Where to Stay in Chania: 3 Best Areas for First Timers

Located along the northwestern coast, Chania is the gateway to West Crete, home to the White Mountains, the impressive gorges of Samaria and Aradena, the beaches of Balos and Elafonisi, and the wild and remote Sfakia district.

A trip to Crete isn’t complete without visiting Chania, the island’s second largest city. If you’re drawn to authentic places with character, a touch of grit, incredible food, and easy access to outdoor adventures, Chania won’t disappoint.

The best areas to stay in Chania are the Old Town and Koum Kapi neighborhoods. 

Those traveling by car and wishing to stay beyond the bustle of the historic center will find excellent seafront accommodations in Tabakaria (e.g. The Tanneries Hotel & Spa) and Nea Chora (e.g. Elia Sea Suites). 

Kati and I stayed in Theta Seaside Boutique Hotel, which was perfect for exploring both the Old Town and Koum Kapi. Since the hotel is located across from a car park, it was easy for us to zip in and out of Chania for various day trips like Sougia and Lissos Gorge and Katholiko Gorge.

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Old Town

Chania has a long and layered history, dating back to Neolithic times. It was once a flourishing center of Minoan civilization, before being conquered by the Romans in 69 BC. Over the centuries, Chania passed through Byzantine, Arab, and Venetian, Ottoman, and Egyptian hands. It wasn’t until 1912 that Crete officially became part of Greece.

Nowhere is Chania’s complex and multifaceted history more visible than in the historic Old Town, a compact labyrinth of narrow streets, built on Roman Ruins, with buildings dating back to the Venetian and Ottoman eras. 

The mostly pedestrianized Old Town extends from the Venetian Harbor to the Nikiforou Foka road. Hidden along winding lanes, you’ll find charming boutique hotels featuring private terraces and courtyards, elegantly designed rooms, and, in many cases, enchanting city, or sea views. 

There are also a wide range of budget-midrange accommodations like Minaret Suites & Apartments, Amphitrite Hotel, Nyx Chic Manor Hotel, and Antica Canea Luxury Rooms.  

If you stay in the Old Town, you’ll be perfectly-positioned for going out, dining, and shopping. Tip: for traditional Cretan cuisine, head to Chrisostomos. For, contemporary Cretan food, dine at Salis in the Venetian Harbor.

The only drawbacks are the lack of on-site parking and potential noise, depending on how close your accommodation is to late-night venues.

If arriving by car, ask your accommodation in advance where you should park. Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa offers parking in a nearby location with a golf car pick-up and drop-off service. On the other side of the Firka fortress, SanSal Boutique Hotel provides free on-site parking.

Midrange | Set in the heart of the Old Town, 3-star Malmo Historic Hotel offers tastefully-furnished rooms and breakfast, served on the hotel terrace. 

Midrange-Luxury | Aisha Hotel offers a prime location in the Old Town with suites either facing the city or the Venetian Harbor. If available, book a deluxe suite with sea view. During the holiday season, the area can get lively due to nearby clubs. So, if you’re sensitive to noise, look elsewhere. 

Midrange-Luxury | Hanin Boutique Hotel offers immaculately-clean rooms in an ideal location. If you book the top floor apartment with 2 bedrooms, you have access to a private rooftop terrace with views of the Venetian Harbor. 

Luxury with nearby private parking | Set in a 17th-century Venetian mansion, the impeccably-run Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa offers a private courtyard, an enviable rooftop terrace, stylish bar, and spa. Guests consistently praise the breakfast, which also offers gluten-free and lactose-free options. Casa Delfinol offers free private parking in a location nearby along with a golf cart shuttle service to/from the parking lot.

Luxury | Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor offers minimalist design suites, some with private terraces and hot tubs, along with spa facilities and a delicious breakfast, served in the hotel courtyard. The hotel is housed in a restored 16th-century mansion of a Venetian nobleman that later served as the residence of a senior Ottoman official and his harem. 

Luxury | Nestled inside a lovingly-restored 17th-century Venetian villa, AZADE Chania enchants with its beautifully designed rooms and delicious Cretan breakfast, an irresistible retreat in the heart of the Old Town.

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Koum Kapi

Koum Kapi neighborhood lies directly to the east of the Venetian Harbor and the Old Town. 

The beating heart of the neighborhood is the café-lined waterfront street that wraps around the bay between the Sabbionara Bastion and Koum Kapi Beach.

While still near the historic center, Koum Kapi has a distinctly more local and relaxed vibe. You’ll spot Cretans playing backgammon and sipping Café Fredo late into the evening.

For an atmospheric dinner, head to Maiami (Google Maps), a contemporary brasserie set in the ceramic studio of Alexandra Manousakis,

This neighborhood is also 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 Theta Seaside Boutique Hotel, a modern hotel with stylish seaview rooms equipped with nespresso machines and tea kettles. Though the hotel doesn’t have private parking, it’s advantageously situated across from a free car park.

Two blocks away from Koum Kapi Beach, 4-star Hyperion City Hotel & Spa offers private garage parking with reservation (10 EUR/day). 

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Tabakaria District and Halepa

Halepa’s Tabakaria District, home to Chania’s historic tanneries, is located directly east of Koum Kapi neighborhood. 

During the Egyptian occupation between 1830 and 1850, this stretch of coastline drew skilled tanners who set up shop by the sea. The leather processing industry flourished up until the mid 20th century. At its peak, there were nearly 80 tanneries in operation. 

Several of the old tanneries have been beautifully restored and reimagined as charming restaurants and boutique hotels. 

The most notable is the 5-star Tanneries Hotel & Spa, which pampers guests with its seafront location, indoor swimming pool, gym, on-site Periplous restaurant, and nearby private parking.

If you’re traveling with your family, or another couple, take a look at this Skins Concept Boutique Apartment with two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and washing machine. 

Beyond the waterfront Tabakaria District, Halepa is home to the Archaeological Museum of Chania and elegant boutique hotels like Domus Blanc Boutique Hotel (street parking) and Halepa Hotel (on-site parking).

During our stay, we strolled along the coast from the Old Town to Tabakaria District. Though it’s certainly walkable, it’s not a walk that you want to do more than once a day, especially in the heat or late at night. For that reason, taking a taxi to reach the historic center is often a better option.

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More Crete Travel Guides

Hiking:

• Best Hikes in Crete
• Red Beach in Matala
• Aradena Gorge Hike
• Loutro – Sweet Water Beach Hike
• Katholiko Bay Hike
• Lissos Gorge Hike

Plakias:

• Plakias Travel Guide
• Kourtaliotiko Gorge

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