang out.



















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