1. Visit The Old Agora
One of the top ten places to visit in Chania is the Old Agora that in greek language means market. This closed building dating from the beginning of the 20th century, is one of the best places to find a real taste of Cretan gastronomic’s traditions and diet. It is one of the most impressive markets in the Balkans.
The old Agora architecture was inspired by the market of Marseille. There are four doors in each of its wings to enter and exit. You can find inside fruit vendors, butchers, fish stalls, taverns, and souvenir market as well. A few shops sell locally produced honey, cheese, bread and herbs, but also olive oil, snails, etc.
For your own independence rent a car on arrival from Chania airport or pick it up at your hotel, as it would be the best option to drive to your chosen destination and organize your own holidays according to your needs.
Book your car rental online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our website www.creteroyal.com
2. The Venetian district
The first thing you hear about Chania is the Venetian Harbour, the narrow shopping streets and waterfront restaurants. The Venetian neighborhood of the Old Town in Chania is one of the most picturesque areas. Through the pages of history the city of Chania has seen Arab, Venetian and Byzantine invaders and that is where you will see the marks they left on the architecture and general atmosphere of the town. You can stroll along the labyrinth of alleyways around the port with numerous entertainment options where you can shop, dine and explore museums. The narrow Angelou Street is the heart of the Venetian district and it reminds of the Venetian architecture style of the XVI and XVII centuries.
In some of the buildings is present the Ottoman influence with the characteristic hai-arti (or Harem room). These are the Venetian buildings with a wooden facade added during the Turkish occupation. Behind their walls are hidden intense memories, stories and legends that just a few locals really know. Once being the most prominent part of the old town it was home to the most important Venetian rulers. Many of these mansions have been recently renovated into elegant boutique hotels, retaining the original characteristics of their architecture.
Renting a car with Royal Rentals provides you independence and also you can carry more stuff with you such as your luggage, your shopping for the city visit or own umbrella at the beach. Book your car rental online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our website www.creteroyal.com
3. The Venetian Lighthouse of Chania
Faros lighthouse is one of the most characteristic sights of Chania. Built in the XVI century by the Venetian navy to protect the harbor, it is the oldest existing lighthouse in Greece, and one of the oldest in the world. In the XIX century Egyptian soldiers redesigned and rebuilt it.
It reaches a height of 21 meters and lies on natural rocks. During the Venetians it served as a protective bastion. In case of attacks, the Venetians would close the port with a chain from the lighthouse reaching the Firka fortress.
Rent a car with Royal Rentals to organize your holidays at will. Book your car rental online easily and safely from Chania airport or port to any location via our website www.creteroyal.com
4. The Mosque of the Janissaries
Enjoy the architecture of The Mosque of the Janissaries, the oldest Islamic structure in Crete dating back to 1645.
It was built on the foundations of an old Venetian church and was a place of prayer exclusive for the Janissaries, the Turkish soldiers stationed around the island to keep law and order.
The Janissaries were the Christian children that the Ottomans captured in different conquered countries and converted into their faith.
For centuries there was a fine minaret surrounded with palms and garden but any trace of it was destroyed in 1941 bomobing of the town of Chania.
For your own independence rent a car on arrival from Chania airport or pick it up at your hotel, as it would be the best option to drive to your chosen destination.
Book your car rental online easily through our booking engine website www.creteroyal.com.
5. Visit Maleme – WW II War Cemetery
One of the most important reminders of the World War II history in Crete is the war cemetery of Maleme. From the fallen German soldiers in Greece, 4,465 found their final resting place in Maleme. Most of the soldiers lost their lives during the invasion of Crete on the morning of the 20th of May in 1941
To reach Maleme drive west from the city of Chania for 23km along the highway or the coastal road. Book your car rental online easily and safely from the airport or port of Chania to any location via our website www.creteroyal.com.
6. Visit the Venizelos Graves
Not too far away from the centre, if you have a rental car, consider visiting the Venizelos graves.
They are named after the charismatic and beloved Eleftherios Venizelos who was elected as Prime Minister of Greece eight times. In the same area, visitors can see the tomb of his son Sofoklis Venizelos who was also elected Prime Minister three times. Eleftherios Venizelos had an important role in the unification of Crete with the Greek state. You can read more about in the area. Apart from the marvelous panoramic view of the bay below, people can also visit the church of Prophet Elias that sits under the shade of pine trees.
As Crete has many gorgeous places to discover, renting a car will save you a lot of time and fatigue. Use our booking engine online www.creteroyal.com and find the best vehicle for your holiday.
7. Visit the Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum is situated in the entrance of the city’s port.
You will be guided through the Greek maritime traditions of the times. The two floors of exhibitions include the items and photos relating to WWII and the Cretan people calvary during the Battle of Crete together with the forces of Australia and New Zealand.
8. Discover The Monasteries
There are many monasteries to visit around the area of Chania.
The Katholiko, is a ruined monastery considered as the oldest monastery in Crete. The original founder is believed to be St John the Hermit, who led an ascetic life in a cave nearby and survived on wild greens and carobs.
Gouverneto Monastery was built in 1537 during the Venetian period and abandoned during the Turkish occupation. The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin and there are strict visitation rules for people wishing to enter.
Chrysoskalitissa monastery can be combined with your visit to the southwestern beaches like Elafonisi. Its name came out of the legend that one of its 98 steps was made out of gold (chryso). It provides great views over the Libyan Sea. The women visiting the monastery will be required to cover their arms and legs before entering.
The Patriarchal Monastery of Agia Triada Tsagarolon is one of the most important monasteries of the Venetian Empire in Crete with a great influence to the History and Education of the island. It is located on the foot of Stavros mountain chain, in the area "Tzompomilos"
To explore all these amazing destinations book your car rental online from Chania airport or port and find the best vehicle for your holidays in Crete. Royal rentals company will give you the opportunity to discover the island easily and conveniently.
9. Hike Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge, open from the 1st of May till mid-October, is the longest gorge in Europe, lenght 16km and in its narrowest point it is little more than 3m across.
The gorge starts at Xyloskalo (1,227m above sea level) on the Omalos Plateau and runs down to the seaside village of Agia Roumeli, on the south coast of Crete. The walk through the Samaria Gorge takes between 6-8 hours. Apart from the beauty in scenery, the gorge is home to a variety of flora and fauna. At the end you can relax on the wonderful beach of Agia Roumeli after crossing the gorge.
If you think that 16km are too many, you can see the last part of the gorge. You have to drive till Chora Sfakion and then you take the boat to Agia Roumeli, where is the exit of the gorge, you just have to walk a few kilometers in the gorge, at least till the most narrow point "portes".
www.creteroyal.com provides a great range of vehicles to rent from any point of your choice. You can book your car rental pick up from Chania airport, port or delivered even at your hotel.
10. Visit the village of Theriso
Drive through a beautiful gorge to reach the village of Theriso located at the beautiful sight in the mountains. It is a popular choice for locals in winter and picnics in the spring. The village itself is historic and that is the place from where began the cretan revolution under the guidance of Eleftherios Venizelos.
Visit he Historical and Folklore Museum of Therisos founded in 1985 and located in the building that was used as the headquarters of Eleftherios Venizelos. The museum hosts objects of that period, archives and photographic material, as well as personal objects of Eleftherios Venizelos.
You can continue further to Zourva and come down to Chania again via Meskla. This, nowadays paved road provides a spectacular drive.
If you are lucky, you may also see “kri-kri”on the cliffs around. These wild Cretan goat can only be found on the island of Crete and are usually shy and avoid humans.
As Crete has many gorgeous places to discover, renting a car will save you a lot of time and fatigue. Use our booking engine online www.creteroyal.com and find the best model for your holiday.
We provide a great range of vehicles to rent from any point of your choice. You can book your car rental online frrom Chania airport, port or delivered even at your hotel.
11. Falasarna Beach
Falasarna Beach is a famous Cretan destination with its wonderful white sand and warm, crystal-clear water, It has won prizes for the most beautiful beach in Crete and is one of the top ten beaches in Europe. For its ecological preservation it is a part of the Natura 2000 network. Here is where you will have the most stunning sunset in West Crete.
The best way to reach Falasarna is to rent a car and drive 59 km westerly from Chania through Kissamos by the National Road. In Falasarna you can practice watersports, windsurfing, SUP, snorkeling or simply swimming.
To explore all these amazing destinations book your car rental online at www.creteroyal.com and pick it up from Chania airport, port or even at your hotel. Royal rentals company will give you the opportunity to discover the island easily and conveniently.
12. Elafonisi
Elafonisi has been voted between the 10 best beaches in the world and the best way to reach it is rent a car and drive 75 km south-west from Chania. Its stumming soft sand and empty seashells explain pink colour of the beach. Elafonisi contains a small Elafonisi island about 200 metres south of the main swimming area and is the best place for surfing lovers. It can be reached by walking through the water.
Renting a car with Royal Rentals provides you independence and also you can carry more stuff with you such as your luggage, your shopping or own umbrella at the beach. Book your car rental online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our website www.creteroyal.com
Pick Up and Drop Off at Locations all over Crete
Rent a Car in Crete with Royal Car Rental Private Transfers Search for Popular Locations all over Crete Deliveries upon request to all major locations and villages.
Rent a Car in Crete with Royal Car Rental Excursions in Crete Search for Popular Locations all over Crete Deliveries upon request to all major locations and villages.
