The prefecture of Chania is one of the 4 prefectures in Crete. It occupies the western end of the island and it borders to the east with the prefecture of Rethymno, to the north and south with the Cretan Sea and the Libyan Sea, respectively.

Seat of the prefecture: Chania
Prefecture population: 150.387 (2001 census)

The main areas of the prefecture are: Kissamos - Kastelli, Palaiochora, Kandanos, Sfakia, Maleme, Platanias, Agia Marina, Fragokastello.

The morphology of the prefecture includes a region of plains, especially along its northern coastline. The most important plains are the plain of Kissamos, the plain of Chania and the Apokoronos plain.

The city of Chania is the second in population urban centre in Crete, after that of Heraklio.

The economy of the prefecture of Chania is mainly based on the primary sector (agriculture and animal husbandry) and the tertiary sector (services, tourism, commerce). In the sector of agriculture, the main items grown include olive trees, vines, fruit trees, vegetables and wheat.

The city of Chania, the seat of the prefecture, is built on the ruins of ancient Kydonia. With a plethora of monuments and natural points of interest, it can be characterized as the most "poetic" city of Crete.

The visitors of the area are attracted by the picturesque and rich in history city of Chania, the beautiful and clean beaches and other sights.

In the old town there are many and important points of interest. At the entrance of the picturesque Venetian harbour stands its lighthouse and across from it the historical Venetian fortress of "Firkas", constructed in the 16 th century.

On the eastern side of the harbour, in Kastelli, stand the Venetian walls. In the district called Splangia, close to Kastelli, one can visit the Churches of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas), St. Roccos (Venetian) and the church of Agii Anargyroi (The Holy Unmercenaries), the only Christian church which remained officially open during the Turkish occupation. In the district of Chalepa there is the old palace of Prince George of Greece, the house of the important Prime minister of Greece Eleftherios Venizelos, and the church of Agia Magdalene (St. Magdalena).

Chania also has an Archaeological, a Historical, a Folk Art and a Marine Museum. Inside the city one can also see many Turkish buildings and mosques, remnants of the Turkish occupation.

The prefecture of Chania offers a variety of beaches with natural beauty, some cosmopolitan and others remote and quiet. The ones closest to the city are the beaches of Agii Apostoli (Golden beach), Agia Marina and Platania, all well known for their popularity with the visitors. On these beaches one can also enjoy sea sports activities. Across from the beach of Platanias, is the little island of Agii Theodori, habitat of the rare Cretan wild goat (also known as "Kri Kri"). For this reason the island has been officially characterised as a National Forest, and public access is prohibited.

The beaches of Kalathas, Stavros and Marathi are known for their natural beauty and the clear water. The beach of Stavros was the natural setting for the famous film "Zorba the Greek".

One of the most amazing beaches is Falassarna, 17 km from Kissamos (Kastelli). This beach has won many times the award of the best beach in Greece and one of the best of Europe. The beach of Balos is very wide with very fine white and red sand. The sandy beach of Georgioupoli throbs with life every summer, due to the large number of hotels built along it.

In the dark waters of Kourna lake one has the opportunity to explore the beautiful setting by renting a water-bike, or even swim.

In the area of Chania you can enjoy the tasty Cretan cuisine, seated at a little table of a fish tavern, right by the sea. You can also enjoy a vibrant night life in the modern rhythms of the clubs and bars.

How you can get there

By air: There are daily flights from the airport of Athens “Eleutherios Venizelos” and the airport of Thessaloniki to Chania.

Coastally: Daily time-tables from Piraeus to Chania.

Kastelli of Chania is linked with Ferry Boat to Kythira, Antikythira, Gythio and Kalamata.