TRAVEL GUIDE TO CHANIA

At the westernmost side of Crete, Chania is a wonderful place for vacations. With a charming medieval town, some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, intriguing castles and a unique natural landscape, this region is full of amazing places to see!

Find out everything about your holidays in Chania in our guide!
Discover the best things to do in Chania, fantastic beaches, and top hotels and restaurants! Check out our photo gallery as well!
You can get to Chania by plane from Athens & abroad or by ferry from Athens.

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN CHANIA

Book your trip on Chania with Greeka, the Greek islands specialists! We help thousands of people every year to plan beautiful and trouble-free holidays. From tours to hotels and from car rentals to ferry tickets, we provide all the essential services to make your travel to Santorini the most epic and smooth one.
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ABOUT CHANIA GREECE

Chania is located on the westernmost side of Crete. Although some places have become tourist resorts, most beaches and villages keep their authentic style.
The northern side is more developed and full of luxurious tourist resorts and organized beaches. This is where the most popular villages are found.
On the contrary, the southern side is secluded and more traditional, with small seaside settlements and unorganized beaches.
The most impressive beaches are Balos, Elafonissi and Falassarna, while there are innumerable other amazing beaches around the coastline, from organized resorts to secluded coves.

Due to its long history and rich culture, the region of Chania has maintained its traditional architecture. A walk in the Old Town with the impressive Venetian and Turkish architecture is a walk back in time. The Venetian port of Chania Town with its imposing lighthouse is the most characteristic spot of western Crete.

A drive around the prefecture will also bring you to many interesting sights. Explore the Medieval Castles you will find on your way, trek the many paths along with forests and gorges, visit the small local museums that depict the history and even try a chat with the locals at the traditional restaurants.
Regarding locals, you will frequently see them sitting in the village square and enjoying a coffee under the shade of a huge tree. Apart from relaxing on a beach resort, grab the chance to experience the famous Cretan tradition and the warm hospitality!

From Chania, visitors can also make day excursions to other regions of Crete, including Rethymno and Heraklion. Via the port of Heraklion, tourists can also head to the islands of the Cyclades, including Mykonos and Santorini.

Holidays in Chania combine relaxation on amazing beaches, historical visits, eating palatable food, and experiencing the authentic way of living.

• Map • Weather • History • Geography

PHOTOS OF CHANIA / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Chania in Crete through the lens of the talented members of the Greeka community.
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HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

A wide variety of accommodation options are available for those seeking a place to stay in Chania. Chania is home to some of the most impressive hotels in Crete!
Many accommodations of all kinds and for different budgets can be found in Chania Town, including boutique hotels hosted in historical buildings! In the coastal resorts such as Georgioupolis and Almyrida, you can find large luxury hotels with many facilities, as well as villas. At the same time, holidaymakers who seem to go for a more traditional setting away from the crowds and close to nature in the southern part of the island, head to areas such as Sfakia.

Chania is a year-round destination and therefore many accommodations do not only operate during the tourist season.

Some of the most popular hotels are:
Pilot AmphoraDomes Zeen Domus RenierMadonna Del Mare

HOW TO GET THERE & MOVE AROUND?

The most popular way to reach Chania is by ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens. Chania can also be reached by plane (Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport).
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Discover the different ways to get to Chania & how to move around:

• Flights • Ferry • Island-hopping • Move around

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF CHANIA

Discover the highlights of Chania to experience during your holiday! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, we present the best recommendations for the ultimate holiday experience!
View All Things to Do

  • Picturesque Town
    Chania Town is among the most picturesque towns in Crete. Due to the long occupation by the Venetians, its architecture has a vivid Medieval look. Do not miss the old port with the lovely restaurants.
  • Venetian Lighthouse
    The lighthouse of Chania is found in the Venetian Harbor and is the symbol of the town. Originally built by the Venetians in the 16th century, the lighthouse was reconstructed by the Egyptians in the 19th century.
  • Balos Beach
    During your holidays in Chania, do not miss a boat trip to Balos and the Castle of Gramvoussa. Located on the northwestern spot of Crete, Balos has gorgeous Caribbean-like waters.
  • Elafonisi Beach
    Among the most beautiful beaches in Chania Crete is Elafonissi, an exotic place with crystal waters and soft pinkish sand. It is located on the western coast of the prefecture.
  • Sfakia Village
    On the southern side of the region lies the picturesque village of Sfakia. This seaside place has mesmerizing secluded beaches to swim and presents the true side of the local character.
  • Falassarna Beach
    On the western side of Crete and close to Kissamos is the amazing beach of Falassarna. Large in size and with a sandy shore, this beach is partly organized and ideal for families.
  • Samaria Gorge
    The most popular hiking trail in Crete is through the gorge of Samaria. This 18-km-long gorge is open from May to October and it is located on the southern side of Chania.
  • Frangokastello Fortress
    On the southern part of the area stands the Fortress of Frangokastello. This fortress is connected to the legend of Drossoulites, some ghost rebels who are supposed to appear in early mornings of May.
  • Lake Kournas
    Lake Kournas is the only lake with fresh water in Crete. It is situated in a magnificent location, just 4 km away from Georgioupolis. The lake is surrounded by verdant nature.

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