Khania, Crete

Pyxis
Karen & Richard
Thu 10 Jun 2010 22:58

Thursday 10th June – Khania, Crete

35:31.123N 24:01.153E

 

It became very humid last night but this morning it was fine again and low humidity (50%).  The heat has really built over the last couple of days and, with no wind today, it was really oppressive.  We did some administration this morning down below in the shade of the saloon and then went to explore Khania this afternoon.

 

I was wrong about the Venetian fort.  I awoke today to discover it’s not that there isn’t one in sight, we are actually surrounded by it and berthed within its walls!  At least it’s not 1000 steps up to the summit this time, merely a stroll around the harbour. 

 

Khania was the capital of Crete until 1971 when Iraklion took over.  The old town retains much of its Venetian and Turkish heritage – tall Venetian buildings, churches, mosques and minarets, winding cobbled streets, and a large indoor market.  The guide book tells us that the harbour was used as the film set for Zorba the Greek.  Much of the old town is now given over to tavernas, boutiques and art and crafts shops.

 

Whilst the town is pretty, it’s also a bit touristy – suffice to say we walked past a Starbucks.  Nevertheless the tourism doesn’t seem to be making it tacky, just vibrant in the mornings and evenings (no-one around in the heat of the afternoons, so we have the place to ourselves).

 

This evening we have helped a Russian boat and a German boat berth on either side of us and enjoyed dinner in the cockpit watching the world go by and listening to the accordion player in the restaurant opposite.

 

Khania

© Pyxis 2010