Chania
Eastern Europe and the Balkans · Greece
Did you know?
- Olive oil and honey are local shopping staples.
- Ancient Kydonia is being excavated around the Kastelli harbor district.
- Venetian houses near the old harbor have been converted into hotels.
See also
Heraklion
Greece35.33°N 25.13°E · 33 m
Overview
Chania's harbor-side old town reflects both Venetian and Turkish influences. Its alleys and historic houses give way to nearby beaches, including Nea Hora to the west.
Languages: Greek
Why Go
Chania is a beautiful port town on Crete's northwest coast with an atmosphere reflecting its Venetian and Turkish past. The old town is centred around the harbour, a maze of alleys and houses that stood for hundreds of years, rebuilt with details from different epochs. The nearby beaches begin not far from Old Town, with Nea Hora just a 1-km walk from the west end.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
Summer season (April to October) is hot and dry with clear skies, often relieved by a seasonal breeze from the north called Meltemi, with occasional heat waves. Winters are mild with relatively little rain and rare frosts but with a high level of humidity that drops the relative temperature. Peak season is June-August.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Chania International Airport (Daskalogiannis) is on the Akrotiri Peninsula northeast of the city. It is a small airport with 6 gates, named after a Sfakiot hero who was skinned by the Turks in the 18th century.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
Chania is highly walkable. A car is not recommended for getting around town as parking is difficult and regulations are enforced with tickets. There are no cars permitted in much of the old town. The public bus is clean, efficient, frequent and cheap (€2 or less), and card and phone taps are accepted.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Village Culture
If you are on Crete to see the 'real Crete', visiting the island's villages is a must. All Cretan culture can be seen, heard and tasted in the villages. All villages have a central kafenion (coffee shop) which serves as the main information centre. Note that kafenions are traditionally male-dominated spaces. Gavalohori has a wonderful folklore museum where much about village life can be learned.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Stroll around the old town and old Venetian harbour. The Archaeological Museum of Hania on Skra Street 15 is well worth a visit, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Tuesdays, €6 (€3 reduced). Samaria Gorge is an easy and popular day trip. Elafonissi beach is reachable by KTEL bus (one per day, 09:00, €11 each way). Balos beach is accessible from Kissamos.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
History
Chania was once known as Kydonia, and remains of the ancient Minoan town are excavated in the Kastelli region around the harbour. This is one of six Minoan Palatial Centres listed as a world heritage site.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Chania and environs has accommodation ranging from hostels to 5-star hotels. The historical backstreets by the old harbour are full of old Venetian houses renovated into hotels with unique atmosphere, friendly proprietors, and excellent location. Most of these are not advertised online, so unless visiting at peak season (June-August), consider not making a reservation and shopping for accommodation once there.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
As throughout Greece, any food preference can be satisfied in Chania restaurants with diverse, delicious options. Mpourakis in Kounoupidiana serves delicious traditional cuisine. Mike's in Maleme (17 km west) offers home-style cooking. Pinaleon on El.Venizelou serves tasty Cretan cuisine.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Shopping
Olives, olive oil and honey are some of the many products of excellent quality in Chania. The old town is full of souvenir, art and crafts shops.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Within reach of a day-trip but worth longer are Rethymno (the most charming old town on the island) and Heraklion, the capital city of Crete. To the west, Kissamos is a nice small town. The E75 highway connects Chania east to Heraklion and west through Rethymno.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Alexis Hotel
A family-run hotel, with friendly and helpful staff who really want their guests to be happy. It's near the national road which is important if you want to easily go on an excursions and explore the island. It is close to the beach and the rooms have fantastic sea views. Booking a room with breakfast and dinner is a good thing to do. The hotel restaurant is called Theo.
Recorded price: 28 euro/night low season
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Blue Beach Apartments
In Stavros - Akrotiri - Chania. The spotless, well appointed, villas and apartments which can accommodate 2 to 6 people, come complete with private bathrooms, kitchenettes and balconies with wonderful view. The villas and apartments vary in style and location. All are within two minutes from the beach and provide clean attractive accommodation.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Esthisis suites and maisonettes
Fully equipped suites and maisonettes of one, two and three bedrooms equipped with modern comforts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Phaedra Studios & Apartments
Family beach hotel with swimming pool, on the beach, awarded the “Blue Flag” of the European Union and supervised by lifeguards. It consists of 22 apartments and studios with private balcony or patio with sea view. A bus-stop is close to the hotel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Iro Apartments
Small hotel combining vicinity to the centre of Chania and the old town (within 900 m) as well as the sandy beach of Nea Hora (30 m away). Great atmosphere.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Ontas Traditional Hotel
Epimenidou and Ikarou, - in the old town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Vilelmine Hotel
Quaint, clean, centrally located in the Old Town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Villa Anna Maria
a holiday villa in Gerani that accommodates up to 8 persons
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from hostels to 5-star hotels. Venetian houses near old harbour offer unique deals not advertised online. Consider walk-in during shoulder season.
Culture
The kafenion (traditional coffee shop) is central to village life but traditionally male-dominated. Women are more welcome in regular cafeterias.
Food
Traditional Cretan cuisine includes fresh ingredients with large portions. Tavernas and modern cafés open into the night throughout the city.
Transport
Public buses are clean, efficient, frequent and cheap (€2 or less). Card and phone taps accepted. Car not recommended in town due to parking difficulties.
Weather
Summer (April-October) is hot and dry with Meltemi breeze. Winters are mild with little rain but high humidity. Peak season is June-August.