Chania, the second largest city on the island, is often considered the most beautiful.
For many people who visit Crete, it makes a lot of sense to base their vacation in the area, as there are so many fascinating places to see, both natural and cultural. Also, by booking a rental car in Chania, you have the perfect opportunity to fully explore the location.
By investing in Chania car rental, you can ensure that you can see all the sights, without having to worry about walking long distances to reach out-of-the-way places, or relying on the sometimes overwhelmed public transportation system. .
The city of Chania itself contains a number of fascinating places that each and every tourist will find interesting to visit. One of the most famous landmarks is the city’s Venetian harbor which, while busy during the day, is especially romantic at night for honeymooners and couples spending intimate holidays together.
One of the most popular features of the port is the Venetian lighthouse, which stands at its entrance. Built by the Venetians in 1570, the lighthouse is not only a monument of historical but also cultural importance, as it is considered the symbol of Chania. Visitors, however, can only see this building from the outside.
Another place in the city of Chania that is popular with visitors is the Ottoman baths, located on Zambeliou and Douka streets in the old town. Built in 1645 by the Ottoman Turks, these public baths are a remnant of the historical importance these places had in Middle Eastern culture as areas of social gathering and body cleansing.
There are also many wonderful places outside the city to visit, so after booking your car rental in Chania, it’s time to travel south to the Samaria Gorge, a wonderful national park that is popular with avid hikers and tourists. anyone who enjoys good views. At 16 km long, the Samaria Gorge is claimed to be the largest in Europe.
Hikers can plan to spend up to 7 hours hiking the gorge, though even the less athletic may be persuaded to embark on the trek due to the wide variety of rare plant and animal species that flourish in Samaria. These include the Kri-Kri, an endangered Cretan wild goat.
After booking a rental car in Chania, it is also recommended to take time to visit Gramvoussa Castle, which is located on the western side of Crete. This impressive structure dates back to 1579, when it was built by the Venetians. The intriguing and dramatic history of the castle is enough to captivate all history buffs.
Those who visit Crete for the sun and sand will be pleased to know that Gramvoussa is situated next to the stunning beaches of Balos, with a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea. There really is something for everyone in this place, making it a must see area.
The last place to visit after booking a rental car in Chania is the Chrissoskalitissa Monastery, southwest of the city of Chania, a traditional settlement also built in Venetian times. Although still inhabited, the monastery is open to the general public who can enjoy the folklore museum that features relics from the Cretan Revolution.
Chrissoskalitissa Monastery sits above the beautiful Elafonisi beach and charming Elafonisi village, making it another great place to visit for tourists with a variety of different tastes and interests.
Booking a rental car in Chania is a great way to see the best the area has to offer, while avoiding public transport restrictions and large tourist crowds. Both the city and its surroundings boast some truly memorable sights that are sure to take the breath away of each and every visitor.