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Harbour · Chania, Creta
Porto veneziano e Farol de Chania
The porto veneziano in a crescent, with the mesquita dos janízaros on the water’s edge, the arcades of the shipyards and the 1864 lighthouse at the tip of the breakwater: Chania's iconic image.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Porto veneziano e Farol de Chania
The old port of Chania was built by the Venetians from the 14th century and remains the city's centre to this day. It is shaped like a crescent moon closed off by a long breakwater, and on its tip stands the lighthouse, 21 metres high, erected by the Venetians and rebuilt in 1864 during the period when Crete was under Egyptian administration; that is why its shape resembles a minaret.
On the waterfront is the mesquita dos janízaros (Yiali Tzami), dating from 1645, the oldest Ottoman building in Crete, with domes and no minaret, today used for exhibitions. On the west side, the Firkas fortress, where the Greek flag was raised in 1913, houses the Museu Marítimo. On the east side, the stone arcades of the Venetian shipyards (neoria), where ships were repaired, now host events and a replica of a Minoan ship.
The walk to the lighthouse along the breakwater takes about 15 minutes and gives the classic view of the town, with the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the background. The quay is full of cafés, tavernas and horse-drawn carriages; the streets behind it are quieter.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, including the walk to the lighthouse.
Best time
Early in the morning, when the pier is empty and the fishing boats arrive, or in the late afternoon to see the sunset behind the lighthouse, which is usually the busiest time. At night everything is lit up.
How to get there
The port is the center of the old town. From the KTEL bus station it's about a 10-minute walk to the north; from the municipal market, 5 minutes along Chalidon Street.
Tip
The lighthouse is not open for interior visits; the walk is the attraction. The restaurants with tables at the edge of the pier are the most expensive in town: the streets behind have better tavernas. You can photograph the entire port from the top of the breakwater and, on the opposite side, from the fortress Firkas.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Porto veneziano e Farol de Chania
Can you climb the lighthouse of Chania?
No. The lighthouse is not open to visits; the walk is along the breakwater to its base, with views over the harbour and the town.
Why does the lighthouse of Chania look like a minaret?
Because it was rebuilt in 1864, when Crete was under Egyptian administration, and its form followed the style of the time. The base is Venetian.
What is the domed building on the harbour edge?
The mosque of the janissaries, Yiali Tzami, from 1645—the oldest Ottoman building on the island. Today it houses exhibitions and no longer functions as a mosque.
Does the port of Chania receive ferries?
No. Ferries from Pireu arrive at the port of Souda, 7 km away. The old harbour only takes small and excursion boats.