As the City of Many Tales, Chania is a tapestry of different stories, all woven together throughout time, each a pillar in the foundation of what the city is today. The Old Town in Chania is the embodiment of all these tales, with plenty of pinnacle locations. Among them is the Lighthouse, a landmark left behind by the Egyptians during their occupation of the island. The Lighthouse overlooks the iconic Venetian Harbor that, even though it is part of the Old Town it stands on its own, apart from the rest, allowing for leisure walks along the promenade with stunning views over the sea. The Firka Fortress is yet another testament to Chania’s many stories. Originally called Revellino del Porto by the Venetians, it earned its current name, Firka, after the Ottoman occupation. Firka is Turkish for barracks and was used as military headquarters. Nowadays, the Fortress is part of the Maritime Museum of Crete and is definitely worth a visit. Further stories remain to be uncovered, especially within the Turkish and Jewish quarters. Though little remains of the original neighborhoods, the presence of these cultures is still alive in the city.

The Samaria Gorge is arguably the most beautiful in all of Crete. A UNESCO World’s Biosphere Reserve, the Gorge was carved by a river in between the White Mountains and Mount Volakias, and it is the highlight of the greater National Park of Samaria. At approximately 10 miles in length, the Samaria Gorge is one of the largest in Europe and is a haven for lovers of mother nature. Prepare to be in awe of breathtaking sceneries, from lush greeneries covering rugged cliffs to abundant and clear streams. However, the gorge is perhaps most renowned for its hiking trails. Be ready to take on a challenging and demanding hike, starting from Omalos Plateau down to the village of Agia Roumeli. As you trek this seven-hour journey, do not forget to stop and take in the sights. You might catch a glimpse of the wild Cretan goats (the kri-kri) and the many other native species. Nearing the end, stand ready to pass through the “Iron Gates”. Though they are not made of iron, this particularly narrow stretch makes anyone feel small in comparison, as they tower over anyone at the height of 900 feet.

Though Chania has nearby beaches, such as Nea Chora, it pales in comparison to this natural wonder. Continue to marvel at the beauty of the Chania region by journeying to Elafonissi Beach. At approximately 50 miles from Chania, this beach may seem like something out of a movie, but it is not. This beach’s colorfulness is the result of reddish seashells and coral remnants, which, when mixed, paint the sand in a stunning variety of pink hues. Contrasting against the greenish blues of the lagoon and set against the backdrop of rugged and steep cliffs, a visit to this beach is one of those experiences that you must have at least once in your lifetime, especially if you are moving to Chania. Besides the pink sands, the beach is also mostly known for the islet bearing the same name in the middle of the lagoon, which is reachable by foot when the weather allows for it and the tide is low.

Since most of Crete leans more toward Venetian or more toward Ottoman, it is easy to forget that other civilizations also had a hold on the island thousands of years ago. Though it originally started as a Minoan settlement, Aptera gained prominence during the Hellenistic Period and the Roman Empire, becoming one of the most powerful city-states in Crete. Its strategic location, overlooking Souda Bay, allowed it to become a central hub for maritime trade, and the city also produced weaponry and served as a waypoint to other parts of the Mediterranean. The incredibly longstanding cisterns, responsible for supplying the city with water, were built under Roman rule. Visiting the city is well worth the small price of admission, and it offers a glimpse into the past shared history of Crete.

If you want to embrace nature but are not up to the challenging hikes at the Samaria Gorge or you do not feel like swimming at Elafonisi Beach, then the Botanical Park of Crete is an excellent choice. Though the Park is in the Chania region, it serves as Crete's National Park. Surrounded by many picturesque villages, such as Fournes and Skines, a trip to the Botanical Park is a great way to spend the day with the family. Covering an area of about 49 acres, the Park is the home of an incredibly diverse biosphere, boasting a wide array of plants, trees, flowers, spices, and medicinal and decorative herbs. The Park has several botanical themes. The Mediterranean Garden offers a breathtaking view of fruit-bearing trees commonly found across the Mediterranean: cherries, pomegranates, peaches, oranges, olive trees, and many others. The Tropical Garden allows for other trees, such as the papaya and guava. Besides the flora, the Park is also home to native animals, such as the Cretan goat (the kri-kri) and countless birds, butterflies, and farm animals.