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GENERAL GEOGRAPHICAL ELEMENTS
The county of Chania covers the western part of Crete and has an area of 2.376 km2 and with a population of 140,000 residents (1991 inventory). The county is divided into 5 provinces with the capital the city of Chania (52.000 population). Since 1999 the county is divided into 23 counties and 2 provinces. The north area of the county with very welcome seas ends up to 3 peninsulas. Concerning the south side of the island towards the Libyan sea it presents the biggest amount of sunlight in Europe. North, west and south the county is surrounded by sea.
TRADITION
The Cretan folk tradition which is marked mainly in weaves, "tsevredes", carpets, blankets etc. and expresses the feel of beauty and artistic mood of the people of Chania. Simple village women, but also organized associations, produce weaves from silk or wool. Handicrafts from glass, wood and metal, along with pottery, woodwork and metalwork workshops.
Particular is also the art of producing boots "stivania" at Skridlof road in Chania where the smell of processed leather is dominant. Also Cretan knifes are characteristic with the witty four-lined poems.
CRETAN CUISINE
In Crete the earth and its crops have been concurrent with mythology and the ancient gods. The purity of the products, their rich in vitamins content, and their spectacular taste, have been and are for the lovers of healthy food, the subject of study for the scientific community, while their beneficial qualities for the avoidance of heart disease has been proven. The geologic conditions, the cultivating care, and mainly the love for tradition and quality, are the reasons for which the Cretan goods have recognized quality.
FLORA AND FAUNA
The earth's topology and the climate make the area of Chania a paradise for thousands of plants and animals.
The sea lilies, labdanum, cyclamens, the Cretan tulips, the box elder and mainly the unique dittany, and mountain teas, that are therapeutic boiling plants, are abundant. In the Omalos plateau, one can find "stamnagathi". In all of Crete we encounter 17 endemic plants from which the 4 are found only in the Chania province. The proud Cretan wild goat "kri-kri", is found free only in the Samaria Gorge. There, as well as in other places one can see the Cretan eagles and partridges.
CLIMATE
The climate is relatively mild, Mediterranean. During the fall and winter months north and northwest winds dominate, while in the summer the ill winds make it enjoyable. But the divine gift of the eternal sunshine allows one to start their vacation from March and end it at the end of October. Chania has the largest amount of water in Crete (65%), and for this there is rich vegetation of plants and fruitful trees (citrus trees, olives, vines etc.) as well as semitropicals. The very clean beaches of Chania win always the "blue flags" of Europe and are accessible for all ages throughout the year.
TOURIST INFORMATION
The area of Chania, due to its natural beauty and variety of sights, attracts many tourist from all over the world. The city also accepts visitors who are interested in economical activities in the area, as well as scientists and educators, who are interested in historical files, historical monuments and museums or are interested to visit the Technical University of Crete, which is an important research center. The following diagrams show the tourist movement in the area of Chania during the last decade. The elements are from official sources.
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