Chania city

Chania city is the capital of the prefecture of Chania and is located in the northeastern part of the prefecture. As a capital of a prefecture, it is the administrative, economic, commercial and transportation centre of the area.

The municipality of Chania has got an actual population of 53373 people (according to the census of 2001) in an area of 12564 km2. The city lies at the east end of the Chania gulf, on the strip of land connecting the Akrotiri peninsula with the mainland of Crete.

Chania is built on the site of the Minoan city Kydonia. This city has survived many conquerors, whose marks are still visible on its monuments.

The increasing tourism of the area has not changed the original character of this beautiful city.

Chania is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece and the most picturesque in Crete. Its rich cultural character includes various annual events such as exhibitions, festivals, theatre, music shows, plastic arts etc.

The city is accessible from the airport in Akrotiri and the harbour in Souda, which is the largest in the Mediterranean.