Must see attractions in Hania

  • Top Choice

    Hania Archaeological Museum

    The setting alone in the beautifully restored 16th-century Venetian Church of San Francisco is reason to visit this fine collection of artefacts from…

  • Top Choice

    Venetian Harbour

    There are few places where Hania's historic charm and grandeur are more palpable than in the old Venetian Harbour. It's lined by pastel-coloured buildings…

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    Top Choice

    Maritime Museum of Crete

    Part of the hulking Venetian-built Firkas Fortress at the western port entrance, this museum celebrates Crete’s nautical tradition with model ships, naval…

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    Firkas Fortress

    The Firkas Fortress at the western tip of the harbour heads the best-preserved section of the massive fortifications that were built by the Venetians to…

  • Mosque of Kioutsouk Hasan

    One of the prettiest and most dominant vestiges of the Turkish era is this dusky-pink multidomed former mosque on the eastern side of the Venetian Harbour…

  • B

    Byzantine & Post-Byzantine Collection

    In the impressively restored Venetian Church of San Salvatore, this small but fascinating collection of artefacts, icons, jewellery and coins spans the…

  • V

    Venetian Fortifications

    Part of a defensive system begun in 1538 by Michele Sanmichele, who also designed Iraklio’s defences, Hania’s massive fortifications remain impressive…

  • N

    Nea Hora Beach

    Hania's in-town beach is only a 10-minute walk west of the Venetian Harbour. The 500m-long yellow-sand strip is backed by tavernas and holiday-apartment…

  • H

    Historical Museum & Archives

    The Historical Museum & Archives of Hania, about a 1.5km walk southeast of the old harbour, traces Crete’s war-torn history with a series of exhibits…

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    Church of Agios Nikolaos

    One of Hania’s most intriguing buildings is this Venetian-era church with both a bell tower and a double-balconied minaret – the latter replaced a second…

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    Lighthouse

    The lighthouse at the mouth of the Venetian Harbour is one of Hania's landmarks, sparkling at sunset and then illuminated after dark. The stone tower…

  • E

    Etz Hayyim Synagogue

    Crete’s only remaining synagogue (dating from the 15th century) was badly damaged in WWII and reopened only in 1999. It sports a mikveh (ritual bath),…

  • G

    Greek National Football Museum

    This tiny museum might look like a shop, but it's actually crammed with more than 2000 items of soccer memorabilia. Run by Nikos, the passionate president…

  • G

    Grand Arsenal

    Impressively restored from a roofless ruin, the 16th-century Venetian arsenal was the last of the 17 shipyard buildings in Hania's Venetian Harbour. After…

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    Greek Orthodox Cathedral

    This three-aisled basilica with its prominent bell tower is dedicated to the Virgin of the Three Martyrs, Hania's patron saint. The present structure was…

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    Cretan House Folklore Museum

    Hania’s interesting Folklore Museum contains a selection of crafts, including weavings with traditional designs; local paintings; and several rooms of a…

  • M

    Municipal Art Gallery

    Hania’s modern art gallery evokes the interior of a boat and presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary works by local and national artists on three…

  • C

    Church of San Rocco

    This 17th-century Venetian church was probably built following an outbreak of plague and was turned into a military guardhouse under the Turks. Restored…