This is a very precise guide to everyday life in Hania, where the editorial team and some friends
shares the daily little tips that lift their mood, as well as the things they wish were different.
+ San Salvatore Bastion as the only unofficial enclosed park for dogs in Hania. The metal gates close, and the doggies can run free in this green paradise with amazing views.
– The portion of tsigariasto at some of Apokoronas’ taverns.
Jane Manning, 39, the UK
+ The always sparkling-clean municipal toilets at the port. There’s even a shower for homeless people and a guard on duty 24/7. The last time I went, some locals commented, “It’s a sign of culture.”
– How sketchy the Peace and Friendship Park gets, especially after sunset. We hear the issue is known and under control, but it feels like a cacophony in this otherwise peaceful, bright city.
Paul Nagel, Austria, 24
+ The second floor with a sea view as a workspace at “Emis” in Nea Chora!
– The garbage at the corner of Chaziri and Riga Feraiou in Lentariana.
It’s always full of junk, broken furniture, debris, and food left outside the bins piling up at a disproportionately high rate.
Sven, Sweden, 31
+ “Musafiris,” a private chef experience with Sunday food and alcohol pairings. Each week there is a special dish and a matching beverage. Guests pre-book and dine with strangers. An opportunity to taste exotic flavors and meet “exotic” people. (IG: musafirispiavatechef)
– The condition of the pond at Peace and Friendship Park…
What I presume used to be a romantic artificial lake has been left
to decay and has become a dumping ground for garbage and
a breeding ground for dangerous mosquitoes.
Natassa, Athens, 38
+ The view of the Venetian harbour and the snow-capped Lefka Ori Mountains from the lighthouse in the quiet early morning, with few people around.
– The horse-drawn carriages taking tourists around the Old Town in the summer. Those horses work long hours in the heat on hot, hard pavements.
Alex, Australia, 54
+ The fried edamame at Tokyo Joe: the spicy sauce makes them simply irresistible.
– It’s a shame that the beuatiful, massive Bengal ficus tree in the
Municipal Garden (at least 150 y.o.) had to be fenced off…
It was amazing to stand in its roots.
Hedwig, the Netherlands, 40
+ Peaceful walks around Agii Apostoli in winter, with sea
and mountain views. Sunset at the chapel in Agii Apostoli.
– People throwing cigarette butts on the beach, especially in Koum Kapi. The sand smells. There’s also a pipe releasing grey water from the city directly into the sea behind Koum Kapi. It’s such a beautiful area to relax and walk, but it’s full of trash.
Raquel, Spain, 33
+ There’s a park tucked away at the very top of Lentariana, with a rocky summit where a local farmer keeps his bees. At both sunrise and sunset, the view over the town is magical. You can see all the way from Psiloritis to Profitis Ilias above Falassarna. It’s the perfect place for some peace and perspective.
– My street in the city centre is full of dog poop! The street itself is beautiful, but it’s a real shame that people don’t pick up after their dogs.
It would be great to walk without constantly watching where we step.
Bridget, the UK, 28
+ Small art/photo exhibitions at KAM, the mosque in Limani,
and the church next to Splantzia (St. Rocco)..
– The lack of visibility for young artists, or creative spaces where
people can show their work and collaborate.
Paula, the NL, 33
+ Kedrodasos: the area a short hike away from the main beach.
It’s secluded, and the water is crystal clear and refreshing.
– The cockroach situation in the city centre during the peak summer months.
Cyn, Canada
Do you have
specific tips to share?
HaniaInternational2026@gmail.com
