Chania Lighthouse, Chania (must see)

The Venetians built the original Lighthouse of Chania Harbor in the late 16th century. It had a fortified base and was fitted with a barrier chain that could seal off the inner harbor from invaders. The chain could be running from the lighthouse to the fortress of Firkas on the far shore.

The lighthouse, the fortress, and the chain failed to keep the Turks away. During Ottoman rule, the lighthouse fell into ruin. The lighthouse tower was rebuilt between 1824 and 1832. It took the form of a minaret. It is often called "Egyptian" because it was rebuilt during the Egyptian occupation.

The base of the lighthouse is the original fortified Venetian base but without the carving of the Lion of Saint Marc, the Venetian icon. The "Egyptian" version of the lighthouse was seriously undermined by bombings in World War II. The earthquakes didn't help either. The lighthouse was seriously renovated in 2005.

The Chania Lighthouse sits at the end of a long mole at the mouth of the enclosed harbor. The mole is a favorite stroll for visitors and locals. The minaret has an internal stairway leading to a balcony with a glass light tower. The light flashes red every 2.5 seconds.

The best time to visit the lighthouse is in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day while walking on the mole. The views from the lighthouse of the sea, harbor, and town are spectacular. On a clear day, the sunsets over the sea are unforgettable.