Chania Lighthouse

While it has a Venetian foundation, its current appearance is the result of a major restoration by the Egyptians in the 1830s. It features a minaret-like shaft with an internal staircase, reflecting the Ottoman-Egyptian influence on Crete at the time.

It sits at the entrance of the old Venetian harbor in the city of Chania on the Greek island of Crete. Visitors can easily walk out to the structure along a long, scenic breakwater.

The original structure was built by the Venetians between 1595 and 1601 to protect the bustling harbor from naval threats. It was heavily damaged over the centuries by wars and storms before being rebuilt.

While tourists can walk right up to the exterior along the harbor breakwater, the interior of the lighthouse is generally closed to the public. It remains an iconic photo spot, particularly beautiful at sunset when it is illuminated.