The prefecture of Chania (Hania) is mainly a mountainous region but velvet beaches also characterize it. Enjoy 17 million olive trees, oranges in groves like forests, warm turquoise water, deep ravines, strange caves, incredible rock formations and animal species unseen elsewhere.

You will have the opportunity to enjoy the longest and most impressive gorge in Europe, the famous Samaria gorge. It is 18 km long and its passing is possible only during the summer months. It has been described as the most magnificent in the world. Hike through to see the most awe inspiring and breathtaking scenery. It is the only place in Crete where the native wild goat (kri-kri) still lives. There are also many rare species of birds and all along the gorge there is a vast variety of herbs and flowers.

Here you can swim in the crystal clear Aegean waters in beaches like Glaros, Kalamaki, Stalos, Ayia Marina, Platanias, Kolymbari, Kalyves, Almyrida, and Georgioupoli and experience the therapeutic mineral water spa. For all of those who adore sports there are various clubs you can visit during your stay, for mountaineering, biking, nautical activities, flying and tennis. There are also the shooting grounds.

The capital is the romantic, hospitable and very beautiful town of Chania. It is a town built on the sea, which combines in a particularly picturesque way old with modern architecture. The area is full of wonderful beaches and isolated coves with soft sand or colourful pebbles and crystalline waters.

The Old Town is centered on the pretty Venetian harbour. At the entrance is the old Venetian lighthouse, opposite the historic Firka Fortress and the Naval Museum. Other sights are several monasteries and churches. The famous Municipal Market - "Agora", shaped in a cross is situated in Sofoklis Venizelos square. You must try the unique, specialty called "Bougatsa" made with a secret recipe (like cheese-pie). It is also the centre of nightlife with many bars and clubs.

The villages of Therisso, GeorgioupolI, Vamos, Vrysses, Paleochora, Sougia, Ayia Roumeli, Loutro, Askyfou, Chora Sfakion and Kissamos are all very picturesque and the landscape around consists of wild beauty. Then there are the tiny uninhabited islet of Elafonisi and the subtropical islet of Gavdos.

Lake Kourna is the only lake in Crete and covers a total area of some 15 acres. The landscape offers dense vegetation, bushes, reeds and brambles. The southeastern bank is covered with olive trees. There is a strip of white sand where a café serves "tsikoudia" (a strong alcoholic beverage) and coffee. You can also go for a swim in the lake here.

Kourna cave has richly decorative stalactites and stalagmites and natural pillars. There are labyrinthine passages on a number of levels. The village of Kourna is very picturesque. From the highest point of the road, the view of the lake is magical. The colour of the water can be seen changing from light green to dark blue, with the wild mountains all around reflected in the calm surface of the lake.

As with all the isles of Greece, there are numerous lodging facilities and a plethora of fine eating establishments for your enjoyment. There are shops where you can pick up souvenirs of your time spent here for yourself and your loved ones not as fortunate to enjoy the experience with you.

So come, visit and enjoy Chania today for a spectacular vacation. Be enchanted and take home with you wonderful memories and a yearning to visit again and again.