Chania is the second-largest city on the Greek island of Crete, with around 54,500 people in the city and more than 111,000 in the wider municipality. The modern city stands on the site of ancient Kydonia, a major Minoan settlement whose history stretches back several thousand years. Chania later passed through Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman rule, and these layers remain especially visible in the old town. Its best-known landmark is the Venetian harbour, developed from the 14th century and dominated by the distinctive lighthouse at its entrance, while the surrounding streets contain Venetian houses, Ottoman buildings, old fortifications and narrow lanes. Other notable sights include the Maritime Museum of Crete, the Archaeological Museum and the districts of Topanas and Splantzia. Chania also serves as one of the main gateways to western Crete, with easy access to the Samaria Gorge, Balos Lagoon and Elafonissi beach.

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