Located on Crete's north coast, this ancient city dates back to Kydonia. Its historic Venetian harbor, 70 km west of Rethymno, serves as the capital of its regional unit and prefecture.
Chania, the second largest city on the Greek island of Crete, sits on the northern coast, centered around a 14th-century Venetian harbor. In the Old Town, you'll walk through narrow alleys past colorful buildings and historical landmarks like the Egyptian Lighthouse. Beyond the city center, you can relax on beaches like Nea Chora, taste traditional Cretan dishes, and take day trips to natural wonders such as Samaria Gorge.
Chania's Old Town
The heart of Chania is its Old Town, a network of narrow alleys and buildings in various architectural styles surrounding the Venetian Harbor. As you walk the cobblestone streets, you'll see Venetian mansions with ornate balconies, Ottoman mosques with domed roofs, and Greek Orthodox churches. The Egyptian Lighthouse marks the harbor entrance, and from its base, you can see across the sea and city. For a deeper look into local history, visit the Archaeological Museum, housed in a former Franciscan monastery, where you'll find artifacts from Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
Beaches Near Chania
Several beaches are easily accessible from Chania. Nea Chora, a 15-minute walk west of the Old Town, has golden sand and shallow waters that make it suitable for families. For a more secluded spot, drive about an hour northwest of Chania to Balos Lagoon. Here, you'll find clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Elafonisi Beach, known for its sand with a pinkish hue due to crushed shells, is about 75 km southwest of the city and can be reached by car or public bus for a day trip.
Cretan Culinary Experiences
Chania's restaurants and tavernas serve many traditional Cretan dishes. Start your day with a bougatsa, a flaky pastry filled with mizithra cheese or semolina cream. For lunch or dinner, try dakos - a local dish of barley rusks topped with chopped tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil. At the waterfront tavernas, you can choose from the day's fresh seafood catch, often grilled and served with lemon and olive oil. Don't miss tasting local cheeses like graviera (similar to gruyere) or anthotyros (a soft, mild cheese), paired with wines produced in Cretan vineyards.
Day Trips from Chania
Chania's location makes it convenient for exploring western Crete. The Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest canyons, is located about 43 km south of Chania. Here, you can hike the 16 km trail through landscapes of pine forests and steep rock faces. For a historical excursion, visit the ancient city of Aptera, just 15 km east of Chania, where you can explore ruins from the Minoan, Greek, and Roman periods, including a well-preserved Roman cistern. Lake Kournas, Crete's only freshwater lake, is about 47 km southeast of the city. You can swim in its clear waters or rent a pedal boat to explore the lake.
Getting to and Around Chania
Chania International Airport, 14 km from the city center, receives flights from many European cities, particularly during summer. You can also reach the city by ferry from Piraeus (Athens) to the nearby port of Souda. In Chania, you'll find the Old Town is best explored on foot. For trips to nearby beaches and attractions, consider renting a car or using the local bus network. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer journeys.
