Traffic restriction measures in the Old City of Chania

Under a programme entitled “Smart access system for the Venetian Harbour of Chania”, the Municipality of Chania has installed a network of hydraulically retractable bollards in the Old City and the Venetian Harbour which comes into operation this week.

The system, which consists of bollards sunk into the road which can rise up to block access, has been installed at 11 strategic points around the periphery of the Old City. The aim is to effectively control traffic flows and protect the urban fabric from the unrestricted entry of vehicles. Following their installation over a period of several months, the system is now officially in operation as from Monday 21st July 2025.

Bollard at the entrance to Halidon Street.
A retractable bollard now blocks the entrance to Halidon Street except during the hours allowed for supplying shops and restaurants, i.e. 07.:00 to 09:00 am. Photo: Municipal press release.

Entrance to the Old City for unauthorised vehicles is now blocked except during the existing hours of access for the supply of shops and restaurants, i.e. from 07:00 to 09:00 am. An automatic recognition system will allow access to security vehicles.

The points at which the bollards are installed are as follows:
1 – Halidon street (junction with Hatzimichali Giannari)
2 – Mousouron street (junction with Hatzimichali Giannari)
3 – Potie street (junction with Sifaka)
4 – 1821 Square (Splantzia, junction with Daskalogianni)
5 – Archoleon street (junction with Kallergon)
6 – Androgaion street (junction with Kallergon)
7 – Defkalionos street (level with the Amateur Fishermen’s Club)
8 – Dounopappa street (2nd Primary School – junction with Meletiou Piga)
9 – Portou street (junction with Meletiou Piga)
10 – Theotokopoulou street (junction with Talos Square)
11 – Firka (end of Talos Square, junction with Koundourioti)

Map of bollard network.
Map showing the approximate position of the network of retractable bollards now in operation in the Old City of Chania. Map: Orangesmile.com.

According to a Municipal press release, “The implementation of the scheme is part of targeted actions by the Municipality of Chania for the digital transformation of the city, with the aim of upgrading the conditions of access, protection of the historic character of the Old City and improvement of the daily lives of residents and visitors.”

In emergencies, citizens can contact the responsible authorities as follows:
Chania Port Authority: head office, Akti Tompazi, 28210 98888
Chania Traffic Police: 28210 28758

The programme entitled “Smart access system for the Venetian Harbour of Chania” is receiving funding of €313,226 from the Reconstruction and Resilience Fund “Greece 2.0” under the EU’s NextGenerationEU funding programme.