The city of Chania is located on the northwest coast of Crete, in the Chania regional unit. It lies along the Saronic Gulf and faces the island of Sphacteria. The municipality has an area of 824.593 km², the municipal unit 66.467 km². Chania is the second largest city of Crete and the fifth largest of Greece. The city was founded in the 9th century BC. It was rebuilt by the Venetians in the 12th century AD. Chania is a major tourist destination, with an international airport, a medieval old town, and many beaches.