The Chania Lighthouse is a must-visit attraction in Crete. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Mediterranean and is at the entrance of Chania’s Venetian Harbour. Join us as we uncover the history of this lighthouse, and explore its architecture and when is the best time to visit. We’ll give you some additional tips to plan your visit for the perfect excursion to the Chania Lighthouse.
Chania Lighthouse: An iconic landmark of the city
The Chania Lighthouse is a symbol of the city’s maritime history and cultural influences. It was built by the Venetians around 1570 and was originally an important navigational aid for Chania’s busy port. In 1839, once the Egyptians began to occupy Crete, it was rebuilt in its current form by Egyptian architects. This changed the way the lighthouse looked, including influences from Ottoman, Venetian and Egyptian styles.
The lighthouse of Chania stands 21 metres above the sea and is strategically located at the entrance of the harbour. This offers beautiful panoramic views of the port and sea. You can visit the lighthouse to see these spectacular views any time of the day, however, sunrise or sunset are regarded as magical.
The Chania Lighthouse has become a symbol for the city of Chania, as you will see its figure on many tourist information brochures, and souvenirs.
Architecture and design of the Chania Lighthouse
The Chania Lighthouse has an interesting fusion of styles and architecture. This diversity comes from the many different influences that are what shaped Crete. The lighthouse’s base is made of stone in a cylinder shape and goes up as a tower. This part dates back to the 16th-century Venetian original. Later, in the 19th century, the Egyptians controlled Crete under Ottoman rule. This occurred from 1830 to 1840 and it was then that they decided to give the lighthouse a makeover. Octagol shapes were added to its middle and a cylindrical lantern shape was on top. This added a slight Islamic touch to the Lighthouse of Chania. The lantern room functioned until the 20th century. It now stands as a non-functioning monument in the harbour.
Best time to visit Chania's lighthouse
The Chania Lighthouse is open to visit all year round. For the perfect photo, we suggest going at sunset. This offers the most amazing colours and tones of the harbour. During the summer months, between June to September, is when the harbour is buzzing along with tourists and locals enjoying the warm evening at a bar or cafe.
But if you prefer a quieter experience, spring or autumn might be a more suitable time to visit. April to May and October to November are perfect for weather conditions and lower traffic. During these times, the average temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C.
The winter has a cooler temperature, hovering around 15°C. This is also a nice time to visit however most coastal restaurants and points of interest might be closed during this period.
Exploring the surrounding harbour of Chania
The Venetian Harbour is much more than just the lighthouse of Chania. It is a place full of historical significance, highlighting the importance of this area for trade.
We suggest strolling along this harbourfront to explore the variety of attractions that demonstrate the historical importance of the area:
Firka Fortress
Found on the western edge of the harbour, this 17th-century fortress was originally built to defend Chania from pirate attacks. Today, it is the Maritime Museum of Crete, displaying interactive exhibits. It includes model ships, nautical instruments, and artefacts from the Battle of Crete during World War II. The fortress also offers stunning views of the harbour and the lighthouse.
Grand Arsenal (Megalo Arsenali)
The Grand Arsenal now serves as a cultural centre, but was once the largest of the Venetian shipyards. The building has been restored and now hosts art exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events.
Cafés and Taverns
The harbour is lined with a variety of traditional and modern restaurants and bars. You can savour authentic Cretan dishes such as dakos, bread topped with fresh tomatoes and feta, and kalitsounia, a local cheese pie. You can also relax with a cup of Greek coffee while enjoying the harbour’s lively atmosphere or sip on a cocktail if you’d like. Luckily, many of these places have outdoor seating with stunning views of the lighthouse.
Another interesting option is to hire a boat cruise around the harbour. This gives you a different perspective of Chania its Lighthouse.
How to get to Chania Lighthouse
Getting to the Chania Lighthouse is simple. If you are in Chania’s old town, make your way towards the Venetian Harbour. Once you get there, you follow a stone path along the east side of the pier. It is a beautiful, scenic walk that takes about 15-20 minutes. On this stroll, you will see waterfront cafés, fishermen’s boats and other historical landmarks, which we mentioned earlier.
The path is very well maintained and marked, but remember to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes as some parts of the stone path are uneven.
If you are driving, there are many car parks around the harbour. However, most parking spaces in these tourist areas fill up quickly in summer, so arriving early or taking public transport might be a better option.
Chania has a good public bus system that connects the city centre to the harbour and other areas. Buses run frequently and are affordable as tickets range between €1.20-€2.00, depending on the route. Taking a taxi is also another convenient option to get to the Chania lighthouse.
Discover Chania and its beautiful lighthouse
The Chania Lighthouse is a symbol of the city’s mixed history and cultural heritage. Whether you’re captivated by its unique architecture, or simply looking for breathtaking views, this iconic landmark is a must-see for anyone visiting Crete.
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