Chania Tour
A Chania tour is one of the best ways to discover the hidden treasures of the region of Chania
When you are in West Crete, try to take a Chania tour – or two, or even more! The region of Chania, with its diversity, marvellous beaches, high mountains, and rich history, will pleasantly surprise you.
A Chania tour usually includes travelling in the Chania countryside and visiting different sights and points of interest that are scattered around an area. Other Chania tours might be more exclusive, i.e. the tour to Samaria Gorge.
Chania tour 1: Samaria Gorge
Possibly the most known Chania tour, the tour to Samaria Gorge is a must for visitors that like active holidays. Samaria Gorge, the longest gorge in Europe, with a total length of 16 kilometres, is not only an impressive creation of nature, but also an area with rare wild flowers and herbs, crystal clear spring waters and the famous Kri-Kri, the Cretan wild goats.
This Chania tour starts early in the morning. The tourist bus picks you up from Chania city – usually directly from your hotel. You get through the mountainous Sfakia region up to Omalos plateau, where there is a break of about half an hour in order to enjoy the unique natural environment. Then the bus continues to the entrance of the gorge, the so-called “Xyloskalo”, in an altitude of more than 1.200 metres.
The main part of the tour, crossing Samaria Gorge, takes about 5-6 hours. Please keep in mind that, although people of all ages can cross the gorge, you should be in relatively good physical condition, without problems like weak knees, or heart or breathing problems. In the end of the gorge, you reach Agia Roumeli village, one of the most tranquil places in Chania region. After a break there for lunch or coffee, you take the boat to Hora Sfakion, where the bus waits for you to take you back to Chania city and your hotel. The tour ends at around 8 pm.
Chania tour 2: Gramvousa Island and Balos lagoon
This Chania tour takes you to the northwest tip of Crete Island, which is a pristine, environmentally protected area.
The tour starts in the morning. The tourist bus picks you up from Chania city – usually directly from your hotel. You get through the new national road to the port of Kissamos, where at around 10 pm you get on the boat.
After about an hour, you reach Gramvousa Island, the historic highlight of this Chania tour, where there is a known Venetian castle on top of a high rocky hill. From the castle, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. You can also swim in the crystal clear waters of the island.
The next part of this Chania tour is to the famous Balos lagoon, where the boat takes you in about 15 minutes. Balos is a real tropical lagoon in West Crete, where swimming is an experience unique all over Europe! Apart from swimming, you can also admire the magnificent natural environment of the lagoon. Keep in mind that there are no trees in the surrounding area, so you should take care for your protection from the sun. Usually you stay in the lagoon for about 3 hours.
Finally, the boat leaves from Balos to get back to Kissamos port. The bus awaits you in the port to take you back to Chania city and your hotel. This Chania tour ends at around 7 pm.
Although there are many other tours, as the ones to Elafonisi beach or Imbros Gorge for example, the above will give you a good idea of what a Chania tour is like. As Chania region is one of the most scenic locations in Europe, a Chania tour is an unforgettable experience that we warmly suggest.