Live in the nature

Therisso Gorge, located just 6-10 km south of Chania in Crete, is one of the most accessible and scenic gorges in the region. Stretching approximately 6-9 km in length, the gorge features dramatic vertical cliffs, lush vegetation, and a diverse ecosystem, including plane trees, oleanders, and endemic flora and fauna protected under the Natura 2000 network 3411. A road runs through the gorge, making it drivable, while hiking trails offer opportunities for exploration, with rock climbing spots and stunning views of the White Mountains 410. The gorge leads to the historic village of Therisso, known for its role in Crete’s resistance against Ottoman rule and its association with Eleftherios Venizelos, a key figure in Crete’s unification with Greece 3613. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Cretan cuisine in the village’s tavernas, with specialties like antikristo lamb and sfakian pita 613. Combining natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural experiences, Therisso Gorge is a must-visit destination near Chania.

Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most breathtaking natural wonders and the longest gorge in Greece, stretching 16 kilometers through the rugged White Mountains. Beginning at the Omalos Plateau and ending at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, the hike takes around 5 to 7 hours, passing through stunning landscapes of sheer cliffs, dense forests, and the famous “Iron Gates,” where the gorge narrows to just three meters between towering 300-meter-high walls. Designated as a national park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Samaria is home to rare wildlife, including the endangered kri-kri (Cretan goat), as well as hundreds of plant species, many found nowhere else in the world. Along the trail, hikers encounter remnants of the abandoned village of Samariá, old churches, and Venetian ruins, adding a historical dimension to the journey. The trek ends at Agia Roumeli, where the crystal-clear waters of the Libyan Sea offer a refreshing reward. Open from May to October, the gorge attracts thousands of adventurers each year, making it a must-visit for those seeking dramatic scenery, rich biodiversity, and an unforgettable hiking experience.

The glamor of Chania is completely justified by the plethora of attractions they offer and the long history they testify. It is considered the most picturesque city of Crete thanks to the Venetian port with the lighthouse and the old town that they maintain and generally remain unforgettable in the minds of their visitors.

Visit the fortress of Firkas and the lighthouse, the church of Agios Nikolaos but also the Giali Mosque, the Archaeological and the Naval Museum, the place where the ruins of ancient Kydonia are located, take a walk in the historic municipal market, but mainly feel it pulse of Chania in the alleys of the old town and in your contact with the local Cretan hospitality. In the wider prefecture there are beaches of world renown (Elafonissi, Balos, Falasarna), a multitude of gorges, with the most famous being that of Samaria and countless picturesque villages. Cretan cuisine is at its best and the locals are waiting to host you in their own unique way.