Activities
- Set in the quiet maze of back streets behind the hustle and bustle of Chania’s harbor, next to the Kastelli area, the former residence of the Pasha during the Turkish rule, is the Splanzia district; the Turkish quarter for over 200 hundred years of the occupation. The area is instantly recognizable for its prominent 1645 restored dome-shaped Mosque on the waterfront and the spiraling Minarets that adorn the majority of the Christian Churches in the district.
- Chania old town is considered the most picturesque urban district in Crete. The main square which is the starting point of the old town is known as ‘Syntrivani’ (Fountain) as there is a fountain there. This is the heart of tourist activities, restaurants, cafes, museums, galleries, historic monuments and is full of life!
- Some of the more popular places there is the lighthouse (which has been revamped and now you are able to enjoy a long walk to it), the Naval Museum, the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Turkish mosque (which now functions as an art exhibit hall), the Municipal Art Gallery of Chania, the Jewish Synagogue and Halidon Street (the most famous street of the old town which leads down to the harbor front).
- Walk and explore Chania's historic and picturesque old town with narrow streets and old buildings with different architectural styles. Visit the maritime museum on the west side of the port and walk along with the port till Arsenal where is situated the Arsenal Centre of Mediterranean Architecture that organizes exhibitions and has a primary goal to promote the Meditteranean arts.
- From the pretty small fishing harbor of Chania, regular boat trips run in summer to the island of Agii Theodoroi, a wild goat or kri-kri sanctuary, for snorkeling and swimming.
- Swim. The nearest beach is 500m away, Agii Apostgolli Beach is 4 km, and the famous long beach of Agia Marina is 7km away. Or maybe you prefer the enclosed waters of Marathi bay, on the Akrotiri peninsula.
- Also on the Akrotiri peninsula, beyond the airport, there are two very impressive monasteries, inhabited by a few monks, and both are opened to appropriately dressed visitors in the morning and late afternoon, Agia Triada or Jakaoron, renowned for its traditions this unique olive oil is produced, and the historic monastery of Gouvernetou the more remote which resembles a castle, with towers which served to defend it from raiders.
- Beyond Gouvernetou lies a wonderful hiking trail to the cliff chapel of Katholikon and an azure-watered inlet below. The aquamarine water would be very inviting for a swim before the climb back up to Gouverneto Monastery if this were not strictly prohibited by the monks.
- If you are looking for more quiet beaches, Falasarna is a very long beach that is located on the west part of the island, 44km from your hotel, What makes this beach so unique, is the length, you can walk along the sandy beach for a lot of time. Or drive 2 hours southwest to Elafonisi (try and get there before the afternoon crowds), or 1 hour west the well-known Balos Beach (the latter requires a short hike or a boat from Kastelli).
- For a trip by car I would suggest: To "Therissos" - you drive through a beautiful gorge. The village itself is historic and has some good tavernas like "Andartis". But if you have time, you can continue further to Zourva and come down to Chania again via Meskla. This is a spectacular drive (if the atmosphere is clear and not too hazy), marked on some maps as unpaved - but it is now paved. Just after Zourva, there is a taverna on its own with glass windows with 360 views and good local food.
- Join the fascinating cooking workshops at Miia Traditional Village, a great introduction to Cretan to seasonal cooking and the culture of Cretan gastronomy - cuisine.
- Or maybe you would like to visit one of the best wineries in Crete, Manousakis Winery.
- Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe, if you like gorges, walk through this gorge and the experience will be unique. It is a long gorge, 16km, and you need about 6 hours to pass it, which means that it is not allowed to walk the long way if you have any health problem. If you think that 16km is too many, you can see the last part of the gorge. You have to drive to Chora Sfakion and then you take the boat to Agia Roumeli, where is the exit of the gorge, you just have to walk a few kilometers in the gorge, at least till the most narrow point "portes".
- Next to Samaria gorge, there is another gorge, shorter but very beautiful because it is very narrow in some points. This is Imbros gorge and you need just 2 hours to pass it. You can combine this walk, with swimming in Fragokastelo beach, as it is very close to the exit of the gorge.
- For those who love horse riding, there is a horse riding center in Akrotiri, that organizes daily excursions in that area. You just need to make a reservation.
- Explore Rethymno's old town and especially the waterfront and streets just behind. Walk along the harbor wall to the Venetian lighthouse. The Fortezza (fortress) was built by the Venetians (1573) to protect the city. Not only are walls, but the church and the remains of its buildings of interest, the views from it to the town are also a great way to start planning your tour of the town. There are also sweeping sea views. Open daily.
- Don't miss visiting Rethimnon's Archaeological Museum which occupies a building almost directly opposite the entrance to the fortress. It's worth a look especially if you are going to the bigger museums in other towns. Here you could enjoy Minoan pottery and sarcophagi and lots of Roman coins, jewelry, pots, and statues, all from Rethimno province. Take a look at an unusual unfinished Roman statue of Aphrodite.
- Head South from Rethymno to the sandy Palm Beach of Preveli, a sand-filled cove right at the end of the Kourtaliotiko gorge, where a freshwater estuary feeds a little oasis complete with palm grove and a cluster of oleanders ( at the beginning and the end of the season it is lovely).
- More uplifting activities in Chania region.
House Rules
- Check-in: 14.00 - 23.00 pm
- Check out: 12.00 pm
- Minimum Stay: 2-3 nights, depending on the season
- Payment Policy:
Credit card details (Visa or MasterCard) are required to charge the deposit amount in order to confirm the reservation.
No additional charges will be made to the credit card unless cancellation charges have to be applied.
The Balance amount is to be paid directly to Splanzia Hotel at the time of stay.
Note: Visa, MasterCard are accepted at Splanzia Hotel.
- Cancellation Policy:
Up to 2 weeks before arrival - full refund.
After that period, the deposit is not refundable and 1 night will be charged, in addition, if you cancel.
Not arriving at the hotel for your booking: the full balance will be charged (at the hotel's discretion).
Departure before booked departure date: at the hotel's discretion, the full balance may be charged by the hotel.
MHTE: 1042Κ060Β0005401
How To Get There
Splanzia Hotel is located in the new part of Chania by the Old Town. All the main attractions are easily accessible on foot and the closest beach is about 1km away from here.
- By Air
From May through mid-October there are direct charter flights to Chania (15km) and, more frequently, to the capital Heraklion 140km. Tickets can be bought in advance for almost all flights via our partner website.
- By Sea
The journey is the thing". A superb way of enjoying the journey to Crete is to fly to Athens and take the ferry from Piraeus (Pireas) - the port serving Athens. A still-romantic way to travel by the overnight ferry from Piraeus to Chania-Souda port (7.5km from the Hotel). Tickets can be bought in advance for all ferries via our partner website.
- By Car
If you want to explore the region while you're here, we recommend that you rent a car, other means of transport are limited and/or infrequent. We suggest our sister website Crete-Car-Rental.com, which offers competitive prices and you can collect your car at either airport.
- By Taxi
Book your taxi transfer online easily and safely from the airport or port to any location via our website.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through CreteTravel.com
Facilities
- Dining: Splanzia Hotel offers a fresh homemade breakfast that is included in the rate. Very close to the Hotel there are many eating options. There is a small west-facing terrace for sunset drinks from the self-service bar
- Internet Access: WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge
- Swimming Pool: No
- Disabled Access: Not suitable
- Pets: Pets are not allowed
- Languages Spoken: Greek, English, German
- Parking: Private car park with security just opposite the hotel or on the streets around the hotel