The coastal area of Tabakaria in Halepa took its name from the numerous tanneries located there during the Turkish occupation era. The area had around 80 operational tanneries in the 1950s, but they are now mostly abandoned. Recently, many buildings have been renovated into homes, holiday lets, hotels, and restaurants. Halepa, rich in Cretan history, features the House of Eleftherios Venizelos, an influential early 1900s political figure. Once a wealthy town in the late 19th century, Halepa’s colorful past is still evident in its architecture.