Discover Chania with Apostolis Panigirakis: Licensed Tourist Guide & Professional Historian

Welcome to Chania through the eyes of Apostolis Panigirakis—your licensed tour guide, professional historian, and local storyteller offering deeply immersive private tours in Crete that blend authenticity, scholarship, and heartfelt hospitality.

Are you visiting Crete and looking for the best walking tour in Chania with a licensed local guide? Experience the beauty, history, and hidden gems of this ancient Venetian port city with Proper Cretan Guide, a trusted travel agency led by expert historian and certified tour guide Apostolis Panigirakis.

Planning a trip to Crete and craving an authentic taste of local culture? Join a Walking Food Tour in Chania City led by Proper Cretan Guide, a trusted travel agency run by licensed guide and local historian Apostolis Panigirakis.

Discover the flavors, history, and street life of Chania’s charming Old Town while enjoying hand-picked tastings, all guided by a local expert.

An Insider’s Journey: Aptera with Apostolis Panigirakis

Meet Your Guide

Apostolis Panigirakis is a genuine Cretan local—born and raised—holding a degree in Contemporary History (BA & MSc in Tourism). With extensive experience guiding private tours around Chania and Crete, his passion for history and deep-rooted knowledge of archaeology make him a standout guide for exploring ancient Aptera.

World War II left an indelible mark on the island of Crete and Greece as a whole, shaping the history and memories of countless families across the globe. Among the most poignant chapters is the Battle of Crete, a fierce and pivotal conflict involving Allied forces—especially the ANZAC troops from Australia and New Zealand—and Axis powers. For history enthusiasts, veterans’ families, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this dramatic period, there is no better way to connect with the past than through an expertly guided tour.

Every year millions of travellers type “is it safe to hire a private tour guide” into Google before confirming a booking. The worry is understandable: you meet a stranger in an unfamiliar country, sometimes hand over money, and follow them off the beaten path. Yet a private guide is one of the best ways to see a destination authentically. This guide answers the safety question in detail and explains how to book with confidence—especially when you use a verification-focused platform like GuidesFinder.

Type “how to find a local tour guide” into Google and you’ll get millions of hits, but only a handful walk you through the journey from first idea to actually meeting someone on the ground. Demand for authentic, on‑the‑ground experiences has never been higher: recent industry studies rank the range and quality of local activities—guided tours included—just behind safety and cost when travellers choose where to go. Surveys also show that nearly two‑thirds of holiday‑makers rely on local experts when planning an itinerary.

In short, travellers are actively looking for local specialists—and guides are ready to welcome them. This guide shows exactly how to connect the dots.

Photo by Diego F. Parra

When it comes to Croatia, a whole range of very pleasant associations comes to mind. For some, it is the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, others are impressed by its centuries-old sights, and some cannot forget the taste of truffles, pršrut and local wine.

Come with us and let's try to figure out together why this truly wonderful land is so popular among tourists from all over the world, leaving such a rich aftertaste for its guests.

Photo by Valentin Antonucci

Mass tours are gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to exclusive tourism arrangements. It can now be confidently said that the most interesting and unusual tours are organized by local travel guides. This is due to their high mobility and flexibility, as well as their willingness to tailor the itinerary to their clients' interests. A colorful story about a place of interest, told by a local guide who is truly passionate about his/her work, is a once in a lifetime experience worth having.

C’est l’histoire merveilleuse de David Alleno, gardien d’origine italienne du très chic cimetière de la Recoleta à Buenos aires. Nous sommes en 1881, Davil Alleno commence à 16 ans a travaillé dans ce cimetière, il est chargé de l’entretien et des différents travaux de maintenance. Le jeune David est passionné par son travail et son rêve est d’avoir son propre caveau dans ce cimetière. Il faut savoir que le cimetière de la Recoleta est exclusivement dédié à la bourgeoisie locale car le prix des parcelles est très élevé. David n’est pas découragé, au contraire il se met à economiser sous après sous, peso après peso, se privant même de manger.