Vehicles Banned Along Chania’s Venetian Harbor

Chania, Crete Photo © leoks / Shutterstock

Vehicles will no longer be allowed along and around the Venetian Harbor and the Firkas Fortress in the Cretan town of Chania, following an announcement by the Municipal Port Fund.

Under the port fund’s decision, all vehicles are banned from entering the Venetian Harbor area with the the exception of supply and food service vehicles of up to 5 tons to be allowed access between 7am and 9am daily, as well as vehicles for people with disabilities, bicycles, carriages and cabs. Parking is prohibited along the harbor area, including Katehaki Square.

The Port Fund will carry out inspections as of April 23, in order to ensure compliance.

Chania, Crete

In the meantime, works will begin for the construction of special kiosks welcoming cruise travelers as well as the installation of upgraded power facilities at the marina.

Municipality aims to establish Old Town of Chania as a tourist zone

In related news, municipal authorities recently tabled a proposal for the entire Old Town of Chania to be delineated as a tourist zone in efforts to facilitate visitation and boost city segments that are currently outside popular areas. Chania Mayor Tasos Vamvoukas added that proprietors will also have the choice to open their businesses on Sundays during the tourist season and extend their operation by two hours in the evenings “without being threatened with fines for violating time requirements”.

Chania tradesmen have repeatedly expressed their opposition to shops opening on Sundays.