Crete is one of my favorite places on earth! Not only because my village, Tavronitis, is here and holds so many of my favorite childhood memories, but also because I truly believe this island has it all.
Amazing food, beautiful towns and villages, Venetian streets, incredible beaches, dramatic gorges and mountains – Crete combines so many different experiences in one destination. And if beaches are what you’re looking for, make sure to check out my other article TOP BEACHES IN CHANIA.
Crete is the largest island in Greece, and because there is so much to see and the distances can be quite long, I definitely recommend spending several days here rather than trying to explore everything at once.
The island is divided into 4 regional units and in this guide, we’re focusing on my beloved Chania.
- Chania in West Crete
- Rethymno
- Heraklion in Central Crete
- Lasithi in the East.
Having spent my summers here since I was a child, these are some of the places, experiences and little tips I believe are truly worth adding to your trip.
So, here are my 10+1 things you shouldn’t miss in Chania, Crete! But first, some useful info!
Getting There:
- Airport: Chania International Airport (CHQ) – 40 minutes 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 (or Kasteli): Ideal base if you want to explore western beaches like Balos, Falassarna & Elafonisi but far from Chania…but as a town is not pretty!
- 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.
No trip to Chania is complete without getting lost in its beautiful Old Town. With its narrow alleys, colourful buildings and mix of Venetian, Ottoman and Greek influences, this is the heart of the city and one of the most atmospheric places in Crete.
Wander through the narrow streets of Chania’s Old Town, lined with colorful little shops, traditional houses and beautiful bougainvillea-covered corners. Don’t miss the Venetian Harbor, the iconic lighthouse, the Church of Saint Nicholas with its unique minaret and the new Archaeological Museum of Chania for a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
Don’t miss:
- The Venetian Harbour – the heart of Chania and perfect for an evening walk. Chania’s most iconic spot – perfect for strolling by the sea, people-watching, and catching a dreamy sunset with the lighthouse in the background.
- The Lighthouse – one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Walk along the harbour wall for beautiful views back towards the Old Town.
- Firkas Fortress – at the western end of the harbour, with great views across the waterfront.
- The Venetian Arsenals (Neoria) – reminders of Chania’s Venetian maritime past.
- Yali 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.
- Topanas – one of my favourite areas for wandering through colourful alleys and historic buildings.
- Splantzia – a more local and lively side of the Old Town with a relaxed vibe, filled with cafés, restaurants and bars. Grab a coffee or rakomelo in the square under the big plane tree, where locals gather.
- Kastelli – the oldest part of Chania, sitting on the hill above the harbour.
- Halepa – a beautiful historic neighbourhood just outside the Old Town, known for its impressive neoclassical buildings.
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.
Chania town
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 BEACHES TO VISIT IN CHANIA.
3.Go to a Cretan traditional festival (Panigiri) with Cretan live music.
If you’re in Chania during summer, don’t miss a traditional Cretan festival! Expect live Cretan music, dancing, local food, plenty of wine and tsikoudia and a celebration that often lasts until early morning.
It’s one of the best ways to experience the authentic side of Crete. There are so many around during summer, keep an eye in the posters around or ask the locals!
Angel’s tip: My favorite is the “Wine Festival” that takes place in August in Vouves village. You pay a small entrance fee and you have unlimited wine from locals and amazing cretan music .
A cretan “panigiri”
4.Eat – eat – repeat!
Food is a huge part of the Cretan experience and Chania is the perfect place to discover traditional Cretan cuisine. 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!
Make sure you try:
- Boureki – one of the most characteristic dishes of Chania, made with zucchini, potatoes and cheese.
- Kalitsounia – small pies filled with cheese or wild greens.
- Gamopilafo – traditional Cretan rice cooked in rich meat broth.
- Antikristo – lamb slowly roasted around an open fire
- Staka – one of Crete’s richest dairy specialties.
- Dakos – barley rusk with tomato, cheese and olive oil.
- Apaki – smoked Cretan pork.
- Sfakiani pita – thin cheese-filled pie usually served with honey.
- Skioufichta – handmade Cretan pasta with local cheese
- Gamopilafo – traditional Cretan rice dish, usually served at celebrations
- Cretan cheeses – graviera, mizithra, anthotyro and more.
- And of course…Tsikoudia / raki: the local drink with high alcohol content!
- If you are daring enough, try the local fried traditional snails with rosemary & vinegar called “Chochlioi boubouristoi”.
- Elaias Thea in Voukolies village: Traditional Cretan cuisine in a beautiful setting with amazing views – a great stop if you want to experience the more authentic side of Chania.
- Kipos tis Frosynis in Voukolies close to Neriana village: One of my favorite for local food in a wonderful setting! Come here for antikristo, traditionally slow-cooked by the fire, plus delicious dishes from the wood-fired oven. A great place for an authentic Cretan meal.
- Another option for Cretan food is “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 (seafood and meat dishes) 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 .
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. Angel’s tip: 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.
- Try bougatsa (a kind of savory or sweet pie) in “Iordanis” in Chania.
5. Experience Chania after dark!
Chania is just as beautiful at night! Start with a sunset drink around the Venetian Harbor, wander through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town and continue with cocktails at one of the city’s many bars.
For a livelier summer night, head to Agia Marina or Platanias, where you’ll find beach bars with DJ sets and parties! Angel’s tip: Check Ammos kai Ilios and Cabana Mare.
Where to drink in Chania Town:
- Pallas & Barbarossa – right by the sea and the Venetian Harbor
- Senal & K2 – also around the harbor area
- Boheme – one of my longtime favorites
- Synapsis Gathering Bar – hidden in a beautiful garden next to the Venetian Walls
- Monastery of Karolos – great music & cocktails in an atmospheric Old Town alley
- Vermuteria – a newer spot popular with locals
- Sinagogi Cocktail Bar – one of the most atmospheric bars in the Old Town, set inside the ruins of an old synagogue
- Barraki – a lively spot for drinks, dancing and music that keeps going until the early morning hours.
Angel’s tip: One of the best things about nightlife in Chania is that you don’t really need a plan – start around the harbor and simply wander through the Old Town until you find a place you love.
6. Have a fun day in Aqua Creta Limnoupolis!
- 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: Restaurants, 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 .
- Opening hours: 10:00-19:00 (but waterslides open at 11am)
- All-day ticket (Jul–Aug): €27.50 adults | €20 reduced (kids 110-155cm, seniors 60+ & escorts of disabled persons)
May, June & September: cheaper rates – €25.50 adults | €18 reduced - Kids under 110cm: FREE / Afternoon tickets: also available at lower prices
If you are a family, your kids will love it. Angel’s tip: Book online in advance for a better price (20 euros).
Extra tip: Right next door you’ll also find PistaPark, home to the largest go-kart track in Crete – perfect if you want to combine both in one day.
7. Hike the Samaria Gorge!
One of the most unforgettable experiences in Chania is hiking the famous Samaria Gorge, through the wild landscape of the White Mountains. The full route is around 16-18 km and usually takes 5-7 hours to complete – I did it in around 6 hours all 3 times.
📍 Start: Xyloskalo, Omalos – at around 1,200 m altitude
🏁 Finish: Agia Roumeli, on the Libyan Sea
🥾 Highlight: The famous Iron Gates, where the gorge narrows to just a few meters between towering cliffs.
How to get there:
The easiest option is actually not to take your own car, because you start and finish in completely different places. Take the early KTEL bus from Chania to Xyloskalo/Omalos, hike the gorge and finish in Agia Roumeli.
How to get back:
Agia Roumeli has no road access, so after the hike you take the ferry to Sougia or Chora Sfakion and from there a KTEL bus back to Chania. The ferry and bus schedules are coordinated for hikers.
Can you do it as a day trip?
Absolutely – that’s how most people do it and what I did too. Leave Chania early in the morning and you’ll be back in the evening after the hike + ferry + bus journey.
Angel’s tip: You can also stay overnight in Agia Roumeli if you want a more relaxed experience, enjoy the beach after the crowds leave and return by ferry the following day. The National Park itself actually suggests an overnight stay as a more relaxed option.
Angel’s tip: Start as early as possible, wear proper shoes and bring sun protection. There are natural water sources along the route, so you don’t need to carry huge amounts of water from the beginning. And definitely check that the gorge is open before setting off, as access can be affected by weather conditions.
8. Discover Chania’s history & incredible viewpoints
For one of the best panoramic views over Chania, head to Akrotiri and visit the Venizelos Graves. From here, you’ll have an incredible view over Chania Town and the sea – especially beautiful around sunset.
Angel’s tip: Don’t miss a stop at Koukouvaya for coffee or dessert with spectacular view.
You can easily combine this area with some of Akrotiri’s beaches, such as Stavros, Marathi or Loutraki, for a full day exploring this side of Chania. Come in the late afternoon, enjoy the viewpoint and stay for sunset – the city lights below make the view even more beautiful.
The view from Venizelos graves
9. Take a trip to Loutro & Gavdos
Discover the wilder side of southern Chania, where some of Crete’s most beautiful and remote places are found.
- Loutro – a tiny whitewashed seaside village with turquoise waters and no road access. Drive or take the bus to Chora Sfakion, then hop on a boat to Loutro. You can visit as a day trip, but staying overnight is even more special once the day-trippers leave.
- Gavdos – Europe’s southernmost island, south of Crete, with wild beaches, cedar trees and a completely laid-back atmosphere. Ferries depart from the Sfakia area, depending on the season and schedule.
Angel’s tip: If you only have a few days in Chania, choose Loutro. Gavdos deserves more time – ideally at least a couple of days — to really experience its remote, slow-paced atmosphere.
Loutro village
10. Explore Chania beyond the famous spots
There’s so much more to Chania than its Old Town and famous beaches. Rent a car and explore its villages, mountain landscapes and seaside towns.
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.
Vrysses village
Enjoy your trip in this gorgeous island and let me know your impressions!
11.Visit a local winery, brewery or olive oil producer
Discover another side of Chania through some of Crete’s most famous local products.
- Manousakis Winery in Vatolakkos village, where you can visit the vineyards, taste local wines and enjoy the beautiful countryside setting.
- Dourakis Winery in Alikampos, a family-run winery where you can discover Cretan grape varieties and enjoy a wine tasting.
- Charma Brewery in Zounaki village, home of Chania’s first local beer. Take a brewery tour, learn how the beer is made and finish with a tasting – you can also stay for food with beautiful countryside views. Angel’s tip: If you are a beer lover, this is a MUST!!
- Olive oil experience – visit a traditional olive mill or join an olive-oil tasting to learn why Cretan extra virgin olive oil is such an important part of the island’s cuisine and culture.
*For more pictures check my highlights in Instagram*
IG: explorewith.angel
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