The prefecture of Hania is located in the western part of the island of Crete. Its capital is the town of Hania, the second in size town of the island, the so-called "town of flowers". The town has one of the most beautiful and graphic ports, (old town), with a big Venetian lighthouse.The lighthouse enhances the beauty of the port even more. Inside the town, there are Venetian, Turkish and neoclassic buildings. The prefecture of Hania has many beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters and historical, archeological sights as well as landscapes of breathtaking beauty. Caverns and gorges exist in various regions.The most renowned is the famous Samaria Gorge, which is visited by thousands of people from all over the world every year.The gorge of Theriso is well known for its historical importance in addition to its natural beauty. The only lake, Kournas, in Crete can be found here. In the prefecture of Hania, apart from the archeological and folklor museums, you can see many monasteries, which age back to the 16th century or even before then. There are also Orthodox and Catholic churches. Festivities are performed each year, in these churches whenever the Saint of each church is celebrated. Anyone can attend these festivities, taste the traditional foods made by the local people on the occasion, and also try the famous Cretan wine, tsikoudia or raki. We should also mention the artistic, folkloric and social activities, which take place in different parts of the prefecture and reflect the features of the Cretan people. Connection with the other prefectures is possible through the coastal high way or through smaller regional roads.