Chania

There is plenty to do in Chania, no matter what time of year you visit. On a walking tour of the Old Town you’ll pass landmarks shaped by a tapestry of cultures – the Venetian shipyards and Egyptian lighthouse in the harbour, the Byzantine and Ottoman baths, and the old Jewish and Turkish districts, including Splatzia Square (renamed 1821 Square to mark the Greek Revolution against the Ottomans). Lined with artisan shops, cafes and tavernas, the Old Town is a living monument to Chania’s past.

Away from the Old City, make time to explore neighbourhoods like Koum Kapi, with its cafe-lined seafront, and Halepa, known for its 19th-century mansions. You can end your walk at the Eleftherios Venizelos Memorial, a tribute to one of modern Greece’s most influential statesmen, who was born in Chania. The views from here are some of the best in the city. Also in Halepa is the Archaeological Museum of Chania, tracing the region’s history from Neolithic to Roman times, with finds from ancient Kydonia, Minoan artefacts, statues, mosaics and more. Another up-and-coming neighbourhood is Tabakaria, once home to leather tanneries and now a pocket of creativity.

Whether you're in Chania town or travelling around the region, you’ll enjoy Cretan cuisine in traditional tavernas. But for a deeper appreciation, join a cookery class, where you’ll learn more about local products and family recipes. You can also visit a winery or olive press, especially if you combine it with a trip to the region’s villages. Vamos, Gavalochori and Douliana are part of the Apokoronas villages that welcome you with local architecture, traditional coffee shops and a slower pace of life. You’ll find cheese-makers, rakokazana (raki distilleries), and time-honoured crafts.

Many villages overlook the White Mountains, whose foothills are filled with hiking and cycling routes. The best-known trail in Chania is in the Samaria Gorge. At 16 km, it’s the longest gorge in Greece and one of Europe’s most memorable hikes.

On Chania’s south coast, you’ll enjoy a very different side of Crete – wilder, more remote and deeply authentic. There are sections of the E4 European long-distance hiking route and Byzantine chapels, as well as the archaeological site of Ancient Lissos. A highlight on the south coast is a boat trip to Loutro, a tiny whitewashed village accessible only by water or on foot.

With such a range of experiences, from buzzing town life to peaceful villages and outdoor adventures, it’s no wonder Chania is also an ideal digital nomad destination, with plenty of facilities and year-round appeal.

15 best things to do in Chania

Chania is blessed with some of the most iconic beaches in Greece. The north coast is the most developed and easily accessible, but don’t overlook the wild beauty of the south or the hidden gems along the west coast.

Topping most beach lists are Balos and Elafonisi. About 56 km west of Chania town, Balos is a turquoise lagoon of white sand and shallow water, tucked between the Gramvousa peninsula and Cape Tigani. Elafonisi, on the other hand, lies on the southwest tip of Crete and is known for its pink-tinged sand and protected-nature-reserve feel. Its shallow waters are perfect for children and sun-seekers alike. Both beaches are postcard-pretty, but they’re no longer secrets – so in the high season, it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. And there are plenty of alternatives that you’ll adore discovering.

On the north coast, closer to the city, you’ll find a string of organised beaches with plenty of facilities and water sports. Agia Marina, Platanias and Marathi are popular with families, while Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) is more laid-back but still close to town. Further west, Falasarna offers long stretches of golden sand, plenty of water sports and famously good sunsets.

The scenery becomes more rugged and untamed as you reach the south coast. Paleochora has an array of beaches and Fragokastello is named after a 14^th-century fortress visible from the beach. Glyka Nera and Loutro, meanwhile, are accessible only by foot or boat.

Whether you're after water sports, family fun, or total escape, the beaches of Chania offer it all – each with its own mood and magic.

10 Best Beaches in Chania

With so many great beaches, it’s no surprise that Chania is a summer favourite. But like much of Crete, July and August are the busiest months – so for a more relaxed experience, the best time to visit is in early or late summer (May-June and September-October). The weather is still warm, the sea is perfect for swimming, and you’ll enjoy quieter beaches and a more relaxed vibe.

Chania’s old town and mountain villages have a timeless charm all year round and are wonderful escapes in the quieter months – especially in autumn and winter when life slows down and you get a deeper sense of local rhythms. Spring and autumn are also the ideal seasons for hiking and exploring Chania’s natural landmarks.

Getting to Chania is easy, whether you’re arriving from within Greece or abroad.

By air: Chania International Airport (Daskalogiannis) is just 15 km from the city centre and welcomes direct international flights from many European cities during the summer months, as well as year-round domestic flights from Athens (around 1 hour).

By ferry: You can also reach Chania by ferry from Piraeus Port (Athens) to Souda Port, just 6 km from Chania town. Ferries run daily throughout the year, typically overnight, making it a relaxing way to arrive.

Ferry Schedules to Chania

Chania, one of Crete’s most picturesque cities, is connected to mainland Greece via Piraeus Port.

From Piraeus:

• Conventional ferry: ~8 hr to Souda Port (Chania)

From Cycladic islands (seasonal, summer months only):

• High-speed ferry (via Heraklion): ~4 hr to ~6 hr total travel time

Ferries usually offer vehicle decks, numbered seats, and cabins for overnight travel.

Luggage is typically included in the ticket, with storage spaces available on board.

In summer, you can also find direct or connecting routes between Chania and other islands like Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos, usually via Heraklion.