If old town lane ways and buildings from the Middle Ages can set the scene for a memorable evening, equally Chania’s beachside stretch along Nea Chora appeals. This little seaside stretch is bustling with beach goers during the day. It is equally crowded after dark, albeit less so than the Venetian Harbor or the busy back streets of the Old Town.
The draw card along Nea Chora, if you can time it right, is the stunning sunsets. Achilleas Fish Restaurant is along a north west facing stretch of beach. It is relatively protected during the day which Jason discovered this morning whilst out walking looking for coffee. He was keen to return for dinner and also wants to do some snorkeling at some point. So here we are. This evening the water is calm, the vibe is relaxed. We order sundowners and toast to another beautiful Cretan sunset.
As the sun starts to dip behind Theodori Island, we chat about the day and plan tomorrow. I love the pace of one day at a time but abhor having no plan. A few days in advance seems like the perfect compromise.
Today we spent exploring Chania: the morning whiled away immersed in exhibits at the Venetian Fortress and Maritime Museum, followed by gelato and a stroll through the Old Town, lunch at the Covered Markets and a trip to Minoan’s World, the 9D Experience! Tomorrow Jason will bring the boys to the beach for some swimming, games and snorkeling. I will explore some more of the tourist area and have another museum and a couple of churches lined up.
For now, however, we order wine and some food. Since this is a seafood restaurant, the grilled squid seems the ideal choice. We accompany it with a traditional Greek Salad.
I sip my wine and gaze out at the scene: restaurants, children running on the sand, couples walking hand in hand, the beach, the waves lapping, the islands dotting the horizon, the sun sinking down. It is peaceful, yet lively. Constant movement, constant change as the sky turns orange, pink and then violet before the street lights come on and darkness is eventually upon us.
The grilled squid arrives, hot and fresh. The only additional flavor required is a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The Greek salad is flavorful, if a little sparse. We finish our meal with a Greek dessert. A custard slice topped with whipped cream and almonds.
By the time we are ready to leave, darkness has fallen and the restaurants along the strip are full. We join the march of couples walking hand in hand and wander back into the Venetian Harbour, taking in the lights twinkling on the water, the candles on the tables and oodles more excellent restaurants serving equally excellent food.
The Old Town has taken on a new personality since this afternoon. The streets are full, in a subdued, relaxed yet vibrant sort of way. Restaurants are overflowing, food and wine are served. Friends sit back and linger over a cocktail or raki. Couples linger in front of gelato shops with sticky flavors dripping down their arms. And the lights continue to twinkle on the water…
Good To Know
The Achilleas Fish Restaurant is on the esplanade at Nea Chora Beach. This is a popular spot for holiday rentals and dining alike. It is walkable to the central sites of Chania with a more relaxed beach vibe than the central tourist area.
If you are after dining in the central Chania area try Ela Taverna or Koutourouki.
Would I Return?
Yes. For the restaurants, for the beach and most certainly for another sunset.
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