Three Spots In Chania Off The Beaten Path

One of the greatest things about slow travel is the discovery of spots you'd never run into, were you visiting for just a day or two. After having spent some time familiarizing ourselves with Chania, we discovered a few spots that are off the beaten path. Please keep in mind, a couple of these are technically closed off to visitors, but nobody seems to pay any attention to that. Still, I wouldn't suggest going after dark, and only visit at your own risk. If someone yells at you (which seems unlikely in laid-back Greece), don't tell them For 91 Days sent you!

#1 West Venetian Walls

These fortifications are from the 13th century, when Chania was occupied by Venice. The city's new masters ordered the construction of a wall to fortify the older Byzantine barriers. There's an official entrance to reach the top of the Western walls, which you can find here. There, you'll find a little park, and a path on top of the wall, leading north.

Soon, you'll reach a gate, which is the entrance to the upper San Salvatore Bastion. It's been blocked, but parts of the wire mesh fence have been forced open, and it's easy to get through. Watch your step as you climb the walls, atop which you'll have an excellent view over the old Jewish neighborhood, some of the port, and the lighthouse. From the looks of things, the San Salvatore Bastion was open to the public in the recent past, because there are still informative signs present.

#2 Bastion of Schiavo

Close by the entrance to the West Venetian Walls, you'll find the Bastion of Schiavo. Nowadays, it looks like a lumpy hill, and not at all like the mighty fortification it must have once been. <a href="http://"https://goo.gl/maps/8tEaT49S8ku" target="_blank">On the backside, you'll find a path leading up the hill. Like the San Salvatore Bastion, it's been fenced-off, and there are signs which prohibit visitors, but this is clearly a rule which doesn't impress anyone. Just waltz on through, and you'll probably not be alone. But once again: although we might classify the risk as "minor", it's one you'll have to decide upon yourself.

At the top, you can enjoy views over the neighborhood of Evraiki, and see some of Chania's remaining minarets off toward the east.

#3 Byzantine Terrace

From withing the Kastelli district you can find a hidden away gate to this terrace overlooking the Venetiona Harbor. We've seen people up there from below and we always wondered how you get there. It took couple of days and tries but we finally are able to share with you the way. This our favorite sunset spot in Chania. Bring couple of beers, a snack and pick a spot to sit on the wall. The view from here is unmatched. The Kastelli district would be our choice of neighborhood to live in, in case we're back again one day. Super quiet, cute house and extremely central with a very local vibe.

Have you been to Chania or Crete in general? Know of some off the beaten path spots or your favorite hidden away tavern? Please feel free to share with us.

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