Chania

There is an abundance of charming accommodation available in Chania’s Old Town, ranging from simple pensions to elegant five-star Venetian mansions. The suites at Casa Delfino (Theofánous 9) are honeymoon-standard and dripping with luxuriousness, while the nearby Porto del Colombo (Theofánous and Moschon) is not quite as wallet-busting, yet still deserving of sumptuous status. To the east of the walled town lies the Halépa quarter, where the characterful Doma (Venizélou 124) can be found. Elsewhere, Madame Bassia (Betólou 45-51) is a popular budget choice close to the Orthodox Cathedral.

All tastes are catered for when it comes to shopping in Old Chania thanks to the blend of modern boutiques and traditional workshops. Maherádika is the knife-makers quarter, and at Apostolos Pakhtikos (Sifáka 29) you can have your horn-handled dagger personally inscribed. Boasting a reputation as Crete’s finest copper antique outlet is Tzangarakis (Sifáka 18), which offers plenty of opportunity to pick up a bargain like none other in the rest of Greece. Head to Skrydlóf Street for an assortment of leather goods such as handbags, boots and sandals, while Mihalis Manousakis at Roka (Zambelíou 61) claims to be Crete’s last loom weaver. If you're after top-notch embroidery then the Centre of Traditional Folk Art and Culture (Skoufón 20, Evraïkí) is well worth a visit, while you can pick up amber worry beads at the House of Amber (Kondyláki 13, Evraïkí). For local foodstuffs, seek out the New Town’s covered market, where you'll find treats such as stamnagáthi (spiny chicory) and apáki (cured streaky pork).

There is a pleasing combination of traditional Cretan options and Mediterranean-fusion eateries on offer in Chania. The restaurants that permeate the interconnecting Venetian harbours often offer poor value for money, perhaps except for Halkina (Aktí Tombázi 29-30), which serves up delicious apáki (cured streaky pork), marathópita (fennel pie) and aubergine roulade. Kalamoti (Venizélou 142) is found in Halépa to the east of the Old Town, and is recommended for its seafood, casserole dishes and superb myzíthra cheese. Elsewhere in Neahóra, to the west of the walls, you'll find pleasant seaside dining to complement the Sfakian sausages, courgette patties and stuffed peppers at Ouzythino (Aktí Papanikolí, fishing jetty). If you're into Middle Eastern food then check out the fusion menu at Tamam (Zambelíou 49, Evraïkí), which is atmospherically set into a Turkish bath.

Chania Carnival

February/March

Chania’s Carnival sees parades, parties and masquers take to the streets, while outlying villages on the nearby Akrotíri peninsula also play host to some top events.

Blessing of Sheep

April

This blessing takes place over Easter-time and sees flocks of sheep brought to Asi Gonia, a small hill village just outside Chania. The sheep are blessed before spectators are given milk to enjoy.

Sampajana Jazz Festival

June

This jazz festival also sees funk and ethnic shows put on over four days in June. Past performers include Greek stars such as Haig Yazdjian and Psarandonis.

Sardine Festival

September

There is musical accompaniment to this festival, which marks the end of the sardine festival, and where free grilled sardines are handed out at Neahóra Beach.

Cultural Summer

July - September

A host of venues dotted around both the Old and New Town put on a series of performances to celebrate the annual Cultural Summer, although the programme may unfortunately be hit by the economic crisis in future.