Chania

It seems that Chania was always one of the most popular destinations in Greece. Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans… all came through Chania settled here at one time or another, creating the multicultural corner of Crete we can enjoy today. 

Wandering around the port of Chania, you’ll encounter the Venetian lighthouse, the Grand Arsenal, Kum Kapi and Halepa. And beyond the town, you’ll find the famous beaches of Agia Marina, Stalos and Platanias. Go a little further still and you’ll reach exotic Balos and Falasarna, two of Greece’s pin-up beaches. 

And in southern Chania, the world-famous Samaria Gorge invites you to explore it. So much to do, so little time in which to do it!
 

What to do in Chania, Crete

Explore atmospheric Chania Old Town

You’ll discover the secrets of Chania step by step: the picture-perfect lighthouse at the port, the Küçük Hasan mosque, the renovated Grand Arsenal, the Splanzia ruins and the Kum Kapi at Miaouli Beach.

Lose yourself in the aristocratic suburb of Halepa, with its neoclassical buildings that once hosted the consulates of the Great Powers. You’ll feel as if you’re in a different era: the school of “San Joseph”, the Russian church of Saint Mary Magdelene, the Palace of Prince George… and so much more.

Discover Chania Old Town

Spend an afternoon on Kastelli Hill

Kastelli Hill was once ancient Kydonia and, later, a Byzantine castle. Eventually, a city was built around it, with new walls erected by the Venetians. You’ll see the Byzantine influences on Karaoli Dimitriou Street and the excavated Proto-Minoan settlement on Kanevaro Street. Make your way to the edge of the Kastelli citadel to watch the sunset, which gives the old town a technicolour evening charm.

Discover Chania’s citadels of faith 

East of Chania, Akrotiri and its old monasteries await. You can walk to the monasteries of Agia Triada Tsagarolon (17th century) and Gouverneto (16th century) and to the ruins of a Catholic monastery believed to be the oldest in Crete (11th century). And then there is Panagia Arkoudiotissa, whose altar is hidden in the dark of the so-called Arkoudospilias (Bear Cave), named after a bear-shaped stalactite. Its religious history dates back to ancient times when the goddess Artemis was worshipped here.

Taste the local cuisine of Crete 

You’ll understand why Cretan cuisine has gained worldwide acclaim. In the fish tavernas, rakadika and historic cafes, the flavours of Crete will win you over. For a more innovative culinary experience, try Chania’s gourmet restaurants, where renowned chefs have elevated the island’s traditional cuisine. 

Enjoy a culinary tour of Chania

Visit villages filled with local traditions 

And it’s worth visiting the Apokoronas villages, about 20 minutes outside Chania town: Armeni, Vamos, Xirosterni, Kefalos, Gavalohori and Agios Pavlos… some of the most beautiful villages in Crete. Here you’ll experience authentic Cretan cuisine, sampling local recipes such as tsigariasto, boureki, kalitsounia, pilafi, dakos, as well as all sorts of delicious grilled meat.

Village hop through Chania at its most authentic

Hike the unforgettable Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge has rightly earned legendary status from hikers who have visited Chania. It’s worth devoting a day to exploring its 16km length, especially the narrow passage (only 3m wide and over 100m tall) towards the end of the gorge called Portes (also known as the Iron Gates). Your five-hour hike will end in Agia Roumeli, where you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing swim. And keep an eye out for the elusive and rare wild Cretan goat as you go.
 

Excursions from Chania town:

• A day-trip to seductive Falasarna beach

58km from Chania town and you’re in paradise. White sand, emerald water and magical sunsets. Endless beauty at one of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean, 3km long, north of which is Ancient Falarsana.
 

• A day-trip to picture-perfect Balos beach

52km from Chania (or you can take a caique from Kissamos) and you find yourself in one of the most photographed beaches in Crete, the heavenly saltwater lagoon of Balos. Relax in its shallow blue-green water and sink your feet into the luminescent sand made up of thousands of broken seashells. Across the way, two islets, Gramvousa and Agria Gramvousa, form a protective perimeter.

Prepare to be mesmerised by Balos Beach

Hidden gems of Chania, Crete

Hora Sfakion, Loutro, and Frangokastello

You’ll arrive at Hora Sfakion travelling south from Chania through the beautiful Aradaina Gorge. Discover the history and the legend surrounding the impressive Frangokastello Castle, built by the Venetians in 1371. In May 1866 a bloody battle took place here, between Mustafa Pasha’s soldiers and 338 of Hatzimichalis Dalianis’ warriors. It is said that the morning shadows, or Drosoulites, that cross the plain every May and June are the restless spirits of these warriors come to re-enact the conflict.

Enjoy a boat trip to postcard-pretty Loutro

Museums of all kinds and eras 

The Centre of Mediterranean Architecture, housed in the Grand Arsenal, has exceptional exhibitions and events. The building was the last dry dock erected by the Venetians in 1600 and its rebuilding began in 1941. As for other museums, be sure to put as many as you can in your itinerary: the Archaeological Museum, Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Collection, Nautical Museum of Crete (the second oldest in Greece), Typography Museum in the Park of Local Industries, and Arts & Crafts Village in Souda with its ceramic, mosaic, silversmith and glass-blowing workshops.
 

The cobblestone alleyways of Chania’s Old Town

This is where you’ll encounter local customs and folklore. Tabakaria is the centre for traditional leather production. At Skrydlof Street (also called Leather Lane), you will find the classic high Cretan boots called stivania. In Karaoli Dimitriou, you can buy authentic Cretan knives, but beware of imitations – the real thing doesn’t cost less than 200 euros.