From the colourful alleyways of the Old Town to mountain villages and beaches for every taste, Chania combines history, nature and everyday life at a relaxed pace. Swim at world-renowned beaches like Balos and Elafonisi or in hidden coves, hike the gorges of the White Mountains, or explore traditional villages with olive oil tastings, tavernas and local crafts. For something different, take a boat to Loutro on the south coast. Early and late summer offer even more relaxing stays, while spring and autumn are perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you stay in a boutique Old Town hotel or a beachside resort, holidays in Chania let you experience Crete in full colour – with culture, nature and local life all within easy reach.
Things to do in Chania
Old Town and museums
- Stroll the Venetian harbour to the lighthouse, Firka Fortress and the Mosque of the Janissaries.
- Explore narrow lanes for restored mansions, Arsenali shipyards and waterfront cafes.
- Visit the Archaeological Museum and Maritime Museum before dinner on the waterfront.
- Add the Folklore Museum of Chania or the Eleftherios Venizelos Residence to your itinerary for a deeper dive into local life and modern history.
Signature beaches
- Balos and Elafonisi for shallow turquoise water, pink-tinted sand and exotic scenery – best visited early or late in the day.
- Marathi, Chrissi Akti and Agia Marina on the north coast for organised beaches, family-friendly swimming and water sports close to town.
- Paleochora, Sougia and Frangokastello on the south coast for laid-back charm, clear waters and beaches backed by nature and history.
Gorges and trails
- Hike Samaria from Omalos to Agia Roumeli, then return by boat along the south coast to road access.
- Choose shorter options such as Agia Irini or Imbros for a half-day walk.
- Drive through Therisso Gorge for scenery and a classic taverna lunch under plane trees.
South coast by boat
- Take a boat trip to Loutro for whitewashed waterfront houses and calm swims.
- Continue to Glyka Nera or Marmara for glassy coves and lunch by the sea.
- Plan returns by boat or coastal footpath, as the shoreline has no road.
Cretan life in traditional villages
- Explore the Apokoronas villages for stone alleys, olive mills, cheesemakers and traditional architecture.
- Discover workshops and local crafts that preserve age-old skills.
- Settle into a shaded village square for a long lunch at a taverna and a slower pace of life.
Food culture and tastings
- Join a culinary tour with market stops, vineyard tastings and an olive press visit.
- Learn to roll Cretan pies and cook with mountain herbs alongside local cooks.
- Sample graviera cheese, thyme honey and extra-virgin olive oil at shared tables.
Why book holidays in Chania
Venetian Harbour
Lighthouse views, lively alleyways and waterfront cafés make the Old Town ideal for strolls, boutique stays and local culture.
Beaches for all tastes
Organised, secluded or wild – Chania’s beaches stretch from family favourites to remote southern gems, with the superstars Balos and Elafonisi best enjoyed early or late in the day.
Samaria Gorge
A signature 16 km hike through Crete’s longest gorge, ending at the Libyan Sea, with boat links from Agia Roumeli.
South coast boat trips
Reach car-free beaches like Loutro, Glyka Nera and Marmara by boat – perfect for calm swims and long seaside lunches.
Village life
Villages like Vamos, Gavalochori and Therisso invite you to slow down, with stone houses, olive mills, rakis stills and local crafts.
Cretan flavours
Food tours, vineyard tastings and olive press visits introduce you to graviera cheese, thyme honey and the island’s food culture.
When to visit Chania
January
14℃
157mm
Less Crowded
Low Prices
February
14℃
148mm
Less Crowded
Low Prices
March
15℃
87mm
Less Crowded
Low Prices
April
17℃
41mm
Moderate
Moderate Prices
May
21℃
26mm
Busy
Higher Prices
June
24℃
6mm
Busy
Higher Prices
July
27℃
3mm
Very Busy
Peak Prices
August
29℃
6mm
Very Busy
Peak Prices
September
25℃
29mm
Busy
Higher Prices
October
22℃
82mm
Moderate
Moderate Prices
November
19℃
112mm
Less Crowded
Low Prices
December
16℃
168mm
Less Crowded
Low Prices
Getting to Chania
Popular airports offering direct flights
LGW
London Gatwick Airport
ORY
Paris Orly Airport
MUC
Munich Airport
FCO
Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport
Easiest airport to fly from
Athens International Airport
“Eleftherios Venizelos”
Athens, Greece
Popular ports offering direct routes
Piraeus
Souda
Gythio
Kissamos
Kythira
Kissamos
Antikythera
Kissamos
Ferry types and duration
High-speed catamarans
Not available on the Athens (Piraeus) to Chania route.
Conventional ferries
≈8 h 30 m to 9 h 15 m
Best places to stay in Chania
Old Town & Venetian Harbour
Characterful mansions and boutique hotels close to sights, dining and sunset strolls. Pedestrian lanes suit couples and weekenders. Livelier at night, so pick an interior room or harbour-view property with double glazing if you are noise-sensitive.
Nea Chora
Sandy town beach with tavernas, lifeguards in summer and family-friendly hotels. Ten to fifteen minutes’ walk to the harbour, easy bus links for day trips and good value versus Old Town waterfront rooms.
Koum Kapi & Splantzia
East-of-centre seafront for café life, bars and emerging boutique stays. Handy for the Old Town on foot, with budget to mid-range options. Pebbly waterfront for swims on calm days, better beaches a short bus ride away.
Halepa
Leafy, elegant neighbourhood with heritage buildings and quieter nights. Good mid-range hotels and suites, easier parking than the core, quick access to Koum Kapi and the airport road for early flights.
Apokoronas Villages
Nestled east of Chania, this region is not exactly in the city but within easy reach by car. It offers traditional Cretan village charm, stone houses and quieter stays. Limited hotel stock, but guesthouses and villas provide an authentic base close to Almyrida and Kalyves beaches.
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Map of Chania
View the landmarks and highlights of Chania
