CHANIA

A wonderful destination for dreamers, romantics and bon viveurs alike, Chania will feed your soul with its beauty (and your belly with exquisite Cretan flavors).

Apart from looking like something out of a postcard, Chania’s medieval Venetian harbor is also an excellent homebase for you to explore the whole town. Pay a visit to the Nautical Museum at the Firkas fortress where you’ll find ship models from the bronze age; allow yourself to get goosebumps walking the three aisles of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral at Mitropoleos Square; venture into the old tanners’ district where 19th century traditions and techniques are still venerated.

But come sunset, make sure to return to the harbor for a stroll at the 14th century Venetian light-house, a delicious meal and cocktails with a panoramic view.

Beautiful as the city may be, the nature that surrounds Chania is even more astonishing. Dip your toes at the pink sands of Elafonisi lagoon, 67km southwest of the city, or head towards the White Mountains to test your stamina at hiking Samaria, Europe’s longest gorge and home to 450 animal and plant species you can’t encounter anywhere else.