In an age where every corner of the world gets perfectly staged on Instagram and liked millions of times on TikTok, finding genuine hidden gems seems impossible. Yet Greece has just produced an attraction that's left even the most dedicated social media users utterly baffled: Chonkus Maximus.
What lies behind this name is something nobody could have expected. Whilst tourists normally seek out ancient ruins or picturesque bays, they're now making pilgrimages to a completely different sort of sight – one that's earned 5 out of 5 stars on Google Maps and has since captured the hearts of millions.
Chania: new pilgrimage site thanks to Google Maps
The centre of this hype is the city of Chania in northern Crete. There, holidaymakers are concerned with just one thing: Where is Chonkus Maximus today?
Under the hashtag "Chonkus Maximus", dozens of videos are posted online every day. Tourists debate their experiences passionately, and the reviews overflow with enthusiasm. But what sounds like an ancient archaeological site is actually a cat. More precisely: A very large, very fluffy and very lazy tomcat who's become a phenomenon under the nickname Chonkus Maximus.
The name? A humorous nod to his substantial figure. The hype? Enormous. On TikTok and Instagram, videos pile up showing tourists filming, stroking and adoring the chunky cat. Some claim they've travelled to Chania specifically because of him.
On Google Maps, Chonkus was even officially listed for a time as a "historic attraction" – complete with directions. Dozens of 5-star reviews gathered under the listing:
- "Long live the supreme grandmaster, Ave Chonkus Maximus!"
- "Best experience of my life – would recommend every time."
The internet has produced many unusual phenomena, but a stray cat as a tourist attraction with top ratings is remarkable even by social media standards.
A cat who barely moves – but touches everyone
The success formula of Crete's new star: he chills daily in the same neighbourhood and enjoys every cuddle he can get.
While many other attractions can feel rather stressful to tourists, Chonkus offers an experience money can’t buy: a pause, a smile and the memory of a furry highlight so wonderfully imperfect, you can’t help but love it. Yet amid all the enthusiasm, critical voices are speaking up. Locals warn against randomly feeding Chonkus (and other stray animals). “Many tourists think the cats are starving, but they’re often looked after by neighbours or grannies. What they really need is medical help – not snacks,” says a Greek animal welfare campaigner.
The organisation Animal Action Greece estimates there are more than three million stray cats in the country. It's a serious problem they're trying to tackle through neutering programmes.
