On many days of the week Agora is one of the busiest places in Chania. Since the early part of the 20th century, this lively covered market has been selling fresh produce and Cretan specialties to locals and visitors alike.
For many years, this was a rough area on the edge of town filled with fishmongers’ stalls and seedy taverns. In 1911, the city decided to improve the marketplace and construction began on a building modelled after the covered market of Marseille. The distinctive cross-shaped edifice was completed in 1913 and opened to the public.
Whether you come to shop or to enjoy the lively atmosphere, spend at least an hour wandering through the market. Agora is home to 76 shops located in the four arms of the building. Browse stalls selling fresh fish, meats, cheeses, herbs, spices, clothes and shoes. Make it your mission to try some traditional products, including the Cretan cheese graviera and homemade honey. Drink some tsikoudia, a potent pomace brandy that is unique to Crete. Traditionally, it is offered to guests when they visit a house and after dinner.
Visit a bakery for some paximadia, a dried bread. Go to one of the market's restaurants and ask for a dakos. This is bread topped with chopped tomatoes and other ingredients, a snack similar to a bruschetta.
When you have completed your browsing or shopping expedition, relax in the public gardens, close to Agora. If there are children with you, take them to the park’s playground and small animal enclosure. Just a short walk away is 1866 Square. This important landmark features statues of local war heroes and a large Turkish fountain.
Agora is situated on Chania's main east-west street and is open every day except Sunday, from morning until early afternoon. Some of the shops stay open all day and there are extended evening hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
