Chania is a postcard-perfect holiday spot – gorgeous, classical architecture meeting some of the island's most stunning beaches and - turns out - they get on great!
Top reasons to go on your holidays to Chania:
🏮 The most beautiful Venetian harbour in Greece – hands down
🏖️ Gateway to legendary beaches like Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi's pink sands
🍽️ Foodie paradise with waterfront restaurants serving the freshest seafood
🎨 Vibrant arts scene with galleries, boutiques, and traditional crafts
🌅 Stunning sunsets from the harbour that'll make you believe in magic again
🌟 Top Things to Do on Chania holidays
Whether you're getting lost in Venetian alleyways or discovering hidden beaches, every day brings something spectacular.
Explore the Venetian Old Town
Wander the charming maze of cobblestone streets
The iconic Venetian Lighthouse – perfect for romantic moments & sunset photos
Explore the Municipal Market in the impressive cross-shaped building
World-Class Beach Adventures
Balos Lagoon - One of the most photographed beaches in Greece with its tropical waters
Elafonisi Beach - Famous pink sand beach that's basically paradise on earth
Falassarna Beach - Epic sunset spot with golden sand stretching for miles
Stavros Beach - The famous beach from "Zorba the Greek" movie
Harbour Life & Waterfront Dining
Dine at restaurants literally hanging over the water in the Venetian harbour
Try traditional Cretan dishes like lamb with stamnagathi (wild greens) and local cheeses
Sip cocktails at rooftop bars with harbour views
Watch fishing boats come in at dawn with the day's catch
Cultural Experiences
Chania Archaeological Museum - housed in a stunning former Venetian church
Maritime Museum - perfect for understanding Crete's naval history
Traditional villages - explore nearby places like Vamos and Kolymbari
Samaria Gorge - one of Europe's longest gorges for serious hikers
Best Time to Visit Chania
Planning your Chania holidays and wondering when this sun-soaked beauty is serving peak vibes? Easy. The sparkle really kicks in from spring through autumn, when the beaches are buzzing, the tavernas are sizzling, and the island is fully geared up for travellers.
April to June - early-season glow at its finest. Warm days, cooler evenings, and way fewer crowds than summer. Perfect for beach hopping, Old Town wandering, and getting that first hit of Fanta Lemon for the year. Expect comfy temps in the low-to-mid 20s, ideal for a relaxed-but-still-scorchio escape.
July to August - Chania turns the energy up to a whopping 100. Long hot days, nightlife popping off, and that classic Greek-island magic in full swing. This is prime time for groups, sun worshippers, and anyone who loves their Holidays to Chania Crete served with extra sizzle.
September to October - a top-tier sweet spot if you want warm seas, balmy evenings, and calmer beaches. Couples adore it, families rate it 10/10, and the weather stays gorge without tipping into heatwave territory. Think slow sunsets, delish dinners, and seriously chill holibobs energy.
🏨 Where to Stay on Your Chania Holidays
From luxury harbour-side boutiques to beachfront resorts, Chania's accommodation scene is as diverse as the city itself. The best spots put you right in the heart of the old town magic or on beaches that'll make your mates back home properly jealous.
Kydon Hotel - right in the heart of Chania with panoramic city views, you're walking distance from everything that matters. Individual air conditioning, minibars, and soundproof windows mean you can party late and sleep peacefully.
Halepa - this beautifully restored, 19th century building means your residence can be suitably elegant for a trip to Chania. It's also surprisingly good value.
Kritti Hotel - this modern hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of town, it has a pool, a gym and an American-style buffet breakfast. What more could you want?
The magic of Chania is that whether you're staying in a restored Venetian mansion or a modern beachfront resort, you're always close to both incredible history and stunning natural beauty. It's the kind of place where you can start the day exploring 500-year-old buildings and end it watching the sunset from one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Getting around Chania
Getting your bearings on Chania holidays is a breeze – the whole place is compact, walkable, and packed with easy ways to zip from beach to boujee taverna without breaking a sweat. The Venetian Harbour and Old Town are best explored on foot (they’re far too stun to rush), but when you want to roam a little wider, you’ve got plenty of options.
Local buses run like absolute champs, connecting Chania Town with big-name beaches and nearby villages. They’re cheap, reliable, and perfect for those “let’s just see where we end up” holibobs vibes.
Taxis are everywhere and surprisingly reasonable, especially for short hops from the Old Town to neighbouring beach spots.
Car hire is the go-to if you're planning to conquer Balos, Elafonisi, or anywhere that the views are so gorge they should come with a warning label. Roads are easy, signage is decent, and you’ll feel like the main character cruising along the coastline.
Boats and small ferries run to beaches you can’t reach by car, making your Holidays to Chania Crete feel extra adventurous without having to pack your best walking trainers.
