Chania is a city located on the northwest coast of the island of Crete, in Greece. It is the second largest city on the island, after Heraklion, and the capital of the Chania region. The city has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic era, and it has been ruled by various civilizations over the centuries, including the Minoans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans.

Chania is the site of the Minoan settlement the Greeks called Kydonia. The name of the city is first mentioned in Linear B tablets as ku-do-ni-ja.

Some notable archaeological evidence for the existence of this Minoan city below some parts of today's Chania was found by excavations in the district of Kasteli in the Old Town. The city reemerged after the end of the Minoan period as an important city-state in Classical Greece, one whose domain extended from Chania Bay to the feet of the White Mountains. The first major wave of settlers from mainland Greece was by the Dorian Greeks who came around 1100 BC.

In 69 BC, the Roman consul Caecilius Metellus defeated the Cretans and conquered Kydonia to which he granted the privileges of an independent city-state. Kydonia reserved the right to mint its own coins until the 3rd century AD.

The early Christian period under Byzantine rule (First Byzantine Period, 395–824 AD) and the rule of the Arabs, who called the settlement Al Hanim ("the Inn"), are not well documented. The Byzantine Empire retook the city in 961 AD (Second Byzantine Period, until 1204 AD). In this period the Arabic name of the city was changed into Greek Chania.

After the Fourth Crusade (1204) and the fall of Byzantium in the Hellenic area, Crete was given to Bonifacio, Marquess of Montferrat. He in turn chose to sell it to the Venetians for 1000 silver marks.

After Venetians the island was given to Turks in 1669. The city remained under Ottoman control despite fighting during the Greek War of Independence (1821-29), the Cretan Revolt (1866–1869) and the Cretan Revolt (1878). Later it was annexed to the rest of the Greek State on December 1913 under the administration of Eleftherios Venizelos.

Old Town: Chania's Old Town is a must-visit destination, characterized by narrow streets, Venetian and Ottoman-era buildings, and a charming harbor. The Venetian Harbor is a focal point of the Old Town, lined with colorful waterfront buildings and dotted with picturesque lighthouse. The area is bustling with shops, restaurants, cafes, and local artisans selling their crafts.

Venetian Lighthouse: The Venetian Lighthouse, located at the entrance of the Old Harbor, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Dating back to the 16th century, it offers panoramic views of Chania and the surrounding coastline.

Archaeological Museum of Chania: The Archaeological Museum of Chania houses a collection of artifacts from the region's rich history, including Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts. It provides insights into the island's ancient civilizations and their cultural heritage.

Beaches: Chania is renowned for its beautiful beaches. Some of the popular ones include Balos Beach, Elafonisi Beach, Falassarna Beach, and Stavros Beach. These beaches offer crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden sands, and stunning natural surroundings.

Samaria Gorge: The Samaria Gorge, located within the White Mountains National Park, is a popular natural attraction near Chania. It is one of the longest gorges in Europe and offers breathtaking scenery, including towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and a river that runs through the gorge. It's a favorite destination for hiking enthusiasts.

Cretan Cuisine: Chania is known for its delicious and authentic Cretan cuisine. Traditional dishes include dakos (barley rusk topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and feta cheese), souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), kalitsounia (cheese or herb pies), and fresh seafood. You can enjoy these dishes at local taverns and restaurants throughout the city.

Chania is a destination that combines history, natural beauty, and a vibrant culinary scene. Its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and warm hospitality make it a popular choice for visitors. Whether you're exploring the Old Town, relaxing on the beaches, or indulging in the local cuisine, Chania offers a memorable experience for travelers.