On our return from Chora Sfakion to the airport for our flight home we had the opportunity to spend a few hours in Chania.
Chania is the second largest city on the island of Crete and is located on the north coast, 72 km from Chora Sfakion. Chania is known for its Venetian harbour around which restaurants and cafes cluster on the waterfront.
Narrow side streets are packed with small shops selling a range of local products; soaps, olive oil, handmade jewellery and clothing. In addition the expected touristy products; sunglasses, flip flops, items for the beach and postcards are also found. Although many of the shops contained very similar items and its hard to understand how they can all survive and compete with one another, some shops were found selling some very distinctive products. For example, as the photograph below shows one shop sold some amazing hairclips- we particularly like the colouring pencil clip and the kit kat!
The side streets which are bustling with people are packed full of history and the architecture of some of the buildings demonstrates this. However, it is clear that Chania, unlike the currently isolated villages visited during the week, has been affected by the process of globalisation. The Starbucks franchise in the central square of the old town was an unexpected sight. Shoppers were also seen carrying bags from well known high street retailers including Zara. Street sellers with balloons and a horse and cart taking tourists around Chania were also witnessed.
The busy environment was a shock to the system and we were targeted by waiters desperate for us to spend our money at their establishment. Menus were wafted under our faces, free drinks and meal deals were offered. This sales technique was overwhelming and quite off putting after the relaxed way of life we had become used to.
The tourists in Chania we noted were a far more diverse group than those seen in the south of the island, where we spent the week. There were a lot more children and many of the tourists were wearing all inclusive wrist bands. The line of Thomas Cook coaches lead us to conclude that a large number of tourists are in the area as part of a tour, on a package holiday.
Witnessing people begging on the street, both women and children, was a sad sight and reminded us that whilst this area may appear successful and busy there are people who remain without. As we travelled by coach towards the airport, and thus away from the old town the suburbs were rundown. Evidence of this being graffiti, buildings in disrepair and far fewer people.
Having the opportunity to spend time in Chania and to experience the place where so many residents from Loutro and Agia Roumelli spend the winter was interesting. In the tourist season the place is buzzing and it would be of interest to see how Chania changes out of the tourist season.
