Region of Chania

Region of Chania: Combining beaches and mountains, the beautiful Chania city and small traditional villages, it has many things to offer to its visitors.

The region of Chania, or prefecture of Chania, is the most westernmost of the regions in Crete – and for many visitors, the most interesting one.

The region of Chania consists of 5 provinces and 25 municipalities. These 5 provinces are Kydonia, Kissamos and Apokoronas in the North and Selino and Sfakia in the South.

Kydonia province – the centre of the region of Chania

Kydonia is the most populous province in the region of Chania, as its capital, Chania city, is the biggest city in West Crete, with about 70.000 residents.

Chania city is at the same time an old city, with its picturesque Venetian Harbour and the Old City of Chania, and a modern city, with contemporary houses and office buildings. The capital of the region of Chania is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece.

Kydonia is also the centre of transportation of the region of Chania. The international airport of Chania in Akrotiri peninsula, 14 kilometres to the east of the city of Chania, and the port of Souda bay, 7 kilometres to the east of Chania city, are the biggest and busiest in West Crete.

The best beaches in Kydonia can be found in the West of Chania city, in the resorts of Platanias and Agia Marina, the most well-known resorts in the region of Chania. There are also some interesting beaches in Akrotiri Peninsula east of Chania city.

Kissamos province – the (not so) “far West” of the region of Chania

Kissamos is the westernmost province of the region of Chania. Due to its distance from Chania city, the destinations in Kissamos province are less crowded and quieter than the destinations in Kydonia province. However, for the visitor who wants real relaxation, this is certainly an advantage. Furthermore, in recent years the infrastructure and amenities in the province have improved considerably.

The most picturesque parts of Kissamos province are the two peninsulas of Rodopou and Gramvoussa, which form the two characteristic “horns” in the map, in the West of the region of Chania. Between them lies the beautiful bay of Kissamos, where the capital of the province, Kissamos or Kastelli, is located.

Probably the most known beach in Kissamos province is Falasarna, located in the northwest of the province.

Apokoronas province – the greenest province of the region of Chania

To the east of Chania city, after Souda bay and extending all the way to Georgioupoli, is the province of Apokoronas, the most especial province in the region of Chania.

Apokoronas province is located in the homonymous Apokoronas Peninsula. Apokoronas combines some of the most picturesque mountainous small villages in the region of Chania, like Vamos, Douliana, Gavalohori and Vrisses, with some beautiful coastal villages with splendid beaches, like Almyrida, Plaka and Kalives.

Selino – the province with the most known destinations in the south of the region of Chania

Selino is a big province with fertile land, full of olive trees, which also features the two most known destinations in the south of the region of Chania: Paleochora and Sougia.

Both of these villages have managed to maintain their traditional character, while at the same time providing many amenities to the visitor. Both villages have also plenty of excellent beaches in their vicinity, especially Paleochora. Sougia is the more remote destination of the two, ideal for calm and quiet holidays.

Sfakia – the largest province in the south of the region of Chania, with the most unique nature

Sfakia is the largest province in the region of Chania, and also the most unspoilt one. Century after century, the isolation of Sfakia, interrupted in the last decades by the paved roads leading to the north, has kept this part of Crete authentic and traditional.

In Sfakia province we find some of the most especial destinations and sights in the region of Chania, like Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe, Loutro, one of the most beautiful coastal villages in Greece, accessible by boat only, Hora Sfakion, Askyfou and Frangokastelo.

The region of Chania is the most diverse region in Crete. It features Chania city, one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, and at the same time plenty of small picturesque, traditional villages. It has superb beaches all around, yet in the region of Chania you can also find great mountainous nature. No matter what your ideal holidays are, the region of Chania will pleasantly surprise you.

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