Where is Chania?
Chania is the 2nd largest city of Crete and lies in the north coast of Greece. If you are island hopping in Greece, Chania is definitely not to be missed out. We had only a day to spend in Chania and experience the corners of this city in a unique way. Hence we partnered with GS Tours Chania who run Trikke Tours around the old town of Chania.
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What is a Trikke?
Trikke is a chain-less, pedal-less 3 wheel electric cycle where the rider stands on top of the two foot platforms and control the movement of the vehicle. Very easy to control and manoeuvre, Trikke is not only super cool, but also sustainable, environment friendly and recyclable.
It is definitely a unique green way to explore any place. And given that Chania has one, we absolutely enjoyed taking this tour.
Exploring Chania Old Town in a Trikke
The guided tour started with a a little bit of practice session on steering, how to stop and how to control the vehicle.
In less than 5 minutes, everyone of us were comfortable with trikke operation and we were ready to start the tour.
We navigated through the busy streets of Chania and went through many beautiful narrow lanes. The tour guide provided us with valuable information about Chania and it’s historical past.
We passed through some of its landmarks and came to the viewpoint of the harbour. We then surpassed through the venetian harbour and lighthouse, before returning back.
Highlights of Chania Old Town
Old town of Chania is a pretty postcard perfect and buzzling place. Narrow maze-like streets adoring the summer flowers, houses lined up both venetian and turkish style.
We saw plethora of restaurants at every corner, and many souvenir shops and stalls as we whizzed towards the harbour.
We then passed through Agios Nikolaos Church, one of the important churches in Chania town dating back to 13th century. It was originally a monastery, but converted into a mosque during the occupation of the Ottoman Turks.
You can see a mineret being added to the church. The monument retains both its charm now, and is a noticeable attraction in Chania.
We heard the sounds of waves crashing on the rocks and smell of salty air on our mouth as we neared the harbour. That’s where we stopped for a photo opportunity.
This large square shaped building with a huge dome is the Mosque of Chania – Kucjk Hassan Mosque (also known as Mosque of Janissaries). This is the oldest Ottoman building in Chania that dates back to 1645. pretty much dominates the harbour.
We also passed through Maritime Museum of Crete, before reaching the Venetian Harbour, that was buzzing with waterfront restaurants. Overlooking it was the lovely stretch of walkway that lead to Chania Lighthouse.
What we liked about the tour?
It is certainly one of the newest and interesting ways to experience the town.
There are options to choose if you want to take 30 minute, 1 hour or 2 hour tour. The tour guide accompanies you throughout and gives all the information about the town and places around.
Helmet is also provided to ensure safety during the journey. The tour guide who accompanied us was very informative about the locals, and history of Chania Town.
The guide also took pictures of us with trikke in some of the important places, and promptly emailed the pictures back.
Overall, we absolutely enjoyed exploring Chania on trikke. It is one of the novel and environment friendly way to experience the town, and we totally recommend it. Only downside in my opinion is the quality of pictures the tour guide took.
We really wished it was taken from a nice camera and the pictures were of good quality. We had our cameras, but it was really difficult to use our camera and ride the trikke simultaneously.
Where to stay in Chania
For a chic and modern hotel close to waterfront, Porto Antico is a great choice. Suites Pandora is yet another excellent boutique self catering apartment overlooking waterfront. Palazzo Duca is a stylish and historic hotel close to old harbour. For more options, check other hotels in Chania.
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Disclaimer: We were hosts of GSTours Chania. We were not compensated or asked to write a positive review. We only write what we experience. As always, all the opinions are our own
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My Unfinished Life
What a fun way to roam around a new place!
http://www.myunfinishedlife.com
Agness of eTramping
It seems like you had an unforgettable experience, Anu and Sri! I’d love to explore this old town one day!
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Devin Held
I have never heard of Chania! It does look like a nice area. Love that it’s on the water! Those scooters look like a great way to explore the old town.
Chelsea
Wow, I have never heard of Chania until now! I can see myself getting lost in the old town for hours! Also, exploring on a trikke looks so fun!!
Hannah
I’ve never been to Greece, much less Chania. This looks like so much fun and definitely on my bucketlist!
Erin
I would love to explore Crete on a trikke! I’ve never heard of this kind of bicycle, they look like so much fun. And it sounds like old town Chania is the perfect place to explore on one. Thanks for this inspo!
Sarah Arnstein
Greece is SO HIGH on my list of places to visit! I can’t wait to see it all. Also, those Trikkes look so fun!
Loise
wow! trikke is so fun. seems you’ve roam a lot with it, what a unique way of touring! i love to experience it too.
Under flowery sky
Wow love the idea of exploring these awesome cobblestone streets,
the lighthouse looks charming..
Jacqueline
I am so glad I now know what a Trikke is. I saw these once before and had no idea what they were called haha. Chania looks very picturesque, thank you for sharing.
Hazel Apuhin
I love to explore the place! its really awesome!
Nicole Hunter
Those bikes look awesome! I’d also love to visit Chania or Crete for that matter. Thanks for the recommendation.
Carol Colborn
I love that you chose a yellow trikke…so bright and sunshiny! Si Old Chanua is a great spot in Crete!!!
Jayati | Between Longitudes
The Trikke is indeed an interesting mode of exploring this hidden gem. I was not aware of Chania. The photos surely speak volumes about why this place can certainly be a small detour from Athens.
Pam
I’ve seen the Trikke in a few places, but never knew what it was! Good to know you found them easy to use as I can imagine they’d be a great way to get around – and eco-friendly!
Agnes
I like the idea of exploring Chania in a Trikke. It seems to be a tremendous and funny experience. For sure I would like to try this kind of sightseeing. The old town of Chania looks so pretty! I would love to take pictures of the area. The Mosque of Janissaries looks impressive. You had a great trip!
Agnes recently posted…Things To Do At Crater Lake National Park
Jamie Sharpe
I miss Greece so much, can’t wait to get back when travel resumes.
Jaclyn
I have never heard of this place, but it is magical and definitely on my bucket list when in Greece!