The destination
Chania
A Venetian town on the sea, with the White Mountains behind it and western Crete all around.
The town
Small enough to walk, big enough to keep you coming back
Chania grew up around its harbour. Venetians, Ottomans and Cretans each left something behind: walls and shipyards, mosques and bell towers, mansions with wooden balconies. All of it fits into an Old Town you can cross on foot quite easily, yet it takes days to really get to know it.
Around the town, western Crete has some of the best-known beaches in Greece and in Europe, as well as gorges, monasteries and mountain villages. From our homes, all of them are a day trip away.
Where we are
Stays in the centre
All within walking distance of the Venetian Harbour and the town beach.
In town
On foot from our homes
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Venetian Harbour and Lighthouse
On foot
The heart of the town. Walk along the breakwater to the Egyptian Lighthouse, ideally early in the morning or at sunset. On the way you will pass the Küçük Hasan Mosque on the waterfront and the Neoria, the old Venetian shipyards.
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Old Town and Splantzia
On foot
Narrow lanes with Venetian mansions, small workshops and courtyards full of flowers. Splantzia, its quietest neighbourhood, has the square with the landmark plane tree and Agios Nikolaos, a church with both a bell tower and a minaret.
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Firkas and the Maritime Museum
On foot
The Venetian fortress at the western end of the harbour, where the Greek flag was raised in 1913 to mark the union of Crete with Greece. It is home to the Maritime Museum of Crete.
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Town beaches: Koum Kapi and Nea Chora
On foot
Koum Kapi, just east of the town walls, is a small sandy beach with cafés right on the water, for a swim without a car. Nea Chora beach, west of the harbour, has a long stretch of sand and fish tavernas along the road.
Day trips
Western Crete in a day
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Balos and Gramvousa
Full day
The lagoon with turquoise water at the north-western tip of Crete. Go by boat from Kissamos port, which also stops at the islet of Gramvousa with its Venetian castle, or by car along a dirt road followed by a walk down.
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Elafonisi
Full day
Shallow water and pink-tinted sand at the south-western tip of the island. The drive passes through mountain villages and is worth it for the scenery alone. It is a protected area, so please treat it with care.
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Falassarna
Half or full day
A long sandy beach on the west coast, known for its sunsets. A little further on are the ruins of the ancient harbour town of Falassarna.
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Seitan Limania
Half day
A narrow cove with blue-green water between steep cliffs on the Akrotiri peninsula, just outside town. The way down is steep, so wear closed shoes.
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Samaria Gorge
Full day · seasonal
In the White Mountains National Park, the Samaria Gorge makes for a full-day hike. It starts at Xyloskalo on the Omalos plateau and ends at Agia Roumeli, where you take the boat back. It is open to the public only in the summer season.
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Akrotiri and its monasteries
Half day
The peninsula north-east of town, with the Agia Triada Tzagarolon Monastery, Gouverneto Monastery and, further down, the ruins of Katholiko Monastery in a gorge leading to the sea. On the way, the Venizelos Graves offer perhaps the finest view of the town.
Practical tips
Getting around
You don't need a car in town: the Venetian Harbour, the Old Town, the old Municipal Market and the town beaches are all close by. For day trips, the Chania bus station is in the centre, a few minutes' walk from our homes, with buses to every part of the region. If you want more freedom, renting a car for a day or two is enough.
For anything you need, such as ideas for things to do or where to eat, message us on WhatsApp.
Would you like to stay in the centre or in front of the beach?
Choose one of our homes, or ask us to suggest the one that suits your stay best.