Chania

The city of Chania, situated almost at the middle of the prefecture's territory at the northern coast, is the capital of the prefecture and, as the natives use to say, also the "cultural capital city" of Crete. The city has approximately 54.000 permanent residents, and many students, as it is the seat of several faculties of the University of Crete.Chania is an active city, commercial and administrative center of the prefecture. It offers all kind of facilities to the visitor; in the stores you can find any kind of goods, from clothes and jewelry, to souvenirs and house equipment. Many banks, travel agencies, rent-a-car facilities, and a hospital are also available. Along with the new city, the old one is present and active too, as it is there that most of the trendy cafes, bars and restaurants have been established. Accommodation of any kind and for all budgets is plenty, within the city center, at the beach, in the suburbs or in short distance from the city. Numerous taverns, restaurants of various tastes, street food, cafes, pastry shops and bars are available. Later in the night many bars with foreign and Greek music assure an intensive and fascinating nightlife.