Chania
Temperature
25°
Time
6:00 AM
Chania
Chania (pronounced “Hanya”) is considered the loveliest port town in Greece. Swallows soar in sheer blue skies above the semicircle of tall Venetian houses around its picture-perfect Old Harbour. The tables of scores of bars and restaurants line the quayside. Behind the harbour front, narrow, traffic-free shopping lanes thread through the atmospheric Old Town. On either side of the town, sandy beaches stretch along the coast.Find your trip
The harbour is hard to miss. Historic buildings are repurposed as buzzing seafood restaurants and cafes, and a waterside promenade takes you on a journey through time - some parts of the fortifications date back to the 16th century.
The calm ruins of Venetian defence structures remain standing all around the Chania harbour. Its fascinating Naval Museum (next door) recalls Chania’s maritime tradition. The fortress is also where the Greek flag first was raised.
Limnoupolis Water Park is a great choice for families with children - the park offers water slides of varying steepness, as well as a number of pools and a lazy river. For grown-ups there is a Jacuzzi and a pool bar. Shops and eateries add to the water park's attraction.
This famous 16 kilometre hiking trail down a spectacular mountain gorge runs all the way to the island's southern coast. You will need sturdy shoes, water and a hat to shield you from the blazing sun. Spending the night at the trail's end and catching a bus back to Chania the following day may be a good idea.
Glass-bottomed boats cross crystal waters to nearby St Theodore Island, while others sail to idyllic Stavros beach on the Akrotiri Peninsula. Check around before choosing a particular company, as prices and routes may vary.
There are at least two scuba diving centers in Chania - Blue Adventures Diving and Omega Divers. They are both certified and have good reputation in the scuba business. Diving sessions are conducted under professional supervision, and enthusiasts of any proficiency level are welcome to join. Omega Divers +30 2 825 031 412 www.omegadivers.com info@omegadivers.com Blue Adventures Diving: Dive office: +30 2 821 040 608 Dive center: +30 2 821 087 047 www.blueadventures.gr
A green area that spans nearly 20 hectares, the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete provide a pleasant retreat from the summer heat. The territory is overgrown by multiple species of herbs, flowers, medicinal plants and fruit trees. The parks are also home to colorful peacocks and other animals.
Maritime Museum of Crete is a great place to learn about the island's nautical history. On the first floor, an educational film about Crete's past is shown. Sweeping views over the harbour and the lighthouse can be enjoyed from the museum.
The harbour is hard to miss. Historic buildings are repurposed as buzzing seafood restaurants and cafes, and a waterside promenade takes you on a journey through time - some parts of the fortifications date back to the 16th century.
The calm ruins of Venetian defence structures remain standing all around the Chania harbour. Its fascinating Naval Museum (next door) recalls Chania’s maritime tradition. The fortress is also where the Greek flag first was raised.
Experience unrivaled hospitality and immerse yourself in the Greek dining philosophy in the heart of Chania's Venetian harbour. Day or night, enjoy a tantalising selection of food and drink, as the magnificent sea views, friendly staff and delicate flavors create memories that will last a lifetime.
Very popular restaurant, cosy atmosphere and inspired dishes. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Venetian Old Harbour, the homemade-with-a-twist cooking and do some people-watching while you're at it. Ask the waiters for the local delicacies and let yourself indulge in a feast of Mediterranean flavors.
This is a popular traditional eatery, relaxed and cheerful, serving well-prepared Cretan, Greek and international favourites in its leafy-green garden. It stands on the edge of Kato Stalos settlement, at the start of the long beach strip west of Chania.
Smart, professional service and top quality traditional Cretan cooking makes this one of the best Old Harbour restaurants. It boasts an ideal location at the end of the quayside. Superb vegetable dishes include kolokothikeftedes (courgette and cheese patties).
Excellent traditional local food is served at this popular Cretan taverna occupying a former Turkish bath house in the Old Town. The menu features various Cretan specialties, ranging from meats (lamb, rabbit, and more) to vegetarian dishes. Frequent live music shows are put on here.
Boasting elegance and style, housed inside an old building high in upper Platanias, the Cosmos restaurant enjoys a fabulous setting and offers incredible views to diners. An astonishing choice of exotic meats includes crocodile, bison and kangaroo, as well as the usual suspects - lamb and beef.
To Stachi specializes in organic vegan and vegetarian food, operating with traditional Greek and Cretan flavours and putting creative twists on local classics. Meat-lovers might be pleasantly surprised at the bold taste of purely vegetarian dishes served here.
How does grilled calamari, steamed mussels or seafood souvlaki sound? If it gets your taste buds working then you most definitely have to visit Akrogiali Taverna. Come in the evening, take a seat outside and view the amazing sunset while enjoying the food.
Experience unrivaled hospitality and immerse yourself in the Greek dining philosophy in the heart of Chania's Venetian harbour. Day or night, enjoy a tantalising selection of food and drink, as the magnificent sea views, friendly staff and delicate flavors create memories that will last a lifetime.
Very popular restaurant, cosy atmosphere and inspired dishes. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Venetian Old Harbour, the homemade-with-a-twist cooking and do some people-watching while you're at it. Ask the waiters for the local delicacies and let yourself indulge in a feast of Mediterranean flavors.
In Chania’s Old Town, lanes are crammed with enticing little shops, some selling tourist knick-knacks and souvenirs, others with better merchandise such as artisan gold and silver jewellery. Stroll through and browse around - if only to acquaint yourself with local crafts.
Do not miss narrow Skridlof Street, a traditional leatherworkers’ lane where bargains include high quality handmade goods such as handbags, purses, shoes and sandals.
There is also a metalworkers’ lane, Sifaka Street. This is where you will find an abundance of knives - stainless steel, handcrafted knives with ornate, carved handles to last decades. Shop around at the many small craftsmen's shops to find the best bargains.
Where Old Town and modern city meet, the fine Covered Market, or Agora (Mousouron Street) is the focal point. This is more a shopping mall than a marketplace, it provides a cool haven where locals throng among shops and stalls offering every kind of local produce, alluring pastries, piles of olives, fragrant herbs and spices, and appetising cheeses like delicious Cretan graviera and mizithra.
Thessaloniki-born designer Georgina Skalidi today runs two shops in Greece. One of those is located in Chania, walking distance from the town's main attractions. Here you will find a haven of creatively designed beautiful leather bags, footwear, and accessories.
Ekaterini Handmade Jewelry is a beautiful artisan boutique in the heart of Chania. The jewellery collection is large and there are many different necklace, bracelet, and ring designs on display. Shop assistants are helpful yet unobtrusive, and prices reasonable for he quality.
Karistianis is for those who want to get serious about hiking - all necessary clothing and gear can be either found here, or at the sister shop across the road (whose assortment is heavier camping-focused). Brands represented include (but aren't limited to) Helly Hansen, Odlo and Reef.
Miden Agan stocks hundreds of varieties of Greek and Cretan wines, including some that are produced by the store owners themselves. It's a great little shop to purchase gourmet gift sets with local delicacies and sweets (try the syrup-drenched "spoon sweets").
In Chania’s Old Town, lanes are crammed with enticing little shops, some selling tourist knick-knacks and souvenirs, others with better merchandise such as artisan gold and silver jewellery. Stroll through and browse around - if only to acquaint yourself with local crafts.
Do not miss narrow Skridlof Street, a traditional leatherworkers’ lane where bargains include high quality handmade goods such as handbags, purses, shoes and sandals.
Chania Airport, western Crete’s main gateway, is located 14 kilometres from the city. Most travellers arrive on tour operator packages including bus transfer or car hire. Independent travellers can catch a taxi into town.
From 6 am to 6 pm, public buses serve the coast road to and from Chania, stopping at the resorts. In Chania, town buses serve the modern districts, but the Old Town is small enough to walk around, and its lanes are too narrow for buses.
Chania’s blue and white taxis can be hailed or phoned. Tips are optional.
The main post office in central Chania is located on Peridou Street. Stamps can be bought at many shops.
On the door of any pharmacy a list shows which pharmacy is on night duty. You can recognize the pharmacies through a green cross on the door. Normal business hours are 8 am-1 pm and 5 pm-8.30 pm. Apotheke Chania 31 Chatzimichali Giannari +30 2821 002252
Country code: +30 Area code: 28210 Note that numbers and codes within Greece do not begin with a 0.
220V
Chania Airport, western Crete’s main gateway, is located 14 kilometres from the city. Most travellers arrive on tour operator packages including bus transfer or car hire. Independent travellers can catch a taxi into town.
From 6 am to 6 pm, public buses serve the coast road to and from Chania, stopping at the resorts. In Chania, town buses serve the modern districts, but the Old Town is small enough to walk around, and its lanes are too narrow for buses.
