I visited Krete in September of 2010. I made Khania my home base and spent most of my time there. I took a few day-trips to the usual tourist destinations but, unlike my previous trips to Greece, I did not go to Krete to do research for this website ... I went for a relaxing vacation and I'm glad to say, that's exactly what happened. I dined and drank ... I went to the beach ... I ate ice cream in the afternoon ... I went to a few museums ... but mostly, I just wandered around and had a good time.
On my previous trips to Greece, I more or less just winged-it ... I knew no one ... I just made friends as I traveled and then moved on. My visit to Khania was different ... I had a pen-pal. She was the cousin of a friend of mine and we exchanged emails for a few months before I made the trip. She was a wonderful hostess and gave me a genuine feeling of 'belonging' that made my stay in Khania one of the best vacations I've ever had.
Sunrise on a wonderful vacation.
The images provided here are original and copyrighted. You may use these images on your website if they are accompanied by a link to mythagora.com and an unambiguous declaration that the images are copyrighted by M.W. Stewart. All other use of these images is strictly forbidden without written permission.
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This was my first glimpse of Krete as I flew in from Athens.
I arrived in Khania in the late afternoon and by the time I checked in to my hotel, it was dark. This is the view from the balcony of my hotel, which overlooks the harbor with its distinctive lighthouse.
I found the harbor-front Selene Restaurant right around the corner from my hotel. With great food, live music and a spectacular view of the Sea of Krete, I was a very satisfied customer.
The Nostos Hotel is old and charming. This is the front of the hotel in the early morning. If you're going to Khania, just Google Nostos Hotel and you will find it at the top of the list. I can't say enough good things about the Nostos ... the staff was friendly and helpful, it was convenient to shops, the beach, museums and of course, the harbor was right around the corner.
A view of the Nostos Hotel with its pink facade as seen from the harbor. As you can see, restaurants abound at the harbor ... the man in the foreground was there to invite you to eat or drink at his restaurant ... this was a common sight and in no way bothersome ... you would be welcomed with a friendly greeting and if you were not interested, they simply wished you a pleasant day and let you go on your way.
This is Zambeliou “Street” where the Nostos Hotel is located. This picture was taken in the early morning and there are not too many people out-and-about but in the evening, this street is a busy place. Of course, not all the streets in Khania are as narrow and quaint as this ... Khania is a busy and industrious city with scooters, cars and buses just like any other Greek city.
Not too far from the hotel were the ruins of a fortified hill from the Venetian Era. The top of this hill gives a panoramic view of the city, the harbor, and the Sea of Krete.
Looking north from the Venetian Hill, the harbor, the lighthouse, and the Sea of Krete are clearly in view.
Looking east from the Venetian Hill with the cathedral and most of the Old City in view.
I couldn’t resist taking a picture of this Smart Car parked on the street ... this is a sports model which is not sold in the United States.
Looking at the Sea of Krete from this wall makes you wonder how many people have enjoyed this tranquil view over the thousands of years that Khania has been the destination of travelers, conquerors, and merchants.
The Venetian Fortress dominates the western entrance to the harbor of the Old City.
The Venetian Fortress
The Venetian Fortress
The Venetian Fortress
The Venetian Fortress
The Old City harbor
The Old City harbor
The Old City harbor
The Old City harbor
Ancient ruins and archeological digs are next to modern buildings in the Old City.
The streets of Khania
The streets of Khania
Photo ops and photographers were everywhere.
The main drag of the Old City, Khalidon Street.
Every alley had a few surprises.
The distinctive lighthouse in the harbor of the Old City.
It was a long, hot, thirsty trek to the lighthouse.
My pen-pal, Khrysanthe.
I thought it only appropriate that I end this nostalgic photo tour with a sunset.