Wahrzeichen & Altstadtviertel

Tabakaria

Chania, Chania · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

Abandoned tanneries by the sea.

Tabakaria is the old tanneries district of Chania, on the coast in the Halepa area. From the 19th century until the 1970s, leather was processed in stone buildings right by the sea, using sea water.

Today many of the buildings are abandoned and in ruins, but they are atmospheric and very photogenic, especially at sunset. Some have been restored as bars, restaurants and guesthouses.

The walk from the old harbour along the coast to Tabakaria takes about 20 minutes. Nearby is the natural rock pool of Kouloura.

The tanners of Tabakaria were known all over Crete for their leather, which was used to make the famous Cretan boots. The workshops closed in the 1970s, and since then the area has slowly decayed. There are plans to restore the district, and some of the buildings are protected. Come in the late afternoon, when the light on the stone and the sea is magical.

Around Chania

Nearest town: Chania, about 2 km by road
Nearest airport: Chania airport (CHQ), about 13 km by road

The west of Crete is the island at its most dramatic. Chania has the most beautiful Venetian old town on Crete, wrapped around a harbour with a lighthouse and a domed mosque. In the evening the narrow lanes of Splantzia and the old Jewish quarter fill up with tavernas and small bars. More about Chania