Discover romantic and hidden spots in Chania!
Chania almost always features as a top honeymoon destination in the lists of travel magazines. Without much consideration, it is an ideal destination for couples, since it combines the sea with the mountain, tradition with modernity, and the city with the countryside. The alternation of landscapes and the spectacular natural beauty of Crete make local and foreign visitors consistently choose Chania for their holidays. A significant advantage of this seaside town is that it remains active even during the winter, with many options for accommodation and several attractions nearby.
The best way to move around Crete, the largest island in Greece, is by trusting Carwiz, the best car rental company. The roads on the island are difficult, and therefore you need a reliable solution when on holiday by car.
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Take advantage of the many options of Akrotiri
Not far from Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport of Chania, is the largest cape of the prefecture. Therein lies the Venizelos Tombs, one of the best places to enjoy the view of the Gulf of Chania. If you are in search of locations with a great view, then you should definitely visit Leras Cave, which is a spot fairly unknown to tourists. The Cave offers the most mesmerizing sunset in Akrotiri! Furthermore, a visit to the Holy Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels of Gouvernetou will surely impress you! In addition to its religious character, the Monastery has a wonderful path filled with olive trees and a sea view. It is truly the ideal place to take a walk, clear your mind and get rid of all your stress. It is called, by many people, the Mount Athos of Crete, and after leaving the Catholic Monastery, you will reach a fjord with green waters and magical beauty!
Renting a car from the Chania airport is a perfect solution if you choose to travel to the island by plane.
The -always enchanting- Venetian Port
Chania Lighthouse is among the most famous attractions in Chania and one of the most recognizable spots in the city. It is a spot for going for a stroll and take some pictures, both during the day and the night, when it is illuminated. It was built in the late 16th century by the Venetians and perfected in the 19th century by the Egyptians. If you are a fan of Architecture and History, don't miss a visit to the Venetian Castle of Fortezza. Choose Carwiz to book rental cars from Rethymno or Chania. They are only 60 km apart.
Ηalepa: Scents from another epoch
One of the most romantic places in Chania is Halepa District. A historical neighborhood with great sea view, old-fashioned mansions and abandoned tanneries. In Halepa, you will find a natural swimming pool to dive, the so-called Kouloura Halepas, which does not gather many people and is not organized. The wealthy residents of Chania used to live in this area, something which is clearly reflected in the neat alleys of Halepa. Another mesmerizing area that is beautiful all year round, is Koum Kapi, found just a half-hour away. It is an old neighborhood with little taverns by the sea and many small shops for food and coffee.
Elafonisi: a must-visit
Destinations in Crete are endless, especially during the summer, since the island has hundreds of beaches with different shapes and forms. One thing is a must-visit though: you cannot travel to Chania and miss out on swimming in Elafonisi. The exotic lagoon is accessible by public transport, but you'd better choose a car rental from Chania and drive there with a brand-new car, that will meet the rough road requirements. A special experience awaits at the end of the road though. You will swim next to loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and you will enjoy the white sand lilies. Even though it is usually crowded, you will be able to find a quiet place. You can even go for some skinny dipping! If you really desire a secluded beach though, drive to Aspri Limni, an exotic spot known only to the locals, 7 kilometers away from Elafonisi.
Hidden Gems of Souda
The port of Chania is the ideal starting point for excursions. Renting a car from Souda will open the way for you to discover unexplored corners of Chania. Kalami beach is one of the unknown spots in the area with golden sand and crystal-clear blue waters, shielded with serenity. Another thing even Greeks don't know is, you can actually visit the uninhabited islet of Souda. Hey, don't forget to check the itineraries first!
The proper season to visit Sfakia
The narrow streets in Chora Sfakion, the cold waters of the sea, the scents, the culture and the authentic people make it a wild, unadulterated village of Chania. Nevertheless, it is super crowded during the summer, with tourists who want to enjoy its unspoiled nature. Spring or Autumn is just the season to visit and cross the path that connects Sfakia with Fragokastelo and Rodakino. If you rent a car from Chania you will easily explore Sfakia. You will be able to make stops wherever you wish and discover the imposing castle in Fragokastelo, next to the sandy beach.
Have fun with the exploration of the hidden culinary spots in Chania; Hochlioi, lamb, apaki, kalitsounia and staka, always accompanied by raki of course, are some of the rich secrets that Crete has to offer. Regardless of how many tourist guides you have read, only the locals will give you the best advice on where to find the best dishes.
If you arrive in Crete by air and land in Heraklion, you should also visit attractions such as, the Cretaquarium and Palace of Knossos and then, set off on your romantic trip to Chania. Carwiz has offers and suggestions in Heraklion if you wish to rent a car , in order to visit all of your new favorite places safely.