5 days ago
Tourists are flocking to a Greek island for a VERY unusual reason
Millions of tourists head to Crete every year to enjoy the crystal clear sea, sandy beaches and beautiful buildings.
But there's another, more unusual, attraction that is bringing visitors to the popular Greek island too.
Known as Chonkus Maximus, the chubby black and white cat has caught the attention of hordes of travellers and has become an internet sensation.
He's become so famous that he even has a pin on Google Maps with 435 reviews gushing over the 'must see destination' and many calling him a 'legend'.
Chonkus lives in Chania, a city located on the northwest coast of Crete known for its characterful old town and Venetian harbour.
People now know his usual hiding spots, and have taken to filming their quest to find him, often laid out relaxing in the shade.
Travellers have shared their adventures locating the popular, over-fed feline on TikTok, with some describing him as Crete's 'final boss'.
One tourist, @musings.2029, posted a video of Chonkus on the social media app.
@musings.2029
He emerged from the shadows… again. Flew 1,800 miles to find him. #ChonkusMaximus #catsoftiktok #chonkycat #crete #travelinspo #eurosummer
♬ Funny - Gold-Tiger
The clip showed the chubby cat crawling out from under a car and approaching people to be pet, with the text, 'Flew all the way to the UK... Just to see him holding court at his favourite hideout in Crete'.
The social media user penned in the caption, 'He emerged from the shadows… again. Flew 1,800 miles to find him.'
Another video, posted by @senta753, showed two tourists as they headed to find Chonkus in the streets of Chania with the caption, 'Come find Crete's final boss with us (Chonkus Maximus)'.
The pair walked down a road, and panned the camera to show a van parked up at the side, with the chubby cat lounging in the shade.
He appeared to be unbothered by his visitors, who stroked his head.
A similar clip was uploaded by @ingborgkol and featured another pair of travellers with the video caption, 'Come find Chonkus Maximus (the fattest cat of Chania) with us'.
The footage showed Chonkus laid underneath a car on a dusty road in the Greek city.
He glances at his visitors before turning his head away and closing his eyes.
While on Google reviews, the popular cat has attracted a string of comments including, 'Beautiful friendly fat boy! Must see destination!!'.
Another penned: 'Finally a place worth visiting.'
