Venice of the East!
Chania is a town with a long history, and it is no accident that it was named "Venice of the East".
It is also the capital of the prefecture by the same name and stands out for its charm and elegance. References to the town employ the opposite terms ‘old’ and ‘new’ before the word ‘town’.
The new town is a modern urban center featuring all the amenities of a city. Notwithstanding
the modern look travelers can easily spot elements of bygone elegance. As one wanders through
the picturesque alleys of the old town, one can notice various architectural styles which
are testimony to the diverse cultures that once lived there but left their indelible marks
on the history of the place and the culture of the people.
The perfect combination of nature & history
The picturesque town of Rethymno is the historic capital of the prefecture by the same name.
The Venetian and Turkish monuments, the well-preserved elegant traditional houses, the historic neighborhoods are evidence of the rich history of the place and the significant inheritance
of the people who live there. The town combines tradition and modernity. Starting from
the picturesque Venetian port you can visit the Forteza Fortress and a wealth of other Venetian monuments around the Fortress. There are Byzantine churches that stand to remind of the grandeur of the Byzantine Empire. As the night falls the town seems to wake up to the warm ambience
of music restaurants (mezedopoleia) which offer delicious snacks and meals, and lively bars.
Explore Crete from a strategic starting point
Starting from Georgioupolis you can visit places that are most famous for their natural beauty.
From an administrative point of view, this village is in the jurisdiction of the prefecture of Chania
nd is located in the northeastern flank of the prefecture, near the western border of the prefecture
of Rethymno. It is a seaside village which has evolved into a modern touristic resort. It lies in a lush area and is crossed by the Almyros stream. The street forming the entrance to the village is lined
with eucalyptus trees which you can also see in the village square – the image is beautiful.
In summer, restaurant and café owners in the center of the village often lay tables and chairs outside their premises to attract customers for a cool drink in the shade of trees. If you walk through
the narrow roads of the village you will discover shops with souvenirs and other popular art items,
as well as little taverns. You need five minutes to walk from the village square to the seafront
with the traditional little fishing boats and the rubber boats, the latter also used both for fishing
and transportation to other places along the Georgioupolis coast for swimming. Originating
from the White Mountains, the Almyros stream discharges on the beach of Georgioupolis which
is the longest on the island. To the left and right of the village seafront stretch the beaches
of Georgioupolis and the esplanade with its traditional taverns and coffee bars.
These establishments offer alternative entertainment to young and old. However, the most popular landmark on the village seafront is the picturesque chapel of Saint Nikolas which is built on rocks that have been placed a little off the shore to act as a breakwater.
Breathtaking nature beauty
At a distance of 5km from the seaside village of Georgioupolis, near the administrative borders
of the Chania and Rethymno prefectures, there is the Kournas lake, the only lake on Crete.
It is a sweet water lake and is located at the feet of the White Mountains, right on the course
of melting snow, in an area of exceptional natural beauty.
The ecosystem of the area is protected under Natura 2000. It is a unique wetland,
the habitat of rare species. The lush environment and the clear waters of the lake form
an ideal environment for an evening walk or picnic during the day hours. The idyllic landscape
exerts a relaxing effect as you explore the banks of the lake or take a refreshing swim.
The ambient colors change with the hour, as the sunlight sweeps the contours of the hills or filters through the foliage of the trees.
When you visit the little village adjacent to the lake you will be impressed by the style of its housing and life, which speak of the authentic image of the Cretan countryside reminiscent of past years. There is an organized beach around the lake where, in addition to a refreshing swim, you can hire a paddle boat for fun and exploration of the lake. Little cafés and restaurants serve delicious snacks and menu dishes, including the renowned Sfakianés pítes (pies Sfakiá style).