Virgin Voyages' guide to Chania, Crete, Greece

Crete has had thousands of years to develop a culture in a climate that simply captivates the modern traveler. The 600 miles of shoreline was a major hub between the Middle East, North Africa, and Continental Europe, culminating in a beautiful fusion of influences still present all over the island today. 

Chania - the gateway into Crete, exudes remnants of both the Byzantine and Hellenistic-Roman periods through its harbor and narrow streets, while relics from the Turkish occupation seem to shine in neighborhoods such as Koum Kapi and Halepa. Start your journey under the large covered agora (traditional market) in Market Square where you’ll find everything from fruits and vegetables, spices, local meats, homemade cheeses, and olive-ously – olives. If food is your spiritual system, go on a pilgrimage to the epicenter of olive divination in the nearby village of Ano Vouves, where the world’s oldest olive tree is still producing its sacred fruit. 

If you’re a history buff or an archaeology aficionado, you’ll have a field day your fifteen old self would drool over when uncovering the Palace of Knossos, while adrenaline seekers will revel in an off-roading Jeep adventure through ancient roads and vineyards. 

If you’re idea of adventure entails less off-roading and more unloading there’s no shortage of culinary crusades, island hopping boat tours or exclusive beach clubs – and if you can’t decide which journey to take, wander through Chania’s matrix of streets where the sea (and sea fare) is never far away.

The thing about extraordinary history and legendary myths are they usually date back well before the common era. With Zeus being born in Crete as the child of Chronos (Father Time) some argue that time actually began right here – what a perfect place to take a break from adhering to typical schedules and let your sojourn begin, by uncovering the best Crete has to offer by land, sea or–both. 

Begin by visiting Chania’s many vineyards, which have been growing the (literal) fruits of life to perfection for over thousands of years. Then adventure to see The Church of Saint Antonios which will take you back to the Byzantine period, then head to The Monastery of Arkadi in the nearby fishing boat and taverna filled village of Rethymnon which dates back to the 5th century. Expanded during the Venetian Empire and after the Turkish land siege in 1866 it became a symbol of Cretan struggle, resistance, and heroism – a must-see for anyone fascinated by the inconstant rise and fall of multiple empires over the last five centuries. 

Stay active while discovering the bountiful exciting adventures Crete has to offer by Kayaking the Aegean coast, which allows for a mindblowing dive into history while riding ocean waves unlike any other. Pedal by E-bike through Chania’s rolling hills, its classically beautiful old town and perfectly timeless harbor. There’s so much to see and experience you may not be able to hit everything in a single visit, but don’t pass up adventure for relaxation – experience a little bit of both and know you’ll always have more to explore on your next ocean passage.