Thirty8 Heritage House Est 1844
A historical building, a Historic Location.
Sightseeing in Chania has never been more accessible thanks to the Thirty8 Heritage House's enviable position to the east of the old town, a pleasant stroll away from the old Venetian harbour, in the historic heart of Koum Kapi.
Nestled picturesquely and peacefully on the northwest of the island of Crete, Chania is alive with a vibrant history and culture and mesmerising mythology. And as one of the homestays near Chania town, the Thirty8 Heritage House gives its guests the key to unlocking our beautiful city's secrets.
In fact, in being uniquely situated in the famed quarter of Koum Kapi and just a short walk away from the shore, the Thirty8 Heritage Hous reimagines the potential of Chania homestays and hotels near the beach, allowing for an enriched holiday combining both culture-based ventures and sun-and-sea-lounging.
Below are a few recommended points of interest our guests might like to explore to stay in one of the 33 listed buildings in Chania town.
Sightseeing in Chania
Koum Kapi
Koum Kapi is one of the areas of Chania with the richest history. It is also one of the most iconic places in the city, as it is located between the Old Town of Chania and the district of Halepa.
It is located just outside the east side of the old wall of Chania. It is built on a seaside point in the city with a beautiful beach. The district of Koum Kapi got its name from the Turkish word "Koum Kapisi", which means Sand Gate. The Sand Gate, or "Sabionera", originally named by the Venetians, was indeed a large gate in the old walls of Chania that led to the magnificent beach. During the Ottoman occupation, when Koum Kapi took its current name, it was completely different from what it is today, a beautiful and clean neighbourhood.
In the middle of the 19th century, there was a village in the area, the only inhabitants of which were poor Bedouins from North Africa, who had been brought here by the Ottomans to perform the heavy work of the port of Chania. Since the beginning of the 20th century, great efforts have been made by the Cretans and the Greek government to improve the living conditions and hygiene in Koum Kapi. In 1924, many Greek refugees from Asia Minor came to live here. Koum Kapi district is one of the most beautiful corners of Chania, as it offers wonderful sea views and many remarkable cafes and taverns. If we add that it is so close to the Old Town of Chania, Koum Kapi is one of the most interesting places in the city.
Old Venetian Harbour
Chania Old Venetian Harbour and its lighthouse are the most popular sites to see in Chania, with the most breathtaking sunset. Built by the Venetians between 1320 and 1356, the harbour was once one of the biggest commercial points of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Also serving the Venetian military ships, it protected the sea of Crete from pirates. On the harbour's north side are the ruins of an old fortress where a tiny chapel of St Nicholas remains. It was here that the Venetians and Turks condemned prisoners. The larger 'Firka Fortress' built opposite the lighthouse was also used to protect the island from intruders. This fortress is now a museum.
On the inside of the old harbour are the 7 remaining "arsenali", also built by the Venetians between 1461 and 1599. 17 of these 'dry-docks' were originally built for ship construction and repairs.
Many of these were destroyed by the German bombings in 1941. The lighthouse is the most distinctive feature of the harbour. Originally built by the Venetians, the Egyptians restored it between 1830 - 1840 and is now one of the most photographed spots in Crete!
Municipal Market of Chania
The Municipal Market of Chania is commonly known as the "Agora". It was built between 1909 and 1913 and modelled on the covered market of Marseilles. It has a cruciform shape and space inside for many shops. It was built on the site of a bastion of the Venetian fortification wall.
This was dismantled to fill in the moat and create a space to build the market. It is still an active market and houses shops selling vegetables, fish, meat, herbs and spices, and Cretan products such as cheeses, olives, raki, and more. In the summer months, many shops also sell tourist souvenirs. There are also a few good workmen's cafés offering local food. The Municipal Market of Chania has been closed for renovations since January 2022. Work is supposed to last for around two years.
Nea Chora
Nea Chora is a long sandy beach located 1km west of Chania city centre, along the Akti Papanikoli Street and opposite Lazaretta Islet.
Nea Chora ('new town') was the first modern part of Chania to be built outside the Venetian fortification wall in the early 18th century. In a sense, it is the oldest part of the modern town. Nea Chora is the closest beach to Chania Town, located west of the Venetian walls. It can be accessed by bus, by car or on foot. Therefore, it is very close to the city and the shopping centre. Nea Chora Beach has a fishing harbour and a good sandy beach with shallow waters suitable for children. It is well-organized, offering facilities, sunbeds, umbrellas, cafes, and nice taverns serving delicious fresh (mainly ) fish dishes.
The place is popular with local people.
The area is also well known by tourists, and it is a great alternative to staying in the old town - only 10 minutes on foot (walking along the seafront) from the Venetian harbour and the centre of the Old Town.
The new Archaeological Museum of Chania
The new Archaeological Museum of Chania is a modern building that expresses the era that was designed to accommodate previous civilizations. The building of the new Archaeological Museum is located in the area of Halepa.
The total area of the Museum is about 6,000 sq.m. In addition to the main exhibition spaces, the new Museum of Chania has a conference center, spaces for organizing periodic exhibitions and hosting educational and cultural programs, as well as a snack bar. A total of 3,500 exhibits are presented in the 5,500 square meters of the exhibition space, which is structured in five thematic sections, through which the visitor can see their course in time. It penetrates the prehistoric settlements and the cities of the historical times of the regional unit of Chania, highlighting the social and administrative organization, the religion, the trade, and the daily life of the inhabitants.