Described by Lonely Planet as the most evocative city on the evocative island of Crete, Chania certainly enchants first-time visitors, many declaring it the most beautiful city on this largest of the Greek islands.
Chania is built on the site of Minoan Kydonia and is said to be one of three cities founded by King Minos in Crete. It lies at the eastern end of the Chania Gulf, at the foot of the Akrotiri Peninsula.
As recently as 2025, the remains of six Minoan palaces in Chania were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Chania is the second-largest city in Crete after the capital, Heraklion, which lies 140 kilometres to the east. Chania was the old capital from 1847 until 1972 and an entire neighbourhood of neoclassical government buildings remains from that time.
After raids by Arabs and Byzantines, Chania was conquered by Venetians in 1252 and was given to the Turks in 1669, before finally being annexed to the Greek state in 1913.
Chania is a popular destination for tourists and increasingly for digital nomads, drawn by its quality of life, natural beauty and reliable internet connectivity.
Ancient history
Chania is claimed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and what became known later as Kastelli hill, rising above the Venetian harbour, was the first place to be inhabited over 5,000 years ago.
Kastelli Hill was once ancient Kydonia and, later, a Byzantine castle. Eventually, a city was built around it, with new walls erected by the Venetians. Unfortunately much of the district was destroyed by German bombings during the Second World War and most of its old houses are gone. Pieces of Minoan pottery were found in the rubble, leading to the conclusion that the area was once the site of a Minoan palace.
History enthusiasts will find no shortage of captivating landmarks in Chania including the Archaeological Museum, home to a fascinating collection of artefacts spanning thousands of years of Cretan civilisation. There are Minoan treasures, Roman sculptures and Byzantine relics, all providing glimpses into the island's storied past.
For a deeper dive into Chania's Venetian heritage, you can visit the Maritime Museum housed in the historic Firkas Fortress. There, learn about Crete's maritime history through interactive exhibits, model ships and interesting displays documenting the island's seafaring traditions.
Exploring Old Town
All the history and charm of Crete are contained in Chania's Old Town, with multicultural influences – Venetian, Ottoman, Hebrew and more – on display alongside traditional tavernas and modern restaurants and a choice of waterfront cafes and bars.
Old Town is renowned for its narrow, colourful alleys, historic buildings and vibrant squares. Key landmarks include the Venetian harbour and lighthouse, and the restored centuries-old buildings that reflect the city's maritime past.
You can take a walking tour of Chania Old Town or, frankly, just do it yourself; it's an easy town to walk around. Exploring the narrow alleyways, you'll discover the Jewish and Muslim districts and pass by some of the best tavernas and trendiest bars in Chania, as well as souvenir shops and museums.
We began our exploration in the heart of Chania, wandering along narrow alleys lined with colourful buildings adorned with bougainvillea. On our first visit we stopped at the municipal market of Chania, built between 1909 and 1913 on the site of a bastion of the Venetian fortification wall, but it's been closed for renovation ever since, its reopening delayed multiple times.
It is now scheduled to reopen on 4 December 2026, but that could change yet again. Check here for updates about its much-anticipated reopening. When open it sells vegetables, fish, meat, herbs and spices, and Cretan products such as cheeses, olives, raki and more. It is, or was, a Cretan institution.
No visit to Chania would be complete without indulging in the island's culinary delights. You can savour the freshest seafood at waterfront tavernas overlooking the harbour and feast on grilled octopus, fried calamari and succulent prawns caught just hours before. Even better, pair your meal with a glass of locally produced wine or raki, a traditional Cretan spirit known for its smooth finish and aromatic flavours. This guide to restaurants is produced locally.
Nearby natural attractions
The Chania region is dominated by the impressive Lefka Ori (White Mountains) and the national park of the same name, with its Samaria Gorge. The White Mountains are a stunning limestone massif in western Crete, known for their dramatic peaks and deep gorges. The highest summit is Pachnes at 2,453 metres, and the park is home to over 50 peaks exceeding 2,000 metres.
The range features about 50 gorges, with the most famous being the Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve coveted by hikers. Samaria gorge is approximately 13 kilometres long and a further three kilometres to the beach at Agia Roumeli village, the end of the hike.
The hike takes five to six hours and the most famous part is "Irongates", where the two sides of the gorge are four metres apart with a height of 500 metres.
The park is a protected national park that shelters rare flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. It's a great area for spotting native wildlife including the elusive Kri-Kri, a wild goat endemic to Crete.
The European E4 path meanders through the range and is passable from late spring through autumn once winter snows thaw. The E4 is a long-distance trail that passes through 10 countries and the Greek section is considered one of the best.
The park offers a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels, from leisurely walks to challenging hikes, ensuring everyone finds their pace.
For a more leisurely experience, head to the idyllic beaches that fringe the coastline of Chania. Significant among them are Balos Beach, where turquoise waters lap against rugged cliffs, creating a picture-perfect setting. It's located on the Gramvousa Peninsula, approximately 20 kilometres from the town of Kissamos.
However, it can be a little difficult to get to, so a better bet might be Falassarna Beach, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and shallow, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and for ancient Hellenistic ruins.
Falassarna Beach is also near Kissamos, which is about 38 km from Chania. The area is easily accessible by car, bus or guided tours, with scenic drives offering views of the Cretan landscape and coastline. Parking is available near the main beach, and buses run several times daily from Chania.
Getting there
You can travel by road from Heraklion, as we did, or choose one of several ways to reach Chania directly. There are direct flights from many European cities, domestic flights from Athens, and ferries from Athens and nearby islands.
By Air
Chania International Airport (CHQ), known formally as Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, is located about 14 km from downtown Chania on the Akrotiri Peninsula, roughly a 20-minute drive. It serves both domestic and international flights:
- Domestic flights: Daily connections from Athens and a few weekly flights from Thessaloniki.
- International flights: Seasonal direct flights from major European cities including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Munich, Brussels, Rome, Copenhagen and more.
- Budget airlines: Ryanair and Wizz Air offer low-cost flights from the UK and other European destinations, with fares starting from around £64–£73 for return trips.
- Airport transfers: You can reach Chania town by taxi, car rental or bus from the airport.
By Ferry
Chania is accessible by ferry from Athens and some nearby islands:
From Athens (Piraeus Port): Daily ferries arrive at Souda Port, near Chania.
From other islands: Seasonal ferries operate from Kythira, Antikythira, and occasionally from Gythio in the Peloponnese. Direct ferry connections from the Cyclades or Dodecanese islands are not available; travellers need to go to Heraklion first and then continue to Chania.
Travel times: Ferry duration varies depending on the route, typically several hours from Athens.
By car
Chania is reached via the A90/E75 highway along the north coast of Crete. Driving time from Heraklion is around two hours.
Tips for Planning
- High season: April to October offers frequent flights and ferry services; off-season connections are limited.
- Booking: Early booking is recommended for flights and ferries, especially during summer months, to secure the best prices and schedules.
More information
Balos Lagoon photo: Pavel Spindler/Wikimedia Commons
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Other photos © Judy Barford