Discover Kandanos: History and Village Life

A historic olive grove, Byzantine churches and the story of the destruction in 1941 give Kandanos several specific points of interest for a trip. There are also tavernas in the center serving traditional sweets and dishes made with local produce.

Olive Grove and the Town’s Long History

Kandanos has a historic, organized olive grove that is at least 600 years old. Its age offers a different time scale from the events of the 20th century, which are also part of the town’s history. The grove is thus a distinct landscape and historical feature: it draws attention to the town’s distant past, while other landmarks recall a specific date. Travelers who would like to include Kandanos’ landscape in their plans, alongside its buildings, will find a distinctive point of interest here.

Remembering the Destruction of 1941

On June 3, 1941, the Nazis burned Kandanos to the ground and destroyed the town. After its destruction, they left three inscriptions in the village. Marble copies of these three inscriptions stand in the village square. The historical inscriptions and their copies should be distinguished: the copies are in the square, while the inscriptions are associated with the events of 1941. If you plan to visit the village square, check the status of the copies before your visit.

The olive grove and the inscriptions offer different perspectives on Kandanos across time. The grove represents a landscape history spanning at least 600 years; the inscriptions are linked to the destruction on June 3, 1941. Together, these aspects of the town’s history provide a specific sense of its timespan, without requiring a particular itinerary.

Byzantine Churches in the Neighborhoods

Visitors can discover numerous Byzantine churches in Kandanos’ six neighborhoods. Some are considered outstanding monuments of Byzantine art in Crete. The churches make religious architecture another focus for exploring the town. This special artistic distinction applies to some of the churches, not to all of them. Those interested in Byzantine art can consider the churches as a subject in their own right, alongside the historic olive grove and the memorials to 1941.

Tavernas and Local Cuisine

Tavernas in the center of Kandanos serve traditional sweets and dishes made with local produce. This makes local cuisine one of the town’s defining features, alongside its landscape, architecture and history. If you are looking for a particular dish, ask about the current menu: individual establishments’ selections may change. This keeps a general interest in the town’s cuisine separate from what a particular taverna is serving at the moment.

About the Hiking Route

A circular hiking route of approximately seven kilometers, Kandanos–Anisaraki–Kandanos, was planned for the announced walk on April 13, 2025. This information relates to the announced date in 2025. It is therefore a time-specific hiking option, not necessarily an indication of a recurring event. Check the latest route information before setting out on a hike.

Search for Hotels in Kandanos

Use the specific information for each hotel to compare its location and amenities; the town’s features alone say nothing about individual hotels.

Discover more destinations: Pemonia, Apokoronos, Tzitzifes, Kokkino Chorio, Vlatos, Kalives, Malathiros, Akrotiri

For the broader travel overview: Chania.