At first glance, Chania appears a bit weathered, with many buildings in need of restoration and a lick of fresh paint. Those expecting the postcard-perfect, white-washed villages of the Cyclades won’t find that here.
What you will find is a vibrant, living city, home to a charming Old Town, a deliciously satisfying dining scene, and an inviting, laid-back vibe.
We loved Chania so much that, even after spending three nights there, we found ourselves coming back for day trips during our longer stay in Plakias.
Although you don’t need a car to visit Crete’s second largest city, renting a car is necessary if you want to explore Chania’s surroundings with ease.
I crafted this Chania itinerary for travelers, who are seeking no-nonsense recommendations rooted exclusively in real, firsthand experiences. If you’re planning a road trip across the island, also read our 10-day Crete road trip itinerary.
- Where we stayed in Chania: Theta Seaside Boutique Hotel
- Where to Rent a Car: Discovercars.com
- Closest Airports: Chania Airport and Heraklion International Airport
- Top Day Trips: Private Seitan Limani Boat Tour, Balos Tour, and Samaria Gorge Trek
- Crete Hiking Guide: Best Hikes in Crete
Where to Stay in Chania
Old Town | Tucked away along unassuming lanes, you’ll find the best hotels in Chania, including Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa, AZADE Chania, and Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor, all elegantly housed in restored Venetian mansions. Other standout accommodations are Malmo Historic Hotel (midrange), Qualia Slowlife Suites (midrange-luxury), and Aisha Hotel (midrange-luxury).
Koum Kapi | |This neighborhood is a fantastic choice for travelers who want to stay near the Old Town without the hassle of parking far from their accommodation. We stayed in the stylish Theta Seaside Boutique Hotel, a modern (and very affordable) boutique hotel with seaview rooms and relatively easy parking. A few blocks away, Hyperion City Hotel & Spa offers private garage parking with reservation (extra charge).
Tabakaria District | Occupying a historic tannery, the seafront Tanneries Hotel & Spa offers an indoor swimming pool, gym, on-site restaurant, and free private parking, located nearby. Though further away from the Old Town, this neighborhood is perfect for discerning travelers seeking peace, privacy, and an air of exclusivity.
Learn More | Where to Stay in Chania: Best Areas & Hotels
Day 1: Old Town and Venetian Harbor
Explore the Old Town Lanes
Extending from the Venetian Harbor to the bustling Nikiforou Foka road and Firka Fortress, Chania’s Old Town is a compact labyrinth of narrow lanes, largely pedestrianized.
To truly take in the Old Town, just stroll (no plan needed) and weave through shops, tavernas, and hidden corners.
Lined with colorful buildings housing galleries and enticing ships, Zampeliou is a particularly enchanting street. Don’t miss the Grocery Store (Google Maps), a coffee shop and store selling Cretan specialities. Skridlof, known as the leather alley, is crammed with vendors selling leather goods like handbags, wallets, and belts.
The atmospheric Chatzimichali Ntaliani and its maze of narrow side streets are overflowing with vibrant restaurants and bars, each one adding to the neighborhood’s irresistible energy.
For your coffee fix, head to Monogram (Google Maps), a lively corner café with sunny outdoor seating and a perfect front-row position for people-watching. If there are no free tables, walk a few minutes to Kross Coffee Roasters (Google Maps).
Souvenir shops are abundant, but upscale and unique boutiques are few and far between. One exception is JUSTBRAZIL RESORT (Google Maps), a chic boutique by Renata Leitao, offering a stylish mix of Greek, Spanish, and Brazilian-inspired fashion. It’s where I found a pair of Kaleos sunglasses, which I treasure.
In terms of attractions, the Old Chania Market is a favorite, though it was unfortunately closed during our visit. Standing on Splantzia Square in the Turkish quarter of the Old Town, St. Nicholas Church uniquely features both a Christian bell tower and a Muslim minaret.
Eat Lunch at Chrisostomos
For a wonderful introduction to traditional Cretan cuisine, eat lunch at Chrisostomos (Google Maps), located between the Sabbionara Bastion and the Venetian Harbor.
Watch the Sunset along the Old Sea Wall of the Venetian Harbor
Dating back to the Venetian Era (13th -17th centuries), the Venetian Harbor is the symbol of the city. It’s lined with tavernas and fish restaurants, housed in centuries-old buildings.
Encasing the harbor, the Old Sea Wall was built by the Venetians to protect the town from pirates and other invaders. Trace the wall to the Egyptian Lighthouse for the best views of Chania, especially at sunset. From this vantage point, the White Mountains, snow-capped in winter, form the dramatic backdrop of the seaside city.
Other notable landmarks include the Venetian Shipyards (Neoria), of which 7 remain, and the Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque or Yalı Mosque, dating back to the Ottoman Era.
As you stroll along the seaside promenade, one pressing question inevitably arises: where should you dine?
Eat Dinner at Sallis
Salis (Google Maps) serves exquisite contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, crafted with produce sourced primarily from the restaurant’s own farm. This farm-to-table approach ensures a seasonal menu that reflects the freshest flavors of each time of year.
Day 2: Akrotiri Peninsula and Koum Kapi Neighborhood
Some of Crete’s most stunning natural attractions are found on the Akrotiri Peninsula near Chania, including Katholiko Gorge and Seitan Limania Beach. Since both destinations require some hiking, it’s critical to pack sturdy shoes.
For today’s excursion, Kati and I picked up sandwiches at Bakery Patisserie & Coffee Shop Ntourountous Chania 1866 Square (Google Maps).
Hike Katholiko Gorge
Katholiko Gorge serves as the spectacular passageway between the Katholiko Monastery ruins and Katholiko Bay. To start this hike, drive to the Gouverneto Monastery car park (Google Maps).
If you didn’t rent a car, check out this guided excursion Half-Day Private Hiking Tour to the Akrotiri Peninsula.
After paying a small entrance fee (only in high season), follow the pilgrimage path past the Gouverneto Monastery to the Arkoudospilio Cave, which was once a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. With views of the sea, continue descending to the Cave of St. John the Hermit and the ruins of Katholiko Monastery.
Below the cliffside monastery church, a trail drops down to the bed of Katholiko Gorge, also known as Avlaki Gorge. Between rugged limestone walls, follow the rocky bed to the coast.
The secluded Katholiko Bay is a narrow inlet, flanked by weathered limestone walls. Enjoy the view, but do not swim.
Read our Katholiko Gorge hiking guide for a complete trail description and more photos.
Visit Seitan Limania Beach
From the Gouverneto Monastery, drive 25 minutes to the Seitan Limania Beach car park (Google Maps).
Like Katholiko Bay, Seitan Limania is also an S-shaped inlet flanked by rugged sea cliffs. However, unlike Katholiko Bay, swimming is allowed.
A short circular trail, measuring 0.5 km, connects the car park with the beach. We followed the obvious path to the left, completing the circuit in a clockwise direction.
The trail drops down a jagged cliff and then levels as it approaches the pebble beach.
After a refreshing swim, continue along the circular path. The ascending trail is waymarked and secured with fixed chains, bolted into the rock. The way up is steep, but safe. The views of the inlet grow increasingly spectacular with every step.
This whole circular hike takes more than 20-30 minutes.
Recommended Tour from Chania: Full-Day Private Seitan Limani Boat Tour from Chania
Eat Dinner in Koum Kapi Neighborhood
The seafront Koum Kapi neighborhood lies directly to the east of the Venetian Harbor and the Old Town.
To savor this area’s local atmosphere and vibrant café scene, follow the path that wraps around the bay from Sabbionara Bastion to the eastern-end of Koum Kapi Beach.
There is no shortage of waterfront dining options. We opted for Maiami (Google Maps), a contemporary brasserie set in the ceramic studio of Alexandra Manousakis, an extraordinary woman who also runs the Manousakis Winery.
How to Extend this Chania Itinerary
Sougia Day Trip | During our stay in Chania, Kati and I drove 1:20 hours to the seaside village of Sougia on the southwest coast. We hiked this Lissos Gorge loop trail, an ideal introduction to hiking in Crete. After the hike, we ate a delicious meal at Smaragdus Fish Taverna. All in all, this was a great day trip, which we’d gladly repeat.
Elafonisi Beach | On another day, we also drove 1:30 hours from Chania to the celebrated Elafonisi Beach. From the “pink sand beach,” we hiked along the E4 to the neighboring Kedrodasos Beach. Honestly, I wouldn’t venture so far from Chania to visit Elafonisi, unless you really want to dedicate the whole day to sunbathing and swimming. Recommended Tour from Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach.
Balos Beach | After visiting Elafonisi Beach, we drove the anxiety-inducing road to the Balos Beach car park. Given the road’s poor condition, it’s far better to take a ferry to this beach. Check out this Gramvousa Island & Balos Tour, Boat Tkt Extra.
Samaria Gorge | The famous Samaria Gorge is only open between May and October. Book From Chania: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion & Guide.
Plakias | The seaside town of Plakias is a fantastic base for exploring the southwest coast of Crete including Aradena Gorge and Loutro – Sweet Water Beach. Though a day trip is feasible, it’s far better to stay in Plakias a few nights to take in its beautiful beaches and surrounding gorges. Tip: Drive to Plakias via Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
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