Chania is the second largest city on the Greek island of Crete, and is located on its north-west coast.
TYPES OF HOLIDAYS
Crete has been popular for a number of years with travellers from all over Europe.
Family resorts, luxury developments and budget backpacker accommodation can all be found here.
Flight time from the UK is around four hours so Chania is ideal for a mini break or for a longer, more relaxing holiday.
Chania has its own international airport that accepts flights from the UK several times a day, making it a very easy and accessible destination to visit.
BEST TIME TO GO
Chaniaâs Mediterranean climate means that the winters are wet and cool and the summers are warm and sunny.
The best time of year to visit would be May to October, when the weather is at its best and the whole range of accommodation options and tourist attractions are open.
The best cheap deals can usually found in the beginning or towards the end of the season in May or October.
SIGHTS TO SEE
Crete is an island steeped in history and you can see a lot of it when you visit Chania.
The Hania Fortifications were built by the Venetians to protect the city from a siege in the medieval times. The most well preserved section is the western wall between the Siavo Bastion and Firkas Fortress, and if you climb to the top of the Bastion you will be treated to excellent views across the city.
Chania is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Crete, so if you head to the Old Town you will find a picturesque mass of squares and narrow streets lined with old buildings. Here there are many hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants, and the Venetian Harbour is a special highlight of the area.
To see a range of historic artefacts from the area you can head to the Hania Archaeological Museum, which is housed inside the 16th century Church of San Francisco. Displays to be found here include Neolithic and Roman relics, some of which are over 5000 years old.
For amazing natural beauty, you can visit the Samaria Gorge. This 10 mile (16km) gorge is a great location for trekking or mountain biking.
ACTIVITIES
Water sports such as water skiing, jetskiing, windsurfing and banana boats are of course particular favourites around Chania, with many centres providing equipment and lessons. One of the best is the Cactus Water Sports Centre on Agia Marina beach.
There is a wide range of natural scenery to be explored and many mountain trails to suit everybodyâs ability and level of fitness.
Rock climbing can also be done in the mountains around Chania with qualified instructors from companies such as Alpine, who provide lessons and the necessary safety equipment.
BEACHES
Agia Marina is the most popular beach in the area, with miles of soft sand attracting many tourists. Water sports are available and there are many beach bars and taverns to be enjoyed.
Agioi Apostoloi Beach enjoys shallow, clean waters and is sheltered from the wind, making it a popular spot for families with young children. Sun beds and parasols are available and there are kiosks and bars where you can purchase refreshments.
Similarly, nearby Golden Beach has shallow waters making it family friendly. However, this beach can become crowded during the summer months.
Other beaches include Germaniko Pouli Beach (1.5 miles/2km to the west), the soft sanded Kalatha Beach to the east, and Kiana Akti 5 miles (10km) outside of town close to Kalives.
NIGHTLIFE
There are plenty of nightlife options in Chania, ranging from chilled out bars to nightclubs playing great music.
Many of the best venues are located around the harbour area. Well known bars such as El Mondo, which has been operating since 1981, and the glamorous My Caf© are very popular bars to hit.
Senso Club is an interesting venue as it offers a range of themed nights throughout the week, including a Greek night where patrons throw traditional plates of flowers.
Maura Mesanixta offers a wide range of live music, while Mylos and Splendid offer the best international DJs and wild dance parties in the area.
ACCOMMODATION
Chania's Venetian quarter is a popular area to stay in with a wide range of family run pensions and higher end resorts.
Casa Delfino is one of the best resorts in the area and is famed for its excellent on-site spa that offers a range of relaxing treatments. Its location in the old town is another bonus.
Casa Leone offers an authentic Greek experience, being housed in a restored 15th century villa. Here you can enjoy the historic ambience of the old town as well as stunning views over the harbour.
Anyone looking for budget self catering accommodation in Chania should check out the Lefka Apartments. This clean and comfortable complex is family run and boasts a swimming pool set in beautiful gardens just outside the main town.
The Sun City Hotel also offers both self catering apartments as well as hotel rooms very close to the beach and town centre. This means you can enjoy a flexible stay with an on site bar and restaurant as well as all Chaniaâs best venues on your doorstep.
And the Esplanade Hotel Apartments offer affordable studios for four to six people, as well as traditional hotel accommodation right in the heart of Chania. On site there is a swimming pool, separate kidsâ pool and Wi-Fi in the all the rooms.