Traditional Cretan Songs for Chania – Learn about the songs that Describe Crete!

Chania, where our travel agency is based is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Greece. And for a good reason, because our region has a lot to offer: Gorges, beaches, rich military history about WW2 and countless more things to do all year round- this is why we consult travellers for their holidays in Chania, Crete daily! On this blog we will refer to some songs, and songwriters that are from Chania, Crete, the songs that have made Chania famous throughout the years, and the songs that elevate our island and our region worldwide.

Zorba the Greek Syrtaki Song

Zorba the Greek may be one of the most famous and indicative songs about Chania and Crete. It is one of the songs that made Greece a tourist hit, and according to our local guide in Chania, Apostolis Panigirakis this song is why Greece has become a tourist destination altogether: This song was part of a film called Zorba the Greek , produced in 1964 and it was filmed in Stavros beach, 30 minutes away from Chania town centre. Needless to say, you have already danced to this song in any Greek tavern worldwide.

Mikis Theodorakis  – The pinnacle of Greek Music and a True Local from Chania

Mikis Theodorakis was born in Chania, and he fell in love with the city, the villages and the people. Through the years he became very famous, as he ended up doing a lot of collaborations with various Greek artists, as well as singers, songwriters and composers from overseas. Although not living permanently in the town of Chania, he wrote one very special song- that many say- is devoted to Chania, Crete. Omorfi Poli directly translates to “beautiful town” which is one romantic ballad that lets you travel to another era, more relaxed and laid back.

Giannis Haroulis – A true Modern Greek Singer

Very famous amongst Greeks is the singer Giannis Haroulis.  Being very energetic, he constantly tries to bond traditional Cretan music with a contemporary style. If you spend your summer holidays in Crete we suggest that you search if a concert playing nearby, as you will be mesmerized by the Greek folklore music. On the video below, Giannis Haroulis plays a song about a love story written by a true Cretan, Vitsentzos Kornaros during the 16th century.

Cretan songs with a modern twist

Various modern artists are also famous for taking an old-styled Cretan song and transforming it into a modern derivative without missing the flair of the original song. Some of those modern versions of Cretan songs with a modern style, sung by Cretan artists are also below!

Nikos Xylouris – The most famous Cretan Singer of All time

Nikos Xylouris is without a doubt the most famous Cretan singer: Although he died at a very young age, his songs and his absolute impeccable vocals stay alive, as he is still alive through his songs. As a traveller during your holidays in Crete, you may hear some of his songs on traditional Cretan taverns, offering you traditional Cretan food. His village is Anogeia, and his house still operates as a museum, where our travel agency in Chania regularly has transfers.

Psarantonis – Antonis Xylouris  –  The Brother and successor of Nikos Xylouris

A living legend in Crete is Antonis Xylouris or Psarantonis. Continuing the tradition of his deceased brother Nikos, Psarantonis is active, sings regularly and often goes abroad to sing in areas where Greeks can be found, such as Australia, a region where Crete has a lot of connection due to ANZAC troops from Australia and New Zealand that defended Crete while it was being attacked by Germany in WW2.

A very famous song is “Tigri” , the “Tiger” , and we highly recommend that you hear it, as Psarantonis is considered a living legend for Crete, and Cretan folklore music.

Explore Crete and all its aspects with our travel agency in Chania

Deep love and passion for our island is what makes us have an extensive knowledge about the history, the culture, the adventure things that can be found in Chania,  Crete and everything in between! See our private tours in Chania, our transfers in Crete and our bus excursions in Chania and let us show you Crete, the proper way!