he Prefecture of Chania occupies the westernmost section of the island and has an area of 2,375 square kilometres. Of this, 1,476 is mountainous country in which dominates the imposing White Mountains (2,453 m).
The steep mountain cliffs plunge down to superb beaches. In the north of the Prefecture is the large plain of Chania, protected on three sides by the White Mountains. In the fertile soil of this plain grow most of the Prefecture's 17 million olive trees, oranges in groves like forests and considerable numbers of vines. Large hotels, alongside with minor establishments for tourist accommodation, have been and are being constructed all over the Prefecture. So the infrastructure for tourism is far enough developed to meet the requirements of even the most demanding visitors.
KTEL buses link the city of Chania with the villages and beaches, while caiques ply between the villages of the south coast and sail out to the islet of Gavdos, the southernmost point in Europe. Chania airport, at Akrotiri (15 km from the city) has a shuttle service to Athens and daily flights to Thessaloniki. Suda Bay, Greece's largest natural harbour, is the departure point for the daily sailings to Piraeus. There are also sailings from Kastelli Kissamou to Peloponnese and the nearby islands.

Photos and text taken from "Crete - today and yesterday" and "Crete - A tour of all the towns and villages" (Toubis Editions)