The lighthouses of Greece are in themselves a special attraction of the country, as each has its own important history.

However, there is one lighthouse that definitely stands out in all of Greece. And the reason is that it is one of the oldest not only in Greece but in the whole world. It is the Egyptian Lighthouse of Chania. An ornament for the island of Crete and for Greece.

The lighthouse of Chania is indeed a great archeological monument. An attraction that impresses everyone who has the opportunity to admire it up close. It dominates the old port of Chania and is not only the "guardian" of the Venetian port but also its most famous jewel. The Egyptian Lighthouse has stood on the pier for five centuries and has its own unique story to tell.

And even though it is called "Egyptian", as I said, it was actually built by the Venetians towards the end of the 16th century. Originally, it was built on a natural rock. The lighthouse is 21 meters high and the light it emits can even cover a distance of seven miles. And of course, what makes it special is that it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the world that are still preserved today.

And why is it called Egyptian? As we said, it was built by the Venetians. However, over the years and various historical events, the lighthouse suffered many and significant damages. And after more than two hundred years, around 1840, it was rebuilt by the Egyptians. It was the time when the British had ceded Crete to the regent of Egypt, Mehmet Ali. So from then on, it remained to be called Egyptian.

Moreover, during the period of the end of the Ottoman rule, the restoration of the lighthouse was completed. In fact, a staircase was added to its eastern side, as well as pipelines through which seawater flows under the surface of its base.

The Chania Lighthouse is one of the sights that will steal your heart from the moment you see it in front of you. Remember, when you are in Chania, to take a photo with it as a background. It's like a scene from a medieval fairy tale.