There are a lot to see – and feel - in the prefecture of Chania, besides the city of Chania. It's not a coincidence that in 2005, the prefecture of Chania had a 20% annual increase in visitors, which was the biggest in Greece.
Chania prefecture is one of the four prefectures of Crete and covers the Westernmost quarter of the island. Districts include the verdant Apokoronas, the mountainous Sfakia and Selino, which lies in the far South West corner. Some notable towns in the Chania prefecture are: Hora Sfakion, Kastelli-Kissamos, Paleohora, Maleme, Vrisses, Vamos, Georgioupolis and Kalives.
The natural park of Samaria Gorge, a major tourist attraction and a refuge for the rare Cretan Wild Goat (“Kri Kri”), is in the south of the prefecture of Chania.
The White Mountains (“Lefka Ori”), through which the Samaria, Aradena, Imbros and other gorges run, are the limestone peaks, topped by snow until May, that occupy much of Chania prefecture. They contain more than 40 peaks over 2,000 meters high. The highest peak in this area is Pahnes, at 2,452 meters above sea level.
Chania and Western Crete in general are popular with tourists for its spring flowers that linger on into early May in the mountains. Birdwatching is also popular, with the lammergeier and golden eagle especially sought for. As an island, Crete has many endemic species of plant and animal.
Crete's only freshwater lake, Lake Kournas, is close to the neighbouring Rethymnon prefecture. It is relatively large, with a perimeter of 3.5 km. The lake used to be called 'Korisia' after ancient 'Korion', a city located many centuries ago in the area, with a famous temple of the goddess Athena. The lake used to be reportedly full of eels but now is better known for its terrapins and tourists. Tavernas and pedalo rental shops line part of the shore. The lake arguably retains its beauty, the White Mountains reflected in its mirror-like waters.
Souda, being one of the biggest natural and commercial ports in the Mediterranean Sea is just within 4 kms from the city of Chania, serving daily schedules to Piraeus port via ferry boats.
