Up until 1972, Chania was the capital of Crete. Today, it is the second largest town in Crete, with its own airport serving Western Crete. Many believe Chania to be one of the most impressive towns in the whole of Greece. Chania is really two towns. The old walled town with its mediaeval quarters and the new town with its magnificent harbour, consists of houses and churches from both the Venetian and Turkish periods. Walking through the maze of narrow streets is like a trip through the history of Crete. Here around the crescent shaped harbour you will find many excellent restaurants, bars and small shops, as well as the famous cruciform shaped market, with its fascinating array of provisions. The unique melting pot of history which forms this town is part of its enduring charm. Scattered north and west from Chania, lie countless beautiful beaches along with many small villages and pretty coves. Here is the perfect holiday town and area that caters for most tastes. There are water sports, ideal sunbathing spots and many worthwhile excursions through the western part of the island. Of further interest is the Akrotiri peninsula with its ancient atmospheric monasteries. The peninsula divides the Bay of Souda, with its beautiful natural harbour, and the Bay of Chania. The towns of Sougia, Chora Sfakion, and Paleochora in the South, as well as Kissamos and Phalassarna in the West, are all easily reached by bus. The region around Chania is also the best base from which to take the walk through the glorious wild natural beauty of the famous 18km Samaria Gorge. In the wonderful region in and around Chania we have carefull chosen a selection of accommodation, in a wide choice of villages such as Kalathas, Stavros, Kalamaki, Stalos, Platanias, Gerani, Kolimabari, Maleme and Tavronitis, which are all between 5 and 25 km distance from the town of Chania.