a vibey new beach club and creative family entertainment Could this be your clients’ dream destination in Crete Seamlessly combining family-friendly sophistication with laid-back romantic appeal in an enviable location Domes Zeen Chania is a Cretan escape with enticing new developments for this summer just minutes from Chania’s vibrant old town Domes Zeen Chania has something for all ages and offers a rare balance of boho-chic luxury and cultural immersion making it one of Crete’s most versatile five-star stays this design-led escape is an ideal option for agents keen to increase bookings in the luxury and family sectors and for repeat visitors to Greece Fusing Cretan culture with cosmopolitan flair bringing a laid-back yet elite coastal hotspot to Chania Blending in with Domes Zeen Chania’s earthy tones and boho-chic design the space flows from beach bar and daybeds to a restaurant and laid-back lounge open to both resort guests and discerning locals mindful Mediterranean playlists set the tone for immersive culinary experiences – diners can enjoy Cretan menus infused with subtle Japanese and Mexican influences This new venue is a great talking point for agents who can highlight it to clients before word gets out Sell it: Zamana Beach Club is opening soon for the 2025 summer season so use it to upsell the resort to honeymooners couples or clients who love a curated beach scene Design-led and family-friendly aren’t always found together in hotel descriptions but Domes Zeen Chania brings the two together harmoniously The resort appeals to clients seeking a stylish family holiday without losing the romantic aesthetic that attracts couples Families will be drawn to the Montessori-inspired kids’ club with activities ranging from simple crafts for toddlers to yoga for kids mini cinema and swimming pool within the club Children are also invited to head out into the resort’s gardens with the resident experts to plant their own greens as they learn more about sustainability and healthy eating in a fun way families can relax in design-forward suites with multi-room options available to comfortably accommodate multi-generational groups Direct wellness enthusiasts to the new Reformer Pilates in the Wild offering The Gym Pavilion will feature state-of-the-art Reformer Pilates beds providing an elevated and immersive wellness experience set within the natural surroundings of the resort it’s a versatile booking that earns you repeat business Position the resort to design-conscious families or couples – the all-ages Recently awarded a prestigious Michelin Key Domes Zeen Chania offers guests a world of gastronomic wonder Fine dining restaurant Gallina is presided over by award-winning chef Pavlos Kyriakis with a menu inspired by Greece and the Mediterranean all-day snacks and light bites are available at the Beach House bar and the poolside Ef Zeen bar  Sell it: The new Michelin Key accolade and beach club are great conversation starters with premium clients – use the Key in particular to highlight the resort’s quality Chania is one of the world’s oldest settlements and visitors can explore highlights including the old harbour area the iconic 16th-century lighthouse and the grand stately homes and Turkish bathhouses For those who prefer to spend their holiday by the water’s edge there are plenty of beach options nearby including the golden sand of Falassarna the blue waters of Seitan Limania and tropical Balos Recommend a visit to the nature reserve of Elafonisi where the beach is famed for its pale pink sand Sell it: Promote the experience as well as the hotel As well as being ideally located for accessing Chania’s old town the hotel is also a gateway to some of Greece’s most iconic beaches For clients keen to explore more than one island combine Domes Zeen Chania with Domes Novos Santorini for an ultra-luxury twin-centre with a unique twist In Santorini clients can soak up scenes of renowned sunsets and the caldera dine in cliffside restaurants and visit the red and black sand beaches all from the sanctuary of the resort where each suite or villa features a zen pool This stunning resort is also an ideal option for families suggest clients opt for Domes Resorts’ Haute Living Selection (HLS) This hotel-within-a-hotel concept offers them a curated selection of special value offers upgraded welcome and bathroom amenities and more Sell it: Consider individual clients’ needs A twin-centre such as Chania and Santorini can be a great option for those keen to explore different places while couples or honeymooners looking for a quieter escape may prefer the tranquillity of Chania as an alternative to buzzy Santorini Website: domesresorts.com/domeszeenchania Travel agent training programme and trade site: www.domesresortsexpert.com  Instagram: @domes_resorts  TTG Media Limited.Place of registration: England and Wales.Company number 08723341.Registered address: 2-6 Boundary Row, London, SE1 8HP Hania (also spelled Chania) is Crete’s most evocative city with its pretty Venetian quarter criss-crossed by narrow lanes and culminating at a magnificent harbour Remnants of Venetian and Turkish architecture abound with old townhouses now transformed into atmospheric restaurants and boutique hotels Hania Archaeological Museum The setting alone in the beautifully restored 16th-century Venetian Church of San Francisco is reason to visit this fine collection of artefacts from… Venetian Harbour There are few places where Hania's historic charm and grandeur are more palpable than in the old Venetian Harbour It's lined by pastel-coloured buildings… Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan One of the prettiest and most dominant vestiges of the Turkish era is this dusky-pink multidomed former mosque on the eastern side of the Venetian Harbour… Byzantine & Post-Byzantine Collection In the impressively restored Venetian Church of San Salvatore this small but fascinating collection of artefacts Historical Museum & Archives The Historical Museum & Archives of Hania about a 1.5km walk southeast of the old harbour traces Crete’s war-torn history with a series of exhibits… Church of Agios Nikolaos One of Hania’s most intriguing buildings is this Venetian-era church with both a bell tower and a double-balconied minaret – the latter replaced a second… Maritime Museum of Crete Part of the hulking Venetian-built Firkas Fortress at the western port entrance this museum celebrates Crete’s nautical tradition with model ships Ancient Kydonia The discovery of clay tablets with Linear B script during ongoing excavations on Kastelli Hill to the east of the Venetian Harbour has led archaeologists… View more attractionsPlan with a localExperience the real Greece Get startedBuild a memorable collectionGet to the heart of Hania with one of our in-depth Visit in ShopPocket Athens $14.99 Visit in ShopGreek Islands $26.99 Go to checkout (0 items)For Explorers Everywhere No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission Share price 8416.00p 6 May 2025 at 09:20 News releases Vignette Collection and a Kimpton La Mer Crete will bolster IHG’s leading luxury and lifestyle footprint in Europe one of the world’s leading hotel companies announces the signing of two properties on the island of Crete Vignette Collection and Kimpton La Mer Crete mark brand debuts in the country and are expected to open in 2025 and 2026 respectively The latest additions will see three IHG brands represented on the island of Crete following in the footsteps of InterContinental Crete which opened in 2024 Vignette Collection will deliver one-of-a-kind and memorable experiences alongside a commitment to more responsible travel including a rooftop bar and an a la carte restaurant guests will also enjoy the use of a wellness centre complete with a rooftop heated plunge pool Located on the beachfront halfway between picturesque Chania and historic Rethymno Kimpton La Mer Crete is set to deliver a world-class luxury beach resort experience two distinctive restaurant offerings and a state-of-the-art spa centre Guests will also have direct access to the scenic Georgioupolis beach Greece continues to be a leading tourist destination in Europe attracting travellers from around the world we are excited to be partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring two of their world-renowned brands to the country and provide guests with two different luxury and lifestyle offerings We believe IHG’s existing in-market experience and global enterprise will be invaluable in helping to drive performance and deliver high returns across both properties.” Vignette Collection is IHG’s first collection brand and represents a curation of distinct hotels Vignette Collection combines each property’s individual identity with the brand’s promise of ‘A Means for Good’ and Memorable Rituals No two stays are the same at any Vignette Collection hotel around the world allowing guests to experience the unique story of each hotel Vignette Collection has achieved more than half of its 10-year target of 100 hotels opening or in the pipeline worldwide within a three-year period The brand provides a compelling way for owners of independent hotels to benefit from IHG’s powerful enterprise offering and global scale while enabling guests to book one-of-a-kind stays with all the benefits of the IHG One Rewards programme Founded in 1981 by visionary hotelier Bill Kimpton design-forward hotels in the United States Bill Kimpton saw an opportunity in the U.S for a hotel experience that was more than a place to stay The lifestyle luxury Kimpton brand is designed to merge a culture of human hospitality and unique The hotels join IHG’s leading luxury and lifestyle portfolio which has grown significantly in recent years to six brands over 530 open hotels and a pipeline of more than 370 properties IHG Hotels & Resorts (tickers: LON:IHG for Ordinary Shares; NYSE:IHG for ADRs) is a global hospitality company with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good With a family of 20 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes with over 145 million members IHG has more than 6,600 open hotels in over 100 countries and a development pipeline of over 2,200 properties InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales Approximately 385,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn Vignette Collection is IHG’s first collection brand and newest addition to its luxury and lifestyle portfolio It represents a fast-growing family of unique properties each offering one-of-a-kind stays in destinations to remember Collectively different and proudly independent Vignette Collection hotels share the vision to harness travel’s ability to benefit local people and places weaving responsibility the brand has surpassed the halfway point in its initial aim to reach 100 hotels in the first 10 years Vignette Collection was launched in 2021 offering owners of world-class independent hotels the ability to benefit from IHG’s powerful enterprise offering and global scale whilst retaining their hotel’s unique character there are 20 open hotels across 12 countries globally and a further 35 properties in the pipeline For more information, visit www.vignettecollectionhotels.com Kimpton, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio design-forward hotels in the United States in 1981 the San Francisco-born brand now operates more than 75 hotels and over 100 restaurants resort destinations and up-and-coming markets globally From inspiring design to forward-thinking flavors that feed the soul Kimpton spaces and experiences center on its guests Every detail is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered so that guest experiences remain meaningful For more information, visit www.kimptonhotels.com With the central theme “7 Years of Tourism Partnership for Chania” the official presentation event of the project and future actions of the “Tourism Partnership for Chania” will take place on Monday The event aims to highlight the development and results of a strategic alliance that has been uniting public and private entities with a common vision: the establishment of the Prefecture of Chania as one of the leading quality tourist destinations in the Mediterranean The “Tourism Partnership for Chania” is a model of cooperation as it brings together the support of the Association of Hoteliers of Chania Prefecture Its main objective is the unified and targeted promotion of Chania in international markets with actions that focus on extending the tourist season strengthening connectivity and highlighting the authentic identity of the place The event is expected to see the participation of representatives of the tourism industry while presentations will be made by high-ranking executives of the organizations and partners involved The “Chania Tourism Partnership” has been an important example of an innovative approach to Greek tourism strengthening the Chania brand internationally and emphasizing sustainable development Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 Promotion of Preveza on the metro and tram in Athens TripAdvisor Awards 2025 | Elafonisi Beach World's Best Beach - 9th in Crete, Sani Beach Award 12th BAJAGREECE: Motorsports Competition in Western Macedonia Crete also invests in cycling tourism - 13th Pediadas Tour Competitions with a summer and autumn backdrop: Attica runs at the pace of sports ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development easyJet holidays | Fam trips to Santorini, Skiathos and Rhodes Chania: The next actions of the “Tourism Partnership” Navarino Challenge returns on May 9-11, 2025 Cruise Takeoff in Chania – Record Arrivals in the First Quarter of 2025 Three Greek beaches among the world’s 50 best – Triumph for the Ionian The “Typhoon” that saves the Greek coasts from garbage EOT at the “Arabian Travel Market” | Interest from Gulf countries, India, and Australia CERT to manage Vasilitsa Ski Resort – Investment of over 20 million euros Is American tourism in Europe “slowing down”? What do professionals see for 2025 and 2026 This is Athens & Partners | The 7 partners renew their collaboration - the joint actions FedHATTA: Dynamic presence of Greek travel agencies at the international Dubai exhibition ATM 2025 Ryanair announces new offer for Prime members on June flights Thomas Ellerbeck | “Rhodes can become a model of sustainable tourism internationally” The Times | The perfect time to experience the authentic side of Santorini Chania: The Alternative Tourism Festival returns to the Venetian Port Angela Gerekou: "Tourism is a force for good and Greece can play a leading role" New flights to Greece in 2025 from 4 airlines Crete welcomes Reveil 12 – Festival of Sounds and Ecology Greek tourism - 3rd quarter | 97% of arrivals in Athens and Thessaloniki Modernization aid for the marinas of Symi and Messolonghi HOTREC Assembly: Focus on challenges and reforms in European tourism AEGEAN 2025: Passenger growth and fleet expansion with an eye on the international market FedHATTA Cooperation with Shaanxi Province, China Greek academic in finalists of European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 Thessaloniki museums join forces to promote the city GNTO introduces “Sustainable Greece” to British Agents Strategic meeting for cruises in Santorini A message of friendship and cooperation at the friendly Greek-Turkish football match in Chios Municipality of Xiromero | Diving tourism: Request for sinking of a decommissioned warship The first La Quinta by Wyndham in Batumi, Georgia Double racing event in Megalopolis on May 11: Festival Enduro and Theater Run 2025 Explora Journeys: Start of the summer season with the luxurious EXPLORA I from Piraeus Strong start in 2025 for Aegean and SKY Express Xanthi Tastes: A Gastronomy Festival with a Cultural Flavor Rhodes: These are the five-star hotels with the highest revenue – Which ones “fill up” first Greek Tourism/Webhotelier: The Winners and Losers in Online Bookings for 2025 GNTO | Promotion of Santorini in target markets Unprecedented blackout in Spain, Portugal, France Greece can play a leading role in the global sports tourism scene Rhodes | Event for the protection of biodiversity Attica, the …Caribbean of the Germans Agios Nikolaos | Cruise season kicks off with arrival of luxury Silver Spirit Operational Plan: “Cretan Food Culture 2026-2030” Destination Management and Promotion Organization in Thessaloniki Kefalonia: The authentic character of the island through the “Travel Reimagined” project Hoteliers vs. Booking.com: The European uprising has begun Tourism | Greece 4th choice for Europeans' holidays in 2025 - what the ETC survey shows New high-standard heated swimming pool in Chania, aimed at sports tourism Greeks Traveled (A Lot!) in 2024 – Where They Went, How Much They Spent Greek-American Dean Spanos brings the NFL to Greece – Opportunities for promotion in the USA Lesvos: The season begins with birdwatching tourists MSC Cruises: Strengthens its presence in Greece with 6 cruise ships New Luxury Arrival in Crete | JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa Opens on June 2 "Peloponnese Trails" inaugurated today: New network of trails for sustainable tourism Knossos: 125 years since the excavations of Arthur Evans The Spanish TV show “Viajeros Cuatro” in Corfu Wyndham - Soliteight | 40 Super 8 hotels in Spain and Portugal Airbnb: Final price now displayed in accommodation searches Investments in the beaches of the Attica Riviera The Municipality of Chania at the “From Crete to Side” Festival in Turkey Region of Central Macedonia: Tourism Promotion Activities in Poland and the Middle East Region of Crete | Connecting Minoan Palatial Centers with Archaeological Sites Biodiversity protection plan is in full swing in Elafonisi Record participation in the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition | Chania 8 - 10 May Communities at the heart of tourism development Booking.com | No to limiting tourists, yes to infrastructure investments Thessaloniki’s dynamic presence at the World Tourism Summit in Hong Kong easyJet | Summer 2026 sales open Cruise | Turkey doubles its share, new opportunities for Greek ports Aid for the upgrade of the tourist shelter of Astakos and the Marina of Alimos Preparing the settlement of Kionia for the tourist season: An example to follow The action of the region of Crete "Let's go for... Greens" concludes this weekend “Art is our Language”: Campaign for the 70th Anniversary of the Athens Epidaurus Festival Tourism | Nostalgia drives Brits’ travel choices ΕΟΤ China | B2B meetings with Chengdu's t.os - Flights to Athens in June State-of-the-art conference center at Theartemis Palace Hotel in Rethymno Zagori: Collaboration with Impact Hub Athens for sustainable tourism and innovation Cooperation Memorandum between Development Athens and Piraeus University on Tourism Kos: New advertising campaigns with Jet2 and National Geographic Traveller UK Five cruise ships in Souda by Saturday Imbros Trail Run & Hike 2025: A sporting tribute to the History of Sfakia Cultural Days and Sea Routes in Piraeus Religious Tourism | The University of Palermo comes to Panagia Nafpaktiotissa Audio Walk in the Sitia Geopark: A Different Exploration Experience in Crete AEGEAN “takes off” Larnaca with a new direct flight to Rome FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure TripAdvisor Awards 2025 | Elafonisi Beach World's Best Beach - 9th in Crete, Sani Beach Award Crete also invests in cycling tourism - 13th Pediadas Tour Competitions with a summer and autumn backdrop: Attica runs at the pace of sports ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development Promotion of Preveza on the metro and tram in Athens 12th BAJAGREECE: Motorsports Competition in Western Macedonia Cruise Takeoff in Chania – Record Arrivals in the First Quarter of 2025 What to expect at this year’s ITB Berlin Exhibition from March 4-6 PM at 1st Greece-Saudi Arabia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council on Monday Greece's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO organizing concert on January 16 What the Israeli Ambassador discussed at the Chania Chamber North Macedonia: Increase in foreign tourists in 2024 Athens Municipality Festival 2025 | The city's biggest celebration, with more than 200 events Athens to host the European Film Awards in 2027 Alonissos tops the list of Greek destinations without mass tourism The 20 "loudest" luxury hotel arrivals in Greece in 2025 the city of Chania received the sacred body of the late Metropolitan Damaskinos of Kydonia His body arrived at the port of Souda aboard the ANEK Lines vessel Eleftherios Venizelos accompanied by the locum tenens of the Metropolis Metropolitan Amphilochios of Kissamos and Selinos Awaiting the late Metropolitan at the port of Souda were representatives of the Church of Crete who came to escort him in a procession to the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary his body lies in state for public veneration at the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in Chania Metropolitan Damaskinos reposed in the Lord on Tuesday afternoon at a private clinic in Athens Today, at 7:00 p.m., a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts will be celebrated another Hierarchical Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts will be celebrated a night-time Tris-Archieratical (three bishops) Divine Liturgy will take place a Tris-Archieratical Divine Liturgy will again be celebrated The funeral service will be chanted on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. after which His Eminence will be laid to rest at the Holy Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagarolon has been declared a day of mourning for the city of Chania flags fly at half-mast at the Town Hall and all municipal buildings The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate approved on October 4th the canonization of Eldress Sophia Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew traveled by air to Antalya the Patriarchate of Jerusalem solemnly celebrated the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women... Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Theotokos.. it was announced that two Roman Catholic institutions in Bavaria have decided to jointly.. (function() { window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { listeners: [] cb) { window.mc4wp.listeners.push( { event : evt callback: cb } ); } } }})(); © 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com - All rights reserved. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. GreeceChevron CreteChevron Bluegr HotelsSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links “Crete is known as the Zeus of the Greek archipelago,” says Maria Passarivaki “The island is a tapestry of stories and has long been a crossroads of people and cultures.” The incredible history here has been shaped by millennia of civilizations—from the ancient Minoans to the Venetians Passarivaki says “you constantly forget that you are on an island,” adding that because you can find snow on many of its peaks (especially the White Mountains on the west) Crete is an all-year destination that can be just as thrilling during the year’s colder months the island is considered not only Greece’s breadbasket but its culinary legacy is often dubbed the quintessential Mediterranean diet And winemaking here is in the throes of a renaissance; like much of the Mediterranean wine has existed on Crete for thousands of years But a phylloxera outbreak in the 1970s all but wiped out the island’s vineyards Many farmers abandoned winemaking altogether in favor of other agricultural pursuits but thankfully the last decade has seen a revival of Cretan viticulture According to SteMa’s other founder Stefanos Gogos “As one of the most important wine-producing regions Crete is playing an increasingly important role in the new era of Greek wine So if you like interspersing sugar-white beaches with archaeological sites and wine tastings very few islands in the world will rival what Crete has to offer All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors If you purchase something through our links This story has been updated since its original publish date The Ammos Hotel has been long beloved for its hip and quirky design scheme In the west, not only does Chania have one of the island’s two major airports This variety of experiences makes it the perfect launchpad for the rest of the island but it can also be the focus of a more focused itinerary While he does everything from paintings to photography you’re really there for the striking collection of timeless ceramics Attention, beach lovers: The commute to Elafonisi Beach’s pink sands is no joke It’s a 90-minute drive southwest of the Old Town but the powdery beach and the crystal clear waters justify the excursion Equally pristine Balos Beach is another bucket-list destination but you may need to ferry there from Kissamos port a beach that requires a scrappy hike down to the bluest of waters a bunch of adorable goats are known to pick through bathers’ beach bags a husband-and-wife operation that focuses on western Crete’s less tourist-y southern coast and if you’d rather simplify that beach trip to Balos they can get you there and even add a stop on uninhabited Gramvousa island Molavi serves a farmer-fresh menu of Mediterranean faves: taramosalata drizzled with bottarga and octopus carpaccio a 20-room member of Design Hotels with a much more minimalist aesthetic the hotel delivers a serene stay thanks to its off-the-beaten location plus a sleek spa with an equally Instagrammable gym Village Heights Resort offers villa rentals in an amenity-full property and a spa—all just 25 minutes away from the city and maybe less alluring than the rest of the island But there are perks to staying in this port city Not only does it have the larger airport but it’s also much closer to the geographic center of the island making the rest of Crete much more accessible where you can get lost marveling at treasures of antiquity from Snake Goddess figurines from 1,600 BC to the famous bull's head rhyton SteMa Journeys can also curate a deep dive into the island’s ancient heritage that includes visits to less known archaeological sites you can tour the Minoan Palace of Phaistos as well as Gortys a village an hour from Heraklion that’s known for its pottery And if you want to pick up a unique souvenir, make an appointment at Studio Paradissi where artist Eleni Psyllaki dreams up the most striking posters inspired by Cretan culture and history Where to eat and drink: “Heraklion region boasts a wine making tradition that dates back centuries,” says Passarivaki “Scattered among the vines remain a few small household wineries still reminiscent of those times.” which operates a few wineries all over Greece And the state-of-the-art tasting room overlooking lush vineyards is just 15 minutes from the city with its bright patio and a kitchen churning out Cretan classics like potato with salted cod and snails cooked in vinegar a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Heraklion which has a sweet garden equipped with a grill is less than a 15-minute walk to the archaeological museum Rethymnon sits smack in the middle of tourist hubs Heraklion and Chania Most travelers to Crete might split their time between Heraklion and Chania but smack in the middle is historic Rethymnon (or Rethymno) The walkable Old Town packs in great restaurants and colorful shops You’ll be rewarded if you take time to explore beyond the city: Like many parts of Crete there’s a great mix of farmland and natural beauty in the region and fountains from the 16th and 17th century when it was all part of Venice Case in point: the Rimondi Venetian Fountain—a beautifully preserved relic from that time period along with the imposing fortress and the port but even just strolling around the alleyways admiring the archways and grand mansions while slipping in and out of souvenir shops offers a great sense of place Rethymno is the most charming old city in Crete a city that does not fall into winter lethargy but remains alive even outside the tourist season.” You can start venturing away from the Old Town by enjoying as much of the seven-and-a-half-mile beach that stretches from Rethymno to Skaleta The southern side of Rethymno—about 30 minutes from the Old Town—has plenty of fantastic beaches too: Preveli is considered one of the most stunning thanks to the sandy beach and crystal-clear water Gogos recommends the untouched beaches in Agia Fotini “You can see a fisherman pull his catch from the waters and take it straight to the kitchen,” he says Where to eat and drink: You’ll definitely want to make a reservation for a meal at Avli; for decades it’s been one of the best restaurants across the island The courtyard of this Venetian villa with its mix-and-match furniture is an atmospheric spot for a lunch or dinner of classic Cretan fare from crispy cheese rolls to grilled lobster served with tomato-loaded orzo And in the mountains between Chania and Rethymno seek out the modest taverna from Nektarios Tsitsiridis in Amoudari village near Askifou Located on a plateau over 2,200 feet in altitude the vibe here will transport you to an entirely different side of Crete Tsitsiridis’ expertise regarding the island’s heartier mountain fare shows up on the Gardoumbakia a selection of lamb and goat offals stewed with zucchini and potatoes or in the okra in tomato sauce is a stylish two-bedroom apartment that puts you right in the heart of town 47-room Phāea Blue’s intimate footprint gives way to surprising delights The on-site beach offers charming caïque (rowboat) that takes guests all over the island Crete’s easternmost region is generally not as crowded as the rest of the island Pockets like Elounda have been booming with tourism interest recently but the eastern reaches of the island is better known for its untouched natural beauty “but also fishermen in colorful caïques whisking sun worshippers to far-flung beaches and black robed grannies wandering around traditional hamlets,” Gogos explains “It is this combination of glamor and unpolished beauty that makes Lasithi stand out.” What to do: Agios Nikolaos and Elounda are two small coastal towns that have since become tourism darlings in the area This is where you’ll find the beach bars and the more popular resorts They are typically the busiest pockets of eastern Crete but as the island’s stock continues to rise among travelers many other areas are starting to land on tourism radars which is flanked by the sea on one side and a lush palm forest on the other take a day trip or two to a few gorgeous islands You come for the blue bay waters and isolated beaches but you stay for the eye-popping history: This was once a leper colony up until about a 100 years ago you can also sail from Ierapetra to the uninhabited Greek island of Chrissi a protected nature reserve where you may spot lizards and other wildlife as you sunbathe on its pure sand beaches and pretty waterfalls will do their best to keep your heart rate even And Passarivaki adds that the available menu is so seasonal you could be tucking into slow-roasted wild goat up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Home - News - 29Palms Scenery Design Announces Chania International Airport (LGSA) for MSFS 2024 29Palms announces first project for MSFS 2024 According to their Facebook page, the scenery team at 29Palms has started development on their first MSFS 2024 project This announcement followed a discussion with Aerosoft (who owns the MSFS 2020 version of the airport) in which a decision was made not to upgrade the scenery but rather start from scratch in order to get the right level of detail in the new sim Chania International Airport serves the city of The airport serves as a gateway to the western side of Crete and as a result would make for a wonderful destination for simming if you’re looking to fly to an island getaway The scenery will have highly detailed 3D objects and additional features still to be revealed Simmers can expect a release in the Summer of this year with additional Greek Island airports to follow check out the screenshots below for a sneak preview ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " The Venetian Port of Chania is once again becoming a meeting point for sustainable tourism hosting the 3rd Alternative Tourism Festival from 16 to 18 May 2025 which bears the seal of the Municipality of Chania gives a platform to professionals and organizations active in special and alternative forms of tourism – from agrotourism and hiking to gastronomic experiences and cultural routes The Municipality of Platanias will also actively participate in this year's festival inviting professionals from the area to showcase their services and products through its booth while physical presence is not necessary - interested parties can represent themselves through printed and/or audiovisual material which will be displayed at the Municipality's booth The festival is a dynamic opportunity to highlight local identity and connect with an audience that seeks meaningful The group was located by a Coast Guard vessel and is expected to be transported to the port of Paleochora late Monday evening before being transferred to the Agyia Exhibition Center in Chania The prolonged good weather in recent weeks has led to an increase in migrant crossings from North Africa to Greek islands Local authorities have expressed concerns about a potential surge in arrivals as summer approaches You must be logged in to post a comment Find a room After many years of erosion from the wind and sea a complete internal refurbishment was needed and gray color scheme creates a pared-back atmosphere where one can find contemporary details such as Villeroy & Boch sanitary fixtures and kitchenware and soundproof rooms with stone benches and cabinetry A stunning example of the deceptive simplicity of minimalist design many of which overlook the picturesque sea The building’s industrial character was preserved —particularly the facade along with a mostly monochrome color palette Read their story Boasting enormous windows with sea views that fill the room with natural light The Tanneries Spa presents a multisensory experience Work on your fitness using the custom-designed wooden gym equipment a well-known figure in the Cretan gastronomy scene honors tradition at Periplous Seaside Restaurant From an ice-cold day-time beverage at brunch to a romantic sunset aperitivo Cretan natural landscapes offer a tapestry of memorable outdoor activities with dazzling scenery and some of Europe’s best hikes— especially for beginners before heading back to the lively Old Town for an atmospheric dinner and drinks Sustainability Keeping an eye on our Conscious Hotel Principles The hotel is set inside four 19th-century tanneries that were preserved as much as possible When additional stones were needed during construction the team sourced recovered stones from deconstructed buildings in the neighborhood The hotel avoids heavily packaged products and produce 30% of food waste goes towards feeding the chickens Waste is separated by the restaurant and housekeeping and is recycled at the end of each day The Tanneries uses water-saving taps and a high-efficiency dishwasher and washing machine Filtered tap water is available for guests to refill their bottles There are no green spaces or flowers that require water A heat recovery system is used in the air conditioning to heat the water in the boilers Ventilation engines in the bathrooms are set to timers and turn off during the night The overall concept is “nativeness.” The fish served in the restaurant comes exclusively from the local waters around Chania Local amenities are offered in the guest rooms The Tanneries offers guided tours of neighborhood highlights and interactions with local tanners and other artisans The sommelier connects guests with the local wineries in the Chania region The activity program includes sustainable outdoor activities like yoga The hotel works with local companies that use electric vans and cars and offers guests traveling in the same direction the opportunity to share a vehicle The hotel has accessible rooms and meets accessibility requirements Follow the conscious journey The Municipality is moving forward with a project that goes beyond local needs and opens up new horizons for sports tourism in Chania with the announcement of the construction of a permanent heated swimming pool measuring 25x15 meters and 1.8 meters deep The announcement was made by the Mayor of Chania during a meeting with parents of aquatic athletes which will be built in a specially designed area west of the Kladissos Indoor Gymnasium will temporarily fill the gap left by the reconstruction of the Nea Chora Swimming Pool it is expected to be transformed into a permanent sports infrastructure with the potential to host sports preparations and events of a national and international nature “Our goal is not to leave Chania without a swimming pool for a single day,” stressed Mr noting that the new facility will be ready in early September our city will have two modern aquatic sports facilities worthy of its history and capable of making it a magnet for sports tourism.” The importance of the project is not limited to meeting the needs of local clubs the high construction standards and its direct connection to the existing facilities of the Indoor Gymnasium (WC make the pool capable of hosting training camps and events throughout the year — a key element in extending the tourist season Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors Our tip: venture to the eastern side of the island to find sandy stretches that are void of many people at all are a popular choice for multigenerational groups looking to soak up the surroundings in the comfort of a private space What is the best location to stay in Crete What's the best resort in Crete for families Book into self-catering facilities that offer the perfect set-up for families with little ones Traditionally aligned with a European summer the hottest months in Crete are between June and September Those visiting during shoulder season—April early May and October—will be rewarded with quieter beaches This is when the tourists disperse and the spotlight is on Crete’s verdant grounds Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination and sustainability credentials top of mind This gallery was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK It has been updated with new information since its original publish date plus the option to order a Balinese-style floating breakfast spread in the mornings with a rotating assortment of the classics (freshly plated eggs Benedict) as well as the traditional Cretan (fennel pie and sweet Bougatsa) and plenty of vegan options served in an airy indoor-outdoor setting by the sprawling pool a jazzy live saxophone serenading the morning sun There’s sparkling wine and strawberries on offer too for those who are celebrating—of which I spotted many The Curio collection from Hilton property seamlessly treads the tightrope line between honeymoon and child-friendly On one side of the hotel is the adults-only pool area and spa—the largest in Crete—as well as the romantic Cretamos restaurant with room for only seven tables and a degustation menu paired with local wines All the way on the other side is a shiny new kids' club (the hotel only opened in 2021) that rivals most nurseries along with a fantastical water playground with an array of slides to suit big and little ones All ages congregate around the palm-tree-flanked pool area where citrus salads and cocktails can be ordered straight to your lounger guests can access the private beach at the neighboring Royal Blue Price: from $245 per nightAddress: Herakliou 58 km The cave suites offer oodles of room for canoodling but for the best sunset views choose one of the three pool villas other highlights include the resort’s lagoon-like central pool and a light-filled spa crisscrossed with trickling water channels and centered on a Moroccan-style dome-roofed hammam Price: from $468 per nightAddress: Mononaftis and Numo Ierapetra is the place to stay if you’re keen to be surrounded by this unique local aesthetic village-like retreat based on a southern part of the island that’s void—for the most part—of crowds The jewel in its crown is the main pool and beach club which is designed to celebrate the rugged nature of its surroundings Daybeds seamlessly transition from pool to sandy shore so making the switch feels as effortless as possible and both preferences are catered for in one place An ice-cold Mythos and Greek Sandwich delivered straight to the loungers to soak up every last minute of sun book the most fabulous of the on-site restaurants where a mix of Peruvian and Asian cuisine is served buffet-style breakfast and dinners are hosted at Tamarisk But be sure to factor a sunset supper into your stay Price: from $192 per nightAddress: Epar.Od The Royal Blue with its separate stone buildings there really is no need to leave the property as on-site restaurants serve authentic Greek cuisine and there are 38 pools in total (albeit some private and others shared between a small clutch of rooms to lend a feeling of exclusivity) The main swimming event is a heated expanse overlooking the sea—ideal for those visiting in shoulder season when temperatures are balmy but there’s a chill to the water in the mornings sunloungers and daybeds act like an open invite to settle in for the day; some are even suspended in the water making a quick toe-dip an effortless way to cool off its service extends to these idyllic poolside spots There’s a sheltered manmade bay at the foot of the hotel with easy swimming conditions that instill a sense of confidence in parents of younger guests and suites are kitted out with expansive bathrooms and tubs The family suite is our recommendation of choice; little ones can nap on the fold-out sofa in the lounge room while parents can sunbathe in reaching distance by the pool where the freshest catch of the day is brought out to you to choose from the atmosphere is relaxed and a kids' menu thankfully keeps youngsters happy Price: from $229 per nightAddress: Panormo Geropotamou and villas dotted around the olive-tree-covered cove—but service at Daios Cove is as smooth and polished as the marble floors Families are especially well taken care of with complimentary buckets and spades for the beach and electric buggies to glide you noiselessly to your door with sitting rooms leading out to the infinity pool and terrace There’s a notable amount of effort to make your stay extra comfortable from the lengthy pillow menu to the choice of mango or violet fragrances to be fed into the air-conditioning and little treats like macaroons or feta muffins waiting for you whenever you return to your room and the swimming pool area are all on different levels up the rocky sides of the bay the shore is lined with loungers and the sea is shallow But this sprawling retreat tumbling down a slope with spectacular views over glittering seas to Spinalonga island is one of the best facilities—which include an olive tree-shaded sandy beach and a games room for teens—are excellent and the elegant spa even has a specially designated kids' treatment menu Linked by winding paved alleys shaded with scarlet paper chains of bougainvillea and white star jasmine and villas veer from extremely comfortable to very luxurious—many have plunge pools or whirlpool baths Families will love the self-catering facilities in Luxury Residences but privacy is best in Ultra-Luxe Villas which are like individual houses with gyms Price: from $251 per nightAddress: Tsifliki little ones come out of the kids’ club giggling before splashing into the river-like swimming pool racing for the pink-flamingo and crocodile inflatables with its hammock-strung outdoor cinema where parents are kindly invited not to come The modernist spaces were cleverly designed more than three decades ago—despite having 204 rooms the property never feels overcrowded Nature envelops it all: The many trees provide shade throughout the grounds and the grassy lawn makes everything smell cool and fresh even in the searing summer heat When Agapi and Costantza Sbokou undertook the complete renovation in 2019 they focused on sustainability and the Cretan soul of the place Designer Vana Pernari opted for knocked-back tonal textures for the interiors with lots of ceramics plus nature-inspired jungle green and Aegean blue alongside works by urban artists Thanassis and Dimitris Kretsis Make a beeline for the deluxe family bungalows—with their built-in bunks and separate bedrooms for the grown-ups open kitchen with a huge fireplace hosts cooking lessons using vegetables from the garden during the day and becomes a farm-to-table taverna after sunset It’s lovely to feast on local flavors under the starry sky listening to the sound of the lyre This is definitely an elegant new look for Malia Price: From $149 per nightAddress: Malia 700 07 this debut hotel concept has an edgy crispness with a pleasing nod to the dramatic Minoan architecture celebrated in Cretan history The open-plan architecture provides all-day sunshine with 60 private pool suites from a central courtyard with an almond-shaped pool at its heart Spacious suites are all decorated in the same earthy palate reflecting the surrounding rocky landscape and graceful eyelines have been carefully considered throughout Pnoé’s ethos revolves around selecting the highest offerings from “home-grown” Crete backed up by partnering with some of the island’s chief players namely Crete’s best chef Panagiotis Magganas along with conscientious service that’s setting a new standard on Karteros Beach Price: suites from around $641 per nightAddress: Karteros Beach nestled between the town of Agios Nikolaos and the fishing village of Elounda where local fishing boats pootle about the marina life at St Nicolas Bay Resort feels simple It’s hard to put this blissfully soothing cliff-side hotel into words: a hidden Greek far from the madding crowds relaxed vibe that will see you and your brood scooped up Families can’t get enough of the chic new Olives & Sea suites private terraces and a pool so you can do laps and drink rosé gazing across the spectacular Mirabello Bay The hotel is scattered about its six acres all-white stone walls fringed by blossoming pink oleanders and olive trees with its own sandy beach and oodles of tucked-away spots under the fragrant bougainvillea or beside the ancient church There’s a brilliant kids’ club run by the kind-hearted Roula a baby and Olympic-sized infinity pool and no shortage of tempting food - from the Greek Kafeneion where a bouzouki band serenades as you tuck into wood-fired souvlaki to the fine-dining Minotaur and its famed sushi Eleni remembers every child by name with a high-five Nikos happily picks up a tantruming toddler for a whirl around in his hotel buggy and manager Alex treats every family coming here like his own So very different from the run-of-the-mill resorts that Greece has become synonymous with Price: from $315 per nightAddress: Thesi Nissi but if you want to experience a slice of the island's more authentic charms head inland to Kapsaliana a stone-built village buried in olive groves and sweet-scented citrus orchards a few miles from 16th-century Arkadi one of the island's best-known monasteries the resort’s architect-owner Myron Toupogianis has been buying houses in the village since the 1970s and restoring them as rooms and suites linked by a warren of cobbled paths and original features writing desks made from the giant pitted stone wheels of an olive press and beds handcrafted from sweet-scented olive wood – along with plenty of modern extras This beautifully restored village centres on a raised terrace where traditional Cretan-inspired breakfasts and dinners are served beneath the perfumed shade of citrus trees Price: from $215 per nightAddress: Καψαλιανά 741 50 All Suite Hotel is a sprawling resort with its own private beaches sailing boat for charter and nine-hole golf course In 2023 it unveiled a new waterside Italian restaurant in partnership with the Ferragamo fashion dynasty there's a coveted Six Senses spa with a serious range of treatments and wellness programs—including even a dedicated kid's spa menu It’s the kind of place that offers everything giving little reason (but curiosity) to leave It's also the real winner for groups and families with accommodation only comprising spacious suites and villas that are beautifully modern and minimal in style We were staying in a one-bedroom villa that came with a huge outdoor terrace private pool and pathway to a hidden cliffside swimming spot with steps directly into the sea we can also attest to feeling very welcomed and comfortable Price: from $495 per nightAddress: Pigadakia The Palm Springs–style concrete bungalows and pavilions dot the hillside toward the sea some of which have been purpose-built for families and have private pools Outside there’s a black-tiled pool surrounded by thatched parasols for snoozing under and the kids club is a whimsical oasis with yurts and teepees guests can take a boat trip or venture into pretty Chania Price: from $346 per nightAddress: Apteron Road Parigoria this charming hotel—with its manicured lawns plant-strewn alleys spiked with sculptures and artworks and trio of restaurants from chefs Poppy Kourkoutaki and Kyriakos Mylonas serving up skilful farm-to-table Cretan cuisine—is all about aesthetics Strung out along its own (very) private peninsula in a hidden corner of magical Mirabello Bay it's fronted by a meandering seafront pathway strewn with beanbags and deckchairs and punctuated at regular intervals with ladders leading down into the mirror-clear waters below the low buildings peeking out from a jungle of mature undergrowth have hardly changed since they were built here in the 1960s there are now wicker furnishings and walk-in showers choose one of the Superior Waterfront bungalows where you’ll be lulled to sleep by the murmur of waves tickling the sea urchin-spotted rocks below Price: from $270 per nightAddress: Agios Nikolaos to stay at Metohi Kindelis is to experience true authentic Cretan hospitality—in everything from the 400-year-old building to the warm and the organic fruit and vegetables grown on site Bought by the Kindeli family in 1912 as a home and farmstead Metohi Kindelis remains in the family; now co-owner and second-generation hotelier Danai Kindeli took over from her uncle in 2013 Danai runs the property’s three guesthouses—each private and with their own pool—while her uncle ensures the farm remains active some of which will be brought to your room for breakfast While there are no exact records to show the date of Metohi Kindelis’ construction estimates suggest the early 16th century—and to step into its cobbled courtyard is to soak in the history of Crete sink-into-me beds—ensure all the modern comforts you might need Danai curates a wine list of local favourites that she’ll be happy to talk you through or ask her about the farm—you may even find yourself picking your own lettuce for lunch Price: from $312 per nightAddress: Μετοχι Κινδελή Suites and villas have blissfully private sea view terraces with whirlpool baths or heated plunge pools and lots of high tech fixtures and fittings Fans of pinball and Pac-Man should book the Royal Villa which has an entire basement room crammed with vintage games But the icing on this stylish cake is the space-age spa which has an entire wing of treatment rooms where—wait for it—wellness therapies are tailored to suit your star sign Price: from $318 per nightAddress: Old National Road (El the laidback fishing village where shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and his jet-setting pals once loved to hang out On a low hill looking out over the Mirabello bay to Spinalonga the leper island of Victoria Hislop's best-selling novel public areas are decorated with a magpie-haul of beautiful objects brought back by its globetrotting owners on their various trips overseas and are linked by a funicular whose glass cabins give stunning views over the bay suites and villas have gleaming blonde-wood floors Families will love the Cayo Grand Pool Villa with its basement bedroom that has a Bond-style underwater window looking straight into the villa’s sparkling pool There’s also a (free) shuttle bus that carries guests down to the small sandy beach Price: from $288 per nightAddress: Themistokleous Avenue, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece For more inspiration on where to stay in Greece, visit: Following devastating floods in several Cycladic islands, Crete has become the latest target of the storm with intense weather phenomena expected to persist until the early hours of Wednesday A warning message sent via the 112 service urged residents to remain cautious: “Severe weather phenomena are expected in Crete from now until the morning of 02/04/2025 Exercise caution during travel and follow the instructions of the authorities.” According to the latest emergency bulletin from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast to batter western and southern Crete from Tuesday evening (01/04/25) through Wednesday morning (02/04/25) As the storm continues its assault on Greece authorities are urging residents and visitors in Crete to stay vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines until the worst of the weather subsides Read more: Greece storm You must be logged in to post a comment The declarations for the Athena International Olive Oil Competition 2025 (ATHENA IOOC) the only international olive oil competition held in Greece and which this year will be held in Chania have been completed with a record number of participants The competition is held in co-organization with the Region of Crete the Regional Union of Municipalities of Crete the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Chania the Regional Development Company of Crete and the Association of Olive-Growing Municipalities of Crete 630 entries were recorded from every corner of the planet that produces olive oil It is noteworthy that 52% of the samples come from 24 countries outside Greece confirming the recognition and prestige of the competition in the international market and the trust shown in it by leading olive producers worldwide In addition to all the countries of the Mediterranean basin and the Southern Hemisphere this year olive oils from Malaysia and Uzbekistan have declared their participation for the first time The historic city of Chania was chosen as the venue for ATHENA IOOC 2025 in order to honor the ten-year course of the competition as the relationship of the entire Regional Unit of Chania with the olive tree and olive oil is multidimensional and timeless olive oil is the foundation of the economy while its production has been linked to history and culture since ancient times The arrival of the competition in Chania has sparked the interest of all olive producers in Crete with 22 olive oil production and standardization companies in the region participating with 40 samples as it is increasingly understood that the future of Greek olive oil lies in standardization and the creation of added value goals that are highlighted through processes such as the international ATHENA competition the international jury of the competition is made up of experienced and prestigious tasters and testers with extensive knowledge of the global olive oil market The 30 judges of the competition come from Brazil ATHENA IOOC maintains the highest ratio of judges per number of samples compared to similar competitions ensuring impartial and qualitative evaluation which takes place exclusively in the morning hours under ideal conditions The evaluation process will be hosted at the Grand Arsenal in the conference rooms of the Mediterranean Architecture Center an important exhibition of olive oils from all over the Chania Regional Unit will take place in the foyer of the “Mikis Theodorakis” theater so that not only the ATHENA judges but also the consumer public will have the opportunity to taste the great olive oils of the region in the presence of their producers at the Center for Mediterranean Architecture a seminar for olive producers will be held on the topic of international markets and the export prospects that open up for premium Greek olive oils distinguished Greek chefs have been invited to participate in the competition as “guest tasters” with the aim of strengthening the presence of the leading Greek olive oils in the country’s haute cuisine restaurants The results will be announced on May 23 on the competition website www.athenaoliveoil.gr and the awards ceremony will be held on Saturday June 7 at the Peristyle of the Zappeion Megaron ATHENA IOOC is organized by the communication and exhibition organization company Vinetum which has no business relationship with the production and marketing of olive oil A vision that has been cultivated for over four decades is now entering the implementation stage: the restoration and reuse of the historic Venetian Wharfs in Chania has been officially included for financing described the development as decisive for the city's identity: "This is not just a project of the Municipality of Chania and architectural heritage." The project is expected to "revive" the emblematic Wharfs creating a modern cultural and social core The new uses will respect the historical character of the monument while strengthening the tourist and cultural potential of the city According to the decision of the Ministry of National Economy and Finance Promotion and Use of the Complex of Seven (7) Venetian Shipyards in the Old Town of Chania” is part of the “Environment and Climate Change 2021-2027” Program with a total budget of 20,711,095 euros and provides for the complete restoration of the 7 Shipyards with the aim of transforming them into an open cultural and social space of high standards emphasized that “it took 40 whole years for the Municipality of Chania to reach this particularly important moment is essentially launching the next and final steps of the tender and the award of the project so that the people of Chania — and not only — can see the project being implemented and delivered to society the Deputy Mayor for Culture Yiannis Giannakakis said that the Venetian Wards in Chania are taking a decisive step towards their completion creating a new cultural hub for Crete and the Mediterranean as well as a permanent amphitheater and refreshment center Efthymiou estimated that the signing of the contract will take place in 6-8 months Crete – A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the western coast of Crete in the early hours of Tuesday The European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) reported the tremor occurred at precisely 2:55 am local time The earthquake’s epicenter was pinpointed in the Mediterranean Sea approximately 43 kilometers (27 miles) west of Chania While the earthquake’s epicenter was offshore residents in several areas of Crete reported feeling the tremor is promoted as an important tool for strengthening the local economy and connecting olive oil with experiential tourism With added value for Chania olive oil and new tourism prospects olive tourism can develop dynamically in the Chania Regional Administrative Region The President of SEDIK and Mayor of Platanias presented at the special event the first phase of the program which includes the recording of areas of tourist interest and monumental olive trees as well as the creation of walking routes of olive interest through which “…….the visitor will have the opportunity to get to know the area explore routes and experience the tradition of Crete…” the Deputy Regional Governor of Agricultural Economy of the Prefecture of Crete referred to “..the importance of identifying and standardizing olive oil while olive tourism can give it new value” researcher at the Technical University of Crete and national representative in the European network of sustainable practices analyzed during the conference “… how sustainable olive tourism can strengthen the identity of the place while if linked to the production of organic products and ecotourism it can contribute decisively to upgrading the tourist “brand” of Chania” the President of the Olive Mill Owners Association the recent Joint Ministerial Decree for the creation of visitable olive mills is an incentive for entrepreneurs where with the appropriate investment in infrastructure and personnel training it can offer a new source of income and tourism development” underlined “…that Crete has a rich cultural reserve with Ancient Monuments can be transformed into places for tours and experiences” awards were given for olive tourism activities for 2024 as well as a demonstration of organoleptic evaluation of olive oil by experts from IELYA – ELGO DIMITRA 23 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}PAE Chania won 3–0 over Egaleo on Mon Predicted lineups are available for the match a few days in advance while the actual lineup will be available about an hour ahead of the match The current head to head record for the teams are PAE Chania 3 win(s) Have scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches Who won between PAE Chania and Egaleo on Mon 23 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMT?PAE Chania won 3–0 over Egaleo on Mon 23 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 6 goals in their last 5 matches PAE Chania is playing home against Egaleo on Mon A historic step for the development of diving tourism in Chania and Crete in general is taking place in the province of Apokoronas at 10:00 in the morning (and if weather conditions permit) a historic moment will take place for the Greek diving community and marine tourism the mooring of the ship "R/C NESTOR" by the Navy will take place marking the creation of the first Marine Recreation Diving Park in Greece the mayor of Apokoronas Charalambos Koukianakis announces This initiative is a major milestone in the development of sustainable tourism the protection of the marine environment and the promotion of the area as a top destination for divers and marine life enthusiasts has been carefully designed to create an artificial reef enhancing marine biodiversity and offering a unique diving attraction This is the first of two warships planned to be moored within the framework of the project 44 artificial reefs have already been moored creating a protected and organized diving environment three diving routes are being created in the park offering different levels of difficulty and unique experiences for divers of all levels The Diving Park in Ombrosgyalos is a pioneering project that combines environmental management with tourism development all necessary measures have been taken to maintain ecological balance in collaboration with scientific bodies and environmental organizations the first Diving Marine Recreation Park in Greece is expected to strengthen the tourist traffic of the area contribute to the economic development of the region and offer new opportunities for alternative forms of tourism Paving the way for Crete to enter the demanding US market is being planned by the Chania Chamber of Commerce leveraging its competitive advantages in Tourism a joint information and dialogue meeting was held a few days ago at the Chania Chamber of Commerce between the Board of Directors of the institutional body of Entrepreneurship and executives of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce (in the photo are the three participants in the meeting - their statements follow) The President of the Crete Committee of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce emphasized that “the current presence in Chania of executives of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce and the constructive cooperation with the President and the Administration of the Chania Chamber of Commerce substantially strengthens our multidimensional effort aimed at maximizing the potential of the valuable U.S The next stop is the Development Conference which will be held on March 12-13 in Heraklion with the aim of strategically mapping the new economic environment in Greek-American relations.” the most important "bet" is the quality Cretan products and our dynamic manufacturing enterprises to claim the position we deserve in the robust American Market in a planned and targeted manner The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce has significant know-how and strong networking to open new paths in the Chania Business the 7th most important customer of Greek products and the 16th most profitable trading partner for Greece with the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries having "broken the barrier" of 3 billion euros in recent years we have also enjoyed in Chania the dynamically rising tourist "stream" of Americans in the Greek Market The travel budget of the average American exceeds €1000 per person per week a 62% higher expenditure compared to visitors from other countries "The Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce in recent years has noted a particular developmental and extroverted dynamic in the Cretan Market with a strong presence of Chania businesses in continuous cooperation with the Chania Chamber of Commerce we recently created the Crete Committee of our Chamber to highlight and promote the exceptional potential of your country's businesses in one of the most important markets on the planet," said the Secretary General of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce has landed its BlueMed subsea cable in Chania The BlueMed cable system connects Italy with France and several countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea BlueMed landed at Sparkle’s data center in Chania and is connected to the island’s terrestrial networks and Sparkle’s MedNautilus network The system is part of the Blue & Raman cable built in partnership with Google and other operators The operator said the cable has four fiber pairs and a design capacity of more than 25Tbps per pair Laying of the cable began in 2023 with the main Tyrrhenian trunk from Genoa to Palermo and branches to Marseille and Bastia in France The Tyrrhenian and Middle Eastern terrestrial portions of the cable are now fully operational The remainder of the Mediterranean landings and the operation from Genoa to Aqaba are expected to be completed this year Greece is enabling a new digital route for Internet traffic between Europe “We have been operating in Greece for more than 20 years and here we have the skills and infrastructure needed to develop it as a new Internet hub of the Mediterranean a role destined to grow further in the future thanks to the landing of new submarine cables.” DCD reported in March 2024 that Telecom Italia has been looking to sell Sparkle Earlier this month Grid Telecom partnered with Quadrivium to build a cable landing station in Crete Chania is currently the landing point for the AAE-1 Greek telco Lancom, the Greek government, and Digital Realty are also developing data centers in Crete Data Centre Dynamics Ltd (DCD), 32-38 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8FH Email. [email protected]DCD is a subsidiary of InfraXmedia A visual dossier of original stills and slow-motion shorts tracing Crete’s western coast Slip off the map of summer clichés and follow us west to a stretch of Crete where the water writes its own color wheel – neon lapis to blush quartz hiked goat paths and boarded rust-painted caiques to capture sixteen beaches that locals whisper about and GPS sometimes forgets The resulting stills and fifteen-second shorts are less travel guide than mood piece: salt on skin a slow dissolve from limestone cliff to liquid glass on the craggy tip of the Akrotiri Peninsula Seitan Limania slips between razor-steep limestone walls The Ottomans nicknamed these inlets the Cursed Ports nodding to rip currents that still muscle through the channel That sinister label has only burnished the allure sun seekers pick their way down the switchback trail for water as turquoise as oxidized copper and a slice of sand no wider than a postcard Twin scalloped coves bookend a sliver of peninsula crowned by the whitewashed chapel of Agioi Apostoloi All of it sits minutes from Chania’s old harbor close enough to reach by city bus or an unhurried bike ride along the coast glows with talcum-fine sand the color of raw honey cafés pour freddo espressos within flip-flop range A slim belt of pine connects the strand to Agioi Apostoloi next door Chania’s city bus stops at the entrance; the rest is barefoot ease sits west of Chania where sand fades into pebble and the sea turns a deeper cobalt Fishing boats idle in a postcard-small port then motor out toward the untamed Rodopou Peninsula serrated cliffs hide pocket coves that feel borrowed from another era Balos Lagoon unfurls between the Tigani Peninsula and Gramvousa Cape The sand reads white with a veil of shell-pink and the knee-deep water grades from milky turquoise to clear glass the cove feels both fragile and other-worldly a postcard that asks visitors to tread lightly A ribbon of sand unspools along low limestone bluffs yet still magnetic for the surreal green-blue of its shallows By dusk the beach turns amphitheater; diners post up for sunsets that smear the sky in molten orange and magenta Elafonissi rests in Crete’s far southwest where glass-clear shallows part a walkable strip of sea and reveal a tiny islet just offshore the white sand blushes pale pink from crushed shells Paleochora tucks two very different beaches side by side and every comfort from loungers to snack bars Gialiskari hides behind tamarisks; its fine pebbles drop into deeper blue and the vibe still echoes the barefoot freedom of its 1970s hippie days Choose ease or quiet—or wander between the two until sunset finds you Kedrodasos lives up to its name in the island’s southwest where low sand dunes weave between clusters of sea cedars that look like miniature pines Fine white sand slopes into water the shade of cut aquamarine usually calm and clear enough to spy ripples on the seabed The entire cove is part of a protected ecosystem and the soundtrack is mostly wind through cedar needles and the hush of small waves Agia Roumeli rests where the Samaria Gorge pours into the Libyan Sea fine sand drops fast into deep cobalt water Most visitors hike down the gorge or sail in from Hora Sfakion stepping off the boat to find a modest run of umbrellas and plenty of unclaimed shoreline backed by sheer cliffs and silence Loutro curls into a protected nook of Cape Mouri its sugar-cube houses reflecting off water as clear as blown glass A fringe of smooth pebbles shelves into calm blue perfect for lazy swims or a mask-and-snorkel wander You can reach it on foot along the E4 from Sfakia or by boat from Sfakia time slows to the rhythm of taverna clinks and softly bobbing fishing skiffs sits where a narrow gorge opens to the Libyan Sea Reddish sand laced with mineral clay invites DIY mud masks and the only way in is a footpath from Ampelos so serenity feels built into the landscape Agios Ioannis beach borrows its name from the white chapel that crowns the hill behind it a broad swath of fine golden sand stretches out tufted with scattered sea cedars that throw pockets of cool shade The water stays glass–clear and shallow for a long wade Agios Pavlos beach lies halfway between Agia Roumeli and Loutro sign-posted by the small 11th-century church of the same name that sits just above the shore A sweep of dark pebbles meets luminous blue water ringed by the scented pine forest of Selouda so the air carries a hint of resin You can reach it only on foot along the E4 from Agia Roumeli; the effort keeps the cove hushed and nearly empty Glyka Nera nestles between sheer limestone cliffs its white pebbles shelving into vivid turquoise water The only access is by boat from Hora Sfakion Freshwater springs rise through the stones and even bubble into the shallows cold and sweet enough to drink between swims Georgioupoli sits between Chania and Rethymno and every amenity from sun beds to beach bars A rocky spit leads out to a tiny islet where the white chapel of Agios Nikolaos gleams against the sea; follow the wave-splashed causeway and enjoy a plunge before strolling back to the lively promenade Read more:16 Heraklion Beaches in Motion who had embarked on a trek to reach the peak of Gingilos on Thursday found himself in difficulty and reached out for assistance via the emergency number 112 a search and rescue operation was launched at 7 p.m involving eight skilled rescuers from the Fire Service’s Special Disaster Unit (EMAK) The operation persisted throughout the night A rescue helicopter was deployed and successfully extracted him using a specialized basket He was then transported to Chania General Hospital for a thorough medical evaluation World Famous Samaria gorge in Crete David Rose is the JC's Politics and Investigations editor CreteChecking into the second Isla Brown design resort from Israeli hotel group Brown David Rose 3 min readThere can be few towns anywhere in the Mediterranean more alluring than Chania built of golden stone by the Venetians in the 14th century some serving dishes far more imaginative than the standard Greek salad and souvlaki menu to be found on the waterfront The town is also home to the exquisite 700-year-old Etz Hayim synagogue the most visible sign of a Jewish tradition on the island that dates back some 2,300 years and somehow — just — survived the Nazi occupation and the Holocaust it’s also a testament to the survival of antisemitism: in 2010 the second of two successive arson attacks on the shul caused the destruction of 2,500 books and manuscripts Chania comes alive in the relative cool of the evening and most of the shops and restaurants stay open until at least midnight but I’d guess that staying in them isn’t very relaxing in the midday heat which for much of last summer reached the high thirties Celsius So when my wife and I planned three days there in July at the end of a holiday spent mainly in the island’s south the latest addition to the fast-expanding Israeli-owned chain that also includes properties in Athens View of Isla Brown Chania and the Akrotiri peninsula (Photo: Brown Hotels) on the northern edge of the Akrotiri peninsula a 30-minute drive from the town and just 15 from the airport in the lee of a craggy mountain that marks the peninsula’s highest point the resort commands a panoramic view of the Cretan sea which are spread across the hillside in a series of low-rise satellite buildings but there are also three large ones available for any guest Previous stays at Brown properties in Israel had led us to expect stylish architecture and décor done with flair The second in the Isla Brown collection of luxury design resorts Greek firm Liakos Associates has melded the blue of the sea with earthy tones of brown and ochre with its own sea view terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows a huge and comfortable bed and a large marble bathroom Grand Suites with pool at Isla Brown Chania (Photo: Brown Hotels) The resort had only been accepting guests for a few weeks and two of its restaurants aren't due to open until May 2024 which we tried for both breakfast and dinner it was nothing to write home about — certainly nothing approaching the exceptional standard of food we had enjoyed last spring at the Brown Eilat there was bar food served by the two biggest pools five-star destination that the resort aspires to become and it has to up its game — though my past experience of the group suggests to me that it will The Isla Brown would make a good base for anyone wanting to combine rest and recreation with seeing some of Crete’s stunning sights The sandy beach and azure lagoon where much of the Oscar-winning movie Zorba the Greek was shot is a just a few minutes away and is overlooked by several good fish restaurants Further afield lie the ancient Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaestos mountain villages and the extraordinary archaeological museum in Heraklion which hosts Minoan artefacts of quite astonishing beauty the resort’s huge open air terrace bar is a perfect place to wind down with a cocktail and watch the setting sun strike the mountain’s slopes Double rooms at the Isla Brown Chania cost from around £225 per night including breakfast Travel JC Stays hotel review Greece A delegation from the Municipality of Chania will travel to the city of Manavgat following an official invitation from the Municipality of the same name to participate in the “From Crete to Side” Culture and Taste Festival coordinated by the distinguished chef and writer from Istanbul bringing to the fore the historical and cultural roots that unite Crete with Asia Minor The ancient city of Side will be transformed into an open-air cultural crossroads: performances and culinary workshops will compose a dynamic panorama of cultural exchange highlighting the vibrant identity of Crete Of particular interest to the festival is the presence of Turkish-Cretan descendants who currently reside in the Manavgat province and keep alive the cultural memory of Crete as transmitted by their ancestors after the population exchange in 1923 The Municipality of Chania will be represented by Deputy Mayors Eleni Zervoudaki and Yiannis Giannakakis as well as Cretan dance groups and traditional music artists who will present live elements of the Cretan cultural heritage In 15th place in the world ranking of the top coffee shops is the Greek Kross Coffee Roasters in Chania Their journey into the world of specialty coffee began in 2017 at 73 Tsouderon Street while they have now expanded to four other locations in the city: Nearchou 1 the Kross Coffee Roasters team has participated in coffee championships and served as judges in competitions Kross Coffee Roasters stores source high-quality green coffee beans from reputable farms in almost all coffee-producing countries Sydney-based Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters was named the world’s best coffee shop The top 10 coffee shops also come from Singapore The coffee shops around the world were assessed on a variety of factors sustainability practices and customer service Both public opinion and expert ratings were taken into account in the final selection according to the “World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops” list Here is the list of the best coffees in the world 30 Mar 2025 11:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Panachaiki vs PAE Chania on Sun The current head to head record for the teams are Panachaiki 4 win(s) Have scored 7 goals in their last 5 matches Who won between Panachaiki and PAE Chania on Sun 30 Mar 2025 11:00:00 GMT?Panachaiki vs PAE Chania on Sun 30 Mar 2025 11:00:00 GMT ended in a 2–2 tie.InsightsHave scored 5 goals in their last 5 matches Panachaiki is playing home against PAE Chania on Sun the Venetian Port of Chania is hosting a special event giving people with disabilities from selected organizations and institutions the opportunity to live a unique experience at sea With free three-hour excursions on the catamaran Lo Spirito di Stella – the first fully accessible sailing vessel to travel around the world – participants will enjoy the magic of sailing without restrictions The initiative is implemented by the Social Policy Department of the Social Protection Directorate of the Municipality of Chania in collaboration with the Wheels on Waves Around the World program The aim of the event is to give people with disabilities the opportunity to experience the freedom of the sea beneficiaries of the Creative Employment Center for the Disabled of the Municipality of Chania will participate in the action while the public will have the opportunity to visit the catamaran during its stay in the port The boat will be open for visits from 9:00 to 10:00 in the morning and from 17:00 to 19:00 in the afternoon The Wheels on Waves Around the World initiative proves that physical and social barriers can be overcome promoting the values ​​of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: pixabay.com Announcements Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have responded to demand from customers and independent travel agents looking to book some Greek sunshine in early summer by adding more flights to Kalamata and Crete (Chania) bringing forward the start of the Summer 26 season in both destinations to early-April.   The leading leisure airline and UK’s largest tour operator have added more services to both popular destinations in early summer with flights now operating to both hotspots from the beginning of April for the first time – earlier than ever before!  Jet2.com and Jet2holidays will begin flying to Crete (Chania) from 3rd April and to Kalamata from 5th April making the new services perfect for those looking to get away at Easter and in the early Summer season.  With thousands more seats going on sale to the sunshine favourites customers and independent travel agents have even more choice and flexibility when it comes to booking some early summer sun or an Easter break.  The extended summer season to Kalamata comes into effect from Manchester and London Stansted Airports As well as flights operating earlier in the season a choice of fantastic hotels are now ready to book from early-April onwards as well as throughout the summer.  The leading airline and tour operator are also boosting their Crete (Chania) programme for Summer 26 from Birmingham with an extended summer season providing more choice for holidaymakers and independent travel agents.  The additional flights going on sale today are:  Holidaymakers travelling to Greece with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays benefit from the companies’ leisure flights and ATOL protected package holidays as well as having the opportunity to experience the industry-leading customer service which has earned the companies the prestigious accolade of Which Travel Brand of the Year for the past three years Recommended Provider for the past nine years and Jet2holidays has been recognised as Which Recommended Provider for the past seven years.  said: “Kalamata and Crete (Chania) are enormously popular destinations and we continue to see strong demand from customers and independent travel agents looking to book or travel earlier in the summer season or for Easter we have reacted quickly to that demand by extending the Summer 26 seasons to Kalamata and Crete (Chania) providing customers with the holiday choices that they want The assurance that customers get from our award-winning flights and ATOL protected package holidays on top of the appeal of these great destinations means we are very confident that these extended seasons will be much welcomed and sought-after.”