TOP 10+1 THINGS TO DO IN CHANIA, CRETE ISLAND!

Crete is my favorite place on earth! Not only because my village, Tavronitis, is there where I have all my memories form my childhood age but because I think it combines literally everything. An island with amazing food like in the whole island, great places to visit, good prices, old Venetian streets in Chania town and gorgeous beaches, as you can see in my other article TOP 10 BEACHES IN CHANIA.

Crete is absolutely charming and the largest island in Greece, known for its diverse landscapes: beaches, gorges, mountains and historic sites. As such, the distances are long and ideally you need several days in order to explore it… Below are a few things I believe you would enjoy during your stay in Chania, one of the 4 administrative regions of the island:

• Chania in West Crete
• Rethymno
• Heraklion in Central Crete
• Lasithi in the East.

Getting There:

• Airport: Chania International Airport (CHQ) – 45minutes flight from the Greek capital, Athens.
• Ferry: Daily overnight ferries from Piraeus (Athens) to Souda Port , duration 8-9 hours. You can book your ferry tickets and support my blog too with this link: Ferryscanner.com

Angel’s tip: Have in mind that you can also fly into Heraklion Airport which is the biggest in Crete island and drive west (2–2.5 hrs to Chania)

Is a Car Necessary?

• YES – Highly recommended if you want to explore the island’s beaches, gorges and mountain villages despite the fact that public transport is generally good. Find the best deals on car rentals — the company I personally use and recommend. Book here.
• You can enjoy Chania town without a car, but for places like Elafonisi, Seitan Limania, or Balos, a car (or tour) is a must.
• Roads are generally good, but be prepared for winding coastal/mountain routes.

Best Places to Stay in Chania:

• Old Town of Chania: For charm, walkability and staying in a Venetian-style boutique hotel.
• Nea Chora: Walking distance from the Old Town, with a beach and more relaxed vibe.
• Agia Marina / Platanias: Great for beach resorts, nightlife and easy access to Chania by bus or car but very touristy. Angel’s tip: You can choose another seaside village close there like mine (Tavronitis) for more authentic and local vibes.
• Kissamos: Ideal base if you want to explore western beaches like Balos, Falassarna & Elafonisi but far from Chania…
• Paleochora or Sfakia (for nature lovers): Farther from Chania but ideal for remote beaches and hiking.
  

  Tavronitis village/beach

Visiting Chania for the first time? Keep reading…

TOP 10+1 THINGS TO DO IN CHANIA

1.Get lost in Chania town.

• Start at the Venetian Harbor, Chania’s most iconic spot – perfect for strolling by the sea, people-watching, and catching a dreamy sunset with the lighthouse in the background.
• Spot the Mosque of the Janissaries (Yiali Tzamisi) – the oldest Ottoman building in Crete, standing proudly on the waterfront. Today, it often hosts exhibitions and is one of the most photogenic places in town.
• Get lost in the Old Town’s backstreets – think colorful alleys, bougainvillea, balconies, local shops, and tiny cafés. Venetian, Ottoman, and Neoclassical architecture mix into one fairytale setting.
• Explore the Splantzia district – a less touristy, more authentic area with a relaxed vibe. Grab a coffee or rakomelo in the square under the big plane tree, where locals gather.
• Visit the Church of Agios Nikolaos – a rare gem with both a bell tower and a minaret, symbolizing the layered history of Chania.
• Visit the Archaelogical museum of Chania housed in a venetian monastery .

Angel’s tip: The Old Town is full of unique finds you won’t get anywhere else, you can find many local boutiques and art shops – from handmade jewelry to Cretan sandals.

2. Swim at the amazing beaches around Chania

From wild coves to organized sandy shores, Chania is surrounded by stunning beaches. Whether you prefer hidden gems like Seitan Limania, exotic spots like Elafonisi, or relaxing options like Marathi and Loutraki, there’s a beach for every taste – all with crystal-clear waters and unforgettable views.

You can read more with many details & information in my other blog post here: TOP 10 BEACHES TO VISIT IN CHANIA.

3.Go to a Cretan traditional festival (Panigiri) with Cretan live music. Angel’s tip: My favorite is the “Wine Festival”  that takes place in August in Vouves village. You pay a small entrance fee of 5 euros and you have unlimited wine from locals and amazing cretan music (I don’t know if this summer it will take place. Check with the locals first).

4.Eat – eat – repeat! You can find incredibly delicious food in the whole area, some of my choices are below but in any case you will eat magnificent cretan flavors! Google them for more info & make reservations! For sure try the local cheeses and Ntakos salad since it’s the Cretan famous meze, Kalitsounia (cheese pie or cheese/spinach pie) and drink “Tsikoudia“, the local drink with high alcohol content! If you are daring enough, try the local Cretan traditional snails recipe called “Hohlioi boubouristoi“.

• For delicious Cretan food try “Gramboussa Restaurant” in Kaliviani village, outside Kastelli on your way to Balos beach.
• If you want great Italian taste, visit “Don Rosario” in Souda.
• For simple cretan food next to the sea in Tavronitis village, try “Anemomylos”.
• For great pizza and sweets, go to a favorite spot of locals open all year long: “Mylos seaside cafe” in Kolymbari village.
• For delicious ice cream, waffles and crepes, don’t miss “Sprinkles – sweet bites & more” in Kolymbari village.
• If you want fresh fish visit Kolymbari village, full of fish taverns (all good!) but my favorite is “Argentina” that has been awarded many times, quality is top and dishes are more elegant (but a bit more expensive too!).
  

  Argentina fish restaurant owned & all cooked by a Cretan local family

• “Patrelantonis” in Marathi is a great choice as well with beautiful setting and reasonable prices.
• If you want to try something different, try “Milia”. An authentic 17th century mountain settlement, which has been transformed into an eco-friendly tourist complex. Beautiful village. What makes it so interesting? Cooking is usually done in the casserole and the wood stove, no electricity.  PS: You can stop in Milia on the way back from Elafonisi-Kedrodasos beach!

In Chania town:

• For Cretan creative cuisine with nice view of the port visit “Arismari” , “Albi Restaurant” and “Ta Chalkina” in the old port. Angel’s tip: Ta Chalkina have sometimes cretan live music. Ask them in advance.
• If you are looking for a nice restaurant/bar with romantic view of the old port pick “Pallas”. Angel’s tip: Check my photo below from the balcony during sunset. Terrace has great view as well – reservation needed!
• For a top quality local products and personal care visit  “Tamam” in the old port as well. It has some Eastern oriented influences by the Ottoman cuisine and the broader Eastern Mediterranean region.
• For fine dining, try “AlmyVita”, a prestigious seafood restaurant under the culinary expertise of award-winning chef Ettore Botrini.
• For small plates restaurants (μεζεδοπωλεία – ρακάδικα) with local vibes, visit “Rakaki”, “Stis Annas” , “Oinopiio”, “Throumbi”, “Mezedoscholeio”, “Avli ton Thavmaton” .
• For street food and delicious wraps, juicy meats and vegetarian options , check “Pork to Beef Wild” and “The Chop Street Food“
• In Nea Hora area, you can find a restaurant with delicious dishes called “The Five restaurant“
• Eat amazing Crepe (open after midnight as well) in “Sugar & Salt” in Chania.

5. Try bougatsa (a kind of savory or sweet pie) in “Iordanis” in Chania.

6. Enjoy nightlife! Everywhere in Chania is super cool, so many amazing bars and spots!

Have a drink in Pallas or Barbarossa  next to the sea/port or “Senal” and  “K2” close to the previous ones. Others I love are “Boheme“, “Synapsis Gathering bar” which is in a garden with fantastic atmosphere next to Venetian walls, the “Monastery of Karolos” or Charles monastery with great music and cocktails in a small street with restaurants, “Vermuteria” which is a new entry with locals and “Sinagogi cocktail bar” with amazing vibes.

Angel’s tip: Don’t miss to go for late drinks in “Barraki bar” in Chania – my favorite one with great music till morning.

7. Have a fun day in Limnoupolis aquapark!

• Location: Situated 7 km southwest of Chania, in the village of Varipetro, at the base of the White Mountains .
• Size: Spanning 65,000 m², offering a blend of thrilling water slides and relaxing areas .
• Central Pool: 1,500 m² with a depth of 3.8 meters, resembling a sea swimming experience .
  • Water Slides: 11 unique slides, including Free Fall, Black Hole, Triple Twist, Crazy River, and Rainbow Multi-Slide .
  • Children’s Pool: Features a rotating wooden barrel, mini slides, and climbing areas .
  • Lazy River: A 206-meter-long river with natural stone decorations, caves, and waterfalls .
• Dining Options: Restaurant, fast food outlets, and the Pirates Bar on an artificial island.
• Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, mini-market, and first aid center .
• Accessibility: Easily reachable by car, taxi, local bus, or the “Little Fun Train” from nearby holiday villages .

If you are a family, your kids will love it. Angel’s tip: Go as early as possible and book online in advance.

8. Be adventurous and hike some of the amazing gorges of the island! The closest to Chania and easiest ones are: Agia Irini gorge, gorge of Topolia, gorge of Katholikou.

The most famous and longest gorge in Europe is Samaria Gorge. 16km , 5-6 hours hiking and amazing views. You need to go to the central bus station in Chania early in the morning, take the bus towards the start of Samaria Omalos and then hike! At the exit, you will have the chance to swim in “Agia Roumeli”, an amazing beach. You take the boat, go to Sfakia and from there a bus back to Chania. Angel’s tip: There are apartments in case you want to stay for the night in Agia Roumeli or Sfakia.

9. Visit  Venizelos Graves, which have incredible view from amongst the trees, on a hill above Chania. A beautiful spot high above the city, that gives you the chance to admire the view and look at the grave sight of Venizelos and his son, the most important Prime Minister of Greece (also the Athens airport has taken its name in his honor) Angel’s tip: Best place to pause & enjoy the view :Koukouvaya. Incredible desserts/sweets!!!  

10. Take a boat from Sfakia or Palaiochora and visit the Gavdos island, the southernmost place you can visit not only in Greece but in whole Europe! Loutro village from Sfakia is magical as well as mentioned in my article TOP 10 BEACHES IN CHANIA.

11. Discover the beautiful villages in Chania. Beyond the famous Old Town and Venetian harbor, Chania hides a treasure trove of charming villages – each with its own story, style, and scenery. From mountainous stone-built hamlets to coastal fishing gems, these villages showcase the true soul of Crete.

Coastal Villages

• Palaiochora: South coast seaside town with relaxed vibes, great beaches, and boat access to Elafonisi & Loutro.
• Kalyves: Authentic beach village east of Chania with tavernas, nice swimming spots and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Platanias: Lively beachside resort area west of Chania with nightlife, many souvenir shops and easy bus access to the city. Angel’s tip: if you want , you can take the cute train for a tour in the villages around!
• Loutro: Magical, car-free village accessible only by boat or hiking. Turquoise waters, white-washed buildings — pure peace.
• Sougia: Remote coastal village ideal for hiking (e.g., Agia Irini Gorge) and quiet beach days far from the crowds.
• Frangokastello: Small village with a stunning Venetian fortress right on the beach — great for a peaceful swim and photos.
• Porto Loutro: Tiny harbor village neighboring Loutro, perfect for total escape and calm seas.

Inland & Mountain Villages

• Therisso: Historic mountain village reached via a scenic gorge road. Cool air, great food, and Cretan revolutionary history.
• Vrysses: Green and lively village with a river, bridges, and great yogurt. Lovely stop en route to the south.
• Vamos: One of Apokoronas’ prettiest villages, full of traditional architecture, charming cafés, and cultural life.
• Douliana: Peaceful little gem with stone houses and walking trails through nature. Ideal for a quiet break.
• Milia: Eco-village near Elos with stone guesthouses, no electricity in rooms, and a strong back-to-nature experience.
• Alikampos: Surrounded by vineyards — perfect for wine tasting and enjoying panoramic views.
• Asi Gonia: Authentic shepherd’s village with fresh springs and local cheese production. Non-touristy and real.
• Anogeia (Chania region): Small mountain village with great views and old-world charm. Often overlooked, perfect for a scenic drive break.

Enjoy your trip in this gorgeous island and let me know your impressions!

*For more pictures check my highlights in Instagram*

IG: explorewith.angel

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