Crete Island in winter (Greece)

Christmas in Market Square in ChaniaTown

Christmas in Market Square in ChaniaTown

The old port of Chania

Entrance of the Old Port of Chania

Venetians Palaces in the town of Chania along the pier of the Old Port

The lighthouse of the Venetian era, entrance to the old port of Chania

The lighthouse of the Venetian era, which marks the entrance to the old port of Chania

The old town of Chania with Venetian buildings

Naval Museum of Chania

Naval Museum of Chania. Exhibition hall with ships models of World War II

Naval Museum of Chania. Exhibition hall with ships models of World War II

The ancient stores of spices and goods in the Old Port of Chania

White Mountains National Park (southwest of the island)

White Mountains National Park (southwest of the island). The highest mountains, exceeding 2200 m above sea level

The bay of Elafonisi, southwest tip of the island

Along the coast are often found small votive churches built by fishermen

Pelekanos Bay on the south-west coast of the island

Heraklion. The archaeological citadel ruins of Knossos dating back to 2000 B.C.

The archaeological ruins of Knossos. The temple was made up of over 400 rooms connected by stairways and arcades

The archaeological ruins of Knossos. The temple was made up of over 400 rooms connected by stairways and arcades

The hallways, side and several decorated halls entrances, creating a labyrinth path in which it is easy to get lost

A stretch of arcades give an idea of the magnitude of the temple and how it was originally decorated the palace (Minoan Era)

A stretch of arcades give an idea of the magnitude of the temple and how it was originally decorated the palace (Minoan Era)

Knossos Temple. The Queen rooms decorated with dolphins

Knossos Temple. The throne room decorated with griffons

Knossos Palace was decorated with wall paintings representing scenes of life and mythological scenes at the Minoan Era

The refined design of the Knossos Palace

Heraklion. Knossos Palace. The face of the Prince of the Lilies

Heraklion. Knossos Palace. The three dancers

Heraklion. Knossos Palace. The painting of the bull jumping

The bearers of pitchers that could contain wine, water, oil or perfume essences for the King and Queen

Crete Island

By: Carlo Piccinelli

Crete on Google Maps.
Chania, is the base town for the tour through the western part of Crete island. An ancient city of Venetian origin with a very lively city center with local, craft shops and restaurants serving traditional Greek dishes. At the entrance to the Old Port, there is the Naval Museum with antique model boats and modern ships where you can know the maritime history of this Mediterranean island. Inland, a few dozen kilometers from Chania, the Park of the White Mountains and the Samaria canyons, are a nice occasion for walks in the woods or along the slopes of mountains than 2,000 m high. Surely, it is the Mycenaean culture and history that attracts tourists during the Christmas and the holidays of New Year, in visit on the island. The beaches are deserted but the ruins of the palace of Knossos and the temple are crowded with tourists amazed by the beauty of the frescoes, the colonnades, and the architecture of one of the most famous archaeological sites in Greece. A start interesting year journey from the point of view of cultural, sporting and fun even if you stay in Chania.
More informations:
www.chaniatourism.com
www.visitgreece.gr
www.west-crete.com
www.crete-kreta.com/chania-tourist-information