Chania Old Town: the Venetian Harbour, Lighthouse and Lanes

Chania old town sits on the north-west coast of Crete, around the old Venetian port of Chania. Its harbour is one of the most photographed places on the island. Venetian stone, Ottoman details and the old Chania lighthouse all meet at the water’s edge.

The old Venetian port of Chania

Chania was a Venetian port for around four centuries. After that, it came under Ottoman rule in 1645. Finally, Crete joined Greece in 1913. Even today, you can read those layers in the buildings: the old lighthouse at the end of the harbour wall, the Venetian shipyards along the waterfront, and the domed Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque, built after the Ottoman conquest.

The Chania lighthouse

The Chania lighthouse stands at the end of the long harbour wall. The Venetians built the first lighthouse here around 1600. Later, during Egyptian rule in the 1830s, it was rebuilt in the shape we see today. That is why some people still call it the Egyptian lighthouse. It is about 21 metres tall, and you can walk out to it along the harbour wall.

From the waterfront, the Chania lighthouse looks best at sunrise and at sunset. For example, stand near the old mosque and look across the harbour as the light turns gold. You can read more on Wikipedia.

Where to wander in Chania old town

• The old harbour. Walk the whole curve of it, out to the Chania lighthouse and back. Above all, it is at its best in the early morning and at sunset.
• The lanes of Chania old town. Narrow streets, painted shutters, hidden courtyards and flowers on the walls. Splantzia and Topanas are good places to get lost.
• The Municipal Market. A covered market from the early 20th century, built in the shape of a cross, full of local honey, herbs, cheese and olive oil.
• Beaches within reach. Elafonisi and Balos are known for pale sand and shallow turquoise water. However, both make a long day trip from town.
• Samaria Gorge. One of the longest gorges in Europe, and a famous hike. Generally, it is open in the warmer months, weather permitting.

Photographing the Chania lighthouse and harbour

First, come early. At sunrise the harbour is quiet and the old stone turns the colour of honey. Later, at golden hour, the light is soft on the water and the boats. Meanwhile, in Chania old town, look for details: doorways, shutters, a boat on the horizon, a patch of flowers against a wall.

All photographs in this article © Simov P Store. All rights reserved.