🏛️ Why Visit Chania, Crete?
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!
The Venetian harbour is the crown jewel – a UNESCO-worthy masterpiece of narrow alleys, colourful buildings, and that iconic lighthouse. You'll also find cobblestone streets that Instagram dreams are made of, and beaches like Balos and Elafonisi that people travel continents to see.
Top reasons to visit 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 in Chania
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
🏨 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.
