24 Best Things To Do In Chania, Crete (2026)

Don’t be fooled by Chania’s size on the map, you might think it’s just a small Old Town with nothing much to see, but there is a lot to see in Chania. I spent a full summer in Chania, and got to know all its little pockets very well. Rather than just tell you to “wander old town”, I’ve got a detailed list of the best things to do in Chania, in and out of the classic old town.

To me, Chania is the perfect holiday destination. Located on the west coast of Crete you’ve got miles of sandy beaches, the White Mountains are always in view and the Old Town has all the romance you could want with the Venetian Harbour, cocktail bars down narrow cobblestone alleys, and a huge arsenal of top quality restaurants. Seriously, if you’re a foodie you need to visit Chania.

Pretentiously, I originally wanted a summer on a smaller island, like Milos. Chania was supposed to be a stopping point for 2-4 weeks to grab a boat to one of my self-declared white washed dreamy islands. Crete seemed too big for the island escape I planned. But I truly loved Chania that leaving it felt wrong. Sure it’s not as idyllic as Milos or Kos, but make no mistake Crete, and Chania are beautiful.

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Where To Stay In Chania

Where you stay in Chania depends on the kind of holiday you are after. If you’re coming to Chania for the Old Town, food scene or to use it as a base for day trips, then the Old Town is the perfect spot. However, if you’d prefer to lay on the beach or swim for most of your trip then I recommend staying in either Nea Chora or the Agioi Apostoloi area.

I wrote a detailed breakdown of where to stay in Chania here, but if you’re short on time these are my top hotel picks.

RELATED: Where To Stay In Chania, Crete (Areas & Hotels) →

How to get around Chania

Chania’s Old Town is small enough to explore entirely on foot, most sights, restaurants, and the harbour sit within a 15-20 minute walk of each other, so you likely won’t need transport for daily life. For anything further out, like beaches, villages, or day trips, you’ve got buses (Chania’s network is surprisingly good, with 13 lines and buses roughly every 15 minutes), taxis, or renting a car if you want the freedom to properly explore the island.

For the full breakdown, including bus zones and ticket prices, which company I rent cars from, and how to handle the airport transfer, check out my complete guide on how to get around Chania.

Best Time To Visit Chania

Chania is not a year round destination, some months are better than others. The shoulder month of May is my number one choice as the weather is warm but not overpowering and it’s much quieter than the summer. The White Mountains still have snow on their peaks which can be seen throughout Chania, making for a cool backdrop. September and early October are also similar. You’ll also get the benefit of cheaper hotels and flights. However the water in May is 20°C, but September it’s at its warmest of 25°C .

For those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the beaches then June, July and August are the best months, but it is the most expensive. These are the peak summer months, the city is packed with tourists (but not overbearing like Santorini) and the vibe is unbeatable. Temperatures reach mid-30’s and it can be pretty humid.

November through to April is off peak, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Chania in this window. Most of the resorts close, there are no boat trips, many restaurants and bars shut. But it’s not dead by any means, this is a city of around 55,000, it’s just a more authentic side to Chania. The weather is mild at about 17°C with nights reaching lows of 10°C, it also can rain a lot.

Best Things To Do In Chania

Venetian Harbour

Dating back to the 14th Century, it was once a base for the Venetian army to protect their ships from pirates. Today Chania’s Venetian Harbour is the heart of Old Town – no matter how many streets you wander, you will somehow always land back here.

It’s a lively 1 kilometre stretch of colourful sun worn pastel buildings that house restaurants, bars and little tourist shops. Starting at Fort Firkas and extending to the Lighthouse. Amongst the restaurants is the picturesque Küçük Hasan Mosque and many anchored boats bobbing in the water.

The atmosphere is incredible all day, everyone is on holiday with people sipping cocktails, eating gyros or just taking in the views with an ice-cream. For food I recommend Arismari, who put creative twists on classic Cretan dishes, Cafe Remezzo for laid back cocktails or Pallas for something more upscale with rooftop views.

Chania Lighthouse

Chania’s lighthouse is one of the most iconic sights in the city, and my guess, the most photographed. It’s considered one of the oldest lighthouses in the world, thought to be built in the 16th Century as protection to the harbour.

It looks more like a minaret than a typical lighthouse. This unique Egyptian style is due to the occupying Egyptians rebuilding it in the 1830s after it was destroyed over the years.

You can walk around 500 metres along a narrow breakwater from the harbour to the lighthouse, however you cannot go inside. The total walk is 1 km, should take you 15-20 minutes.

This is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Chania. Which means it gets very busy. Grab a bottle of wine, get here early for a good spot on the wall, and just relax while the sky slowly turns a hue of orange.

Fort Firkas

Firkas is the Turkish for barracks, when the Ottomans took Crete they used this place as a barracks and prison. It was only in 1913 that a Greek flag was raised for the very first time at Fort Firkas, which marked the official union of Crete with Greece.

Fort Firkas is free to enter, you can walk along the fort walls for views across the harbour, it’s one of the best photography spots in Chania.

You can also find the Maritime Museum of Crete here, which costs €5. There is lots of information about Crete’s role in historic wars and models of ships that were built on site. Now I never bothered to go in here as I was just so hot from walking along the walls, I needed to cool down, it is scorching in the summer so bring some sun protection.

Both Fort Firkas and the Maritime Museum are open 9AM – 4 PM Monday to Saturday, and closed on Sundays.

Küçük Hasan Mosque

If you didn’t know much about the history of Crete then Küçük Hasan Mosque is probably an unexpected addition along the Venetian Harbour. The warm orange dome of this landmark can be spotted throughout the harbour, and offers an interesting contrast amongst the Venetian buildings and Greek tavernas. It also has six smaller domes which is rare for a mosque as small as this.

It is one of the oldest Ottoman buildings in Crete, built back in 1645. It once had a minaret but it was destroyed at some point. The mosque is no longer a place of worship, instead it is an art gallery and a venue to hold events. There are often concerts held outside during the summer months.

It’s on par with the lighthouse for being one of Chania’s most photographed buildings. It’s particularly nice when the sun is setting as the exterior lights of the mosque turn on creating a soft glow.

You’ll find many horses outside Küçük Hasan Mosque, please think twice before you purchase a ride.

Trimartiri Square

Different to Chania’s Venetian and Ottoman style architecture, the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary stands out with its ornate Neoclassical style. Located on the square of the Trimartiri, a few metres from the harbour, it’s an easy stop when exploring.

It has many beautiful murals, statues, gold embellishments and religious relics adorned throughout the interior. It’s small but beautiful nevertheless.

This church has had quite a coloured past. Originally a small church from the 11th Century that was demolished by the Venetians and turned into a warehouse, which was then converted into a soap factory by the Turks, only to be restored as a church in 1861.

If you’re visiting Chania during Orthodox Easter make sure to check out the processions that are held outside. The bishop comes out and blesses the crowds or you can go inside to get blessed.

Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption

Across the road from Holy Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, is a little Catholic church from the mid 18th century, that many people just walk by without realising what’s inside.

Squeezed between two little tourist shops is a small stone door with a stone coat of arms that was engraved by monks centuries ago. This leads you to a short tunnel that takes you to a Spanish-y little courtyard where this Catholic church and the Folk museum are.

Inside, the interior is much simpler with all white walls, there is much less to look at than the Orthodox church across the road but I still recommend stopping by for a few moments.

Wander The Turkish Quarter – Splantzia

In the heart of Chania Old Town is a small remnant of the city’s past. The Turkish Quarter is located around 1821 Square, the official name, though it’s still commonly referred to as Splantzia. It was once the neighbourhood of prominent Turkish families, and became the central part of the city where locals would socialise. It also has a dark side, with Christian rebels often executed here. You can see a memorial stone dedicated to Melchizedek, Bishop of Kissamos, that was executed here.

It’s one of the most interesting places to explore in Chania Old Town. The Square is covered by huge trees which keeps it shaded, there are a few cafes and restaurants. Kouzina and Kostas are both traditional tavernas overlooking the square.

The Church of Saint Nicholas is Splantzia’s landmark, it’s the only church in Greece where the dome and the minaret coexist. The construction of the church began in 1205 and was completed in 1320. In 1645, the Ottomans converted it into a mosque, which is where the minaret came from. It was then finally converted to a Greek Orthodox church in 1919 when a new bell tower was added.

I recommend coming here for lunch, wandering the stone alleys and seeing a different side to Chania.

RELATED: Chania’s Best Cafes →

Walk Along the Venetian Walls Of Chania

Built in the 16th century to defend the city against the growing threat of the Ottomans, Chania’s Venetian walls once encircled the entire Old Town, reinforced by a moat 50 metres wide and 10 metres deep. Today, sections of the western wall are the best preserved, and you can still walk along the ramparts and look down into the old moat below.

The best place to do this is the Schiavo Bastion, at the southwestern corner of the old fortifications, which offers one of the best 360° views over Chania: rooftops, the harbour, and the mountains, all in one sweep. It’s only a short walk making this an easy add-on to a day of wandering Old Town.

Nea Chora Beach

Just a 15 minute walk, Nea Chora is not only the closest beach to Chania Old Town but one of the best beaches in Chania. It’s a 500 metre stretch of soft yellow sand, and is guaranteed to be busy during the summer months with an abundance of umbrellas and sun beds. The water is good for swimming too.

Across from the beach, there is a small road lined with fish taverns, trendy cafes and little tourist shops selling lilos and other beach essentials. It was my go to place when I wanted that holiday vibe. I recommend Woodstock or Emis for a light bite and coffee.

We rented a gazebo style sun bed from Achilleas, which cost €40 for the day. Although expensive, we found it was very comfy and we could order food and drink directly to the bed. The Greek salad and mai tai were amazing.

RELATED: My pick of the best beaches in Chania  →

Visit Tabakaria

Tabakaria (also called Tampakaria) became one of my favourite areas of Chania. East of Chania, it’s around 20 minute coastal walk from Old Town, part of the wider Halepa area. This small village is etched into the rocky shore with stone houses and hotels down narrow alleyways. To reach the sea you must climb down little stairways.

Tabakaria (meaning “tanneries” in Turkish) got its start during the brief Egyptian occupation of Crete in the 1830s, when the shoreline’s mix of shallow sea and underground salt water made it the perfect spot for leather processing. By the 1950s over 80 tanneries lined this coast. Today only a handful remain, and the old stone buildings are what’s left behind.

The whole area feels untouched, and in parts derelict. On my many visits I often felt like the only person here. Although there are a few hotels such as the renowned Tanneries Hotel & Spa, it feels like a place yet to be discovered. There are no tourist shops or crowds, honestly, sometimes the silence can even be eerie. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet and romantic to stay in Chania, this would be my top pick.

Just a 5 minute walk away is the picturesque beach of Kouloura with a few natural swimming pools. Similar to Tabakaria, this beach is very quiet.

Sunset From Kasteli Hill (The Rosa Nera Occupy)

If you find the crowds at the lighthouse too much, an alternative place to watch the sunset in Chania is Kasteli Hill, also called the Balcony of Chania. The views are incredible, you get a higher vantage point than what the lighthouse can give you. You can see all the harbour, which makes for a gorgeous photo at sunset.

This is not just a place to watch the sunset, it has a fascinating backstory. As you turn the corner on Ag Markou, the vibe completely changes, graffiti and a few tough, even punkish looking guys sitting around having beers. At first it feels a bit sketchy but this is Rosa Nera Occupy. A friendly hippie collective who have been squatting in these buildings on and off for over 20 years. The aim is to save parts of the city from commodification while also giving marginalised members of the community a place to go. Recently they have managed to fight off turning this area into a luxury hotel.

9 PM Tuesday they have a free public cinema night, granted the group is not evicted.

Take A Boat Trip

Located on the coast, you’d be mad not to take a boat trip while visiting Chania, there are loads of different options. You can book online or go directly to the harbour where all the boats are docked.

• Self drive boat: no experience necessary, you can go to Lazaretta and Agioi Theodoroi on your own time and stop for swimming where you want. You will be given a map and instructions on how to navigate the boat.
• Sunset Boat Cruise: go out to Lazaretta island and watch the sun fall behind the Kissamos mountains with a glass of wine in hand
• Luxury Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Prosecco: sail on a luxury catamaran to Agioi Theodoroi where you’ll get the chance to snorkel, swim and paddle board. You’ll be supplied with sushi, fruit and drink.

Visit The Oldest Cafe In Chania

Dating back to 1870, Kipos is part of the Historic Cafes Route. This is a group of 70+ European cafes which have played an important role in shaping Europe’s cultural history. The cafe feels like a time capsule from the past with vintage wooden chairs, draped curtains and dim lighting. Along with a large covered outdoor terrace overlooking the park.

A host of notable figures have passed through the doors, such as the High Commissioner of Crete, Prince George of Greece, Eleftherios Venizelos and many more. Their photos are displayed along the walls along with the date they visited. I didn’t recognise any of them, but I believe if you’re from this side of Europe you’ll recognise one or two.

The coffee menu is large, I recommend the iced Chocolate Viennous for a summer day. This is a rich concoction of thick chocolate cream topped with whipped cream.

Try a Traditional Chanian Bougatsa

Chania has its own take on bougatsa, so forget the sweet, custard filled version you might already know from Thessaloniki or the mainland. Here it’s thin, crisp phyllo wrapped around warm mizithra cheese, sour and a little tangy, topped with nothing more than a dusting of sugar and cinnamon.

It’s a breakfast staple, and you want it hot, ideally straight out of the oven with a freddo espresso on the side. The sugar barely cuts through how sharp the cheese is, so if you’re expecting something creamy and sweet, it’ll throw you off at first. Give it a minute though, once you’re used to it, it’s hard to go back to anything else.

Archaeological Museum of Chania

A bit off the beaten track in the Halepa neighbourhood, the Archaeological Museum of Chania is Chania’s most interesting museum, and I’m not a museum girl. It walks you through the last 6,000 years of Crete’s history, from Minoan life through to the Roman era, all inside a striking modern building with sea views.

Each exhibit has an explanation in English, which made me actually learn something. Some ancient objects date back to the 4th millennium BC. There are many statues, pottery and recreations of buildings and the 365 AD earthquake.

Entry is €15, and the whole place is air conditioned, which after a hot day of walking Old Town, is very welcome.

The rooftop cafe is also beautiful and worth spending a bit of time in. The views stretch out across the coast to the Old Town where you can see the old walls and the lighthouse. The food is also very good. I ordered a green goddess salad with a freddo cappuccino, both were delicious.

I’d plan 60 to 90 minutes here, including the cafe. Right across the road is Saint Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church. It’s a small Russian Orthodox church in a scenic park. From there it’s about a 10 minute walk to the famous blue-domed cathedral, worth combining into the same trip out.

You can take bus 11 from outside Samaria hotel which will drop you practically outside the museum or bus 18 from 1866 Square, which will drop you a 10 minute walk away. If you’re driving there is a large free carpark in the museum.

Agii Apostoli Beach

Although Chania town has Nea Chora and Koum Kapi beaches, there are much nicer ones further west. And the good news is you don’t need a car to reach them.

The Agii Apostoli area spoils you with its beaches, the small coves of Iguana and Yannis beach or the larger sandy stretches of Golden Beach and Glaros Beach. This is where you come when you need to escape Chania town.

The beaches are all large so you can bring your own towel and umbrella, or rent a sun bed (typically €15). There are toilets, showers and cafes too which means you can make a full day of it.

I wrote a detailed post on the best beaches in Chania, which covers the Agii Apostoli area

Koukouvaya Cafe With A View

Koukouvaya is Chania’s most famous cafe, with views over the whole city and one of the best sunset spots around. This is not a hidden gem, everyone already knows about it. It’s on a hill beside Venizelos’ Grave in Halepa, and the second you walk in you get hit with the bright blue of the Mediterranean.

Step out onto the terrace and Chania spreads out in front of you. The colourful buildings of the Venetian harbour, the lighthouse, the beaches, and the mountains in the distance.

The name Koukouvaya means owl, which makes sense once you notice the owl ornaments everywhere. For somewhere this well known, it still feels relaxed rather than like a tourist trap.

Desserts are their thing, and you have to order one. The Zoumero is the most popular, a rich, gooey Greek chocolate cake soaked in chocolate sauce. I’m still not over the pistachio hype though, so I got the Dubai Ice instead, vanilla ice cream coated in crunchy shredded phyllo (kataifi) and drenched in thick pistachio sauce. It was so good.

How to get here: Bus 11 drops you right at the door. It departs from PL. 1866 every hour and takes 20 minutes. Alternatively, bus 18 runs every 20 minutes from PL 1866 and drops you off an 8 minute walk from Koukouvaya, though you can cut through Venizelos Graves for a scenic shortcut. Both routes cost €1.80 if paid in advance via the app, or €2.80 if bought on board.

Eat Your Way Through Chania

Chania has a ridiculous ratio of excellent restaurants. It pained me to know that I would never visit all them on my list before my trip came to an end. I did try though. Don’t sleep on the food scene in Crete, the tourist traps are few and far between, even along the Venetian Harbour there are more gems than rip offs.

If you’re a foodie then I recommend doing a little research before you arrive. There are some very special places for all tastes.

For a traditional Cretan meal Amphora Taverna was our go to. I devoured their Boureki. Manos Taverna along Nea Chora served me buttery calamari, with a view of the fishermen going out to sea. For vegans and vegetarians (and meat eater too), Pulse does a juicy moussaka and delicious Korean croquettes. For something a little fancier Arismari or Pallas (rooftop view) will hit the spot.

Day Trips From Chania

These are things to do outside of Chania, but easily reached by car or bus.

Balos Beach

Crete’s most famous beach, Balos is a shallow turquoise lagoon with white sand carrying a pink tinge from crushed shells, sitting between two headlands, Cape Gramvousa and Cape Tigani. Across the water sits the rocky islet of Gramvousa, topped with a 16th-century Venetian castle you can hike up to for panoramic views. It’s a protected nature reserve, home to loggerhead sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals, and there’s a small entrance fee (around €1) at a booth as you enter the peninsula. The water is warm and shallow, good for kids.

It’s about 56km from Chania, roughly 1.5 hours. You drive out toward Kissamos, then through the village of Kaliviani, where the paved road ends and an 8km unpaved dirt track begins, the last stretch to the parking area. This section is narrow, bumpy, and winding along a cliffside. From the parking area, it’s a further 20 to 30 minute walk down to the beach itself along a rocky path, and the same back up in the heat, it’s not easy.

However there is a catch, even though the road is physically driveable in a normal car, almost every rental company explicitly excludes this specific road from their insurance coverage, some name it outright as forbidden in the rental contract. If a stone damages the underside of your car, or worse, you’re in an accident, you are not covered, you will have to pay for the damage yourself.

My advice is to just go with a tour. Ferries leave from Kissamos a few times a day, and buses will pick you up from Chania. They all seem to include Gramvousa or Falassarna. This way will mean you get to skip the harsh hike back to the carpark and dodge all the awkward insurance rules. The only catch is the ferry can be super busy and chaotic. If you’d prefer to see Balos at a quieter times in a more relaxed pace this Catamaran trip goes close to sunset when the crowds have left, you’ll get sun beds, cocktails and some food.

Elafonissi Beach

Famous for its pink sand and shallow crystal clear lagoons, Elafonissi gets really busy. So, if you’re picturing an empty postcard beach you’ll be disappointed, especially if you visit in peak summer like I did. You can rent a sun bed and umbrella for €20, and the beach has showers, toilets and cafes with pastries, burgers, chips and sandwiches.

Elafonissi Beach is approximately a 2 hour drive from Chania. The road is a narrow, winding mountain road with lots of hairpin turns, with the most popular route going through the Topolia Gorge. You’ll pass through the mountain villages of Elos and Vathi. The last stretch down to the beach itself is the tightest, steepest part of the whole drive. You’ll want to leave Chania before 8 AM to ensure you get a parking spot, as in the summer it fills up fast. Parking costs €4.

If you don’t want to drive, this 8-11 hour bus tour is a good alternative. It includes 4 hours on Elafonissi, free time in Elos Village, and a Cretan wine tasting. There is also a bus that goes once a day from Chania bus station at 9 AM (2026 timetable) and returns at 4 PM. Tickets cost €12 each way, and takes 2 hours 10 minutes.

Rethymno

A gorgeous Venetian old town about an hour from Chania by bus, with its own fortress and a maze of streets that honestly gives Chania a run for its money. It’s not all cobblestones and little alleys, Rethymno has Crete’s longest beach, an impressive 12-13 km stretch of fine sand.

You need to book the bus in advance from KTEL, as it’s an extremely popular route. A bus leaves around every hour from both Chania and Rethymno bus station.

Lake Kournas

Crete’s only freshwater lake, and a nice change of pace from all the sea swimming. You can rent a pedal boat for around €15 an hour, keep an eye out for the turtles that hang around the far bank, and grab lunch at one of the lakeside tavernas after. It’s about 45 minutes from Chania and is a fun day trip, especially if you have kids.

If you’re getting the bus you’ll need to get the one heading to Rethymno and get off at Georgioupolis. From here you are around 5 km from Lake Kournas. You can either take the tourist train by “Talos Road Tours” that goes every 30 minutes or get a taxi.

Samaria Gorge

One of the longest gorges in Europe, Samaria Gorge was easily the highlight of my trip to Crete. It’s a full day out, 16km one way, starting high up at Xyloskalo (1,230 metres above sea level) and finishing down at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, right on the Libyan Sea. Most people take 5 to 7 hours to walk it, and it’s almost entirely downhill, though the first stretch is steep and hard on the knees, so don’t let “downhill” fool you into thinking it’s easy.

Entry costs €10, and you’ll need shoes with a good grip, the trail is rocky and loose underfoot in places. There’s no road out at the other end, so once you reach Agia Roumeli you’ll need to catch a ferry onward (to Sougia or Hora Sfakion) which costs €15 and then a bus back to Chania for €8 one-way, so budget the whole day for it, not just the hike. It’s tough, but the scenery through the gorge, especially the Iron Gates where the cliffs narrow to just a few metres apart, makes it worth it.

Some bus tours go there, both with the option of a guided or self-guided hike. This is a handy option for anyone that doesn’t really want the hassle of organising their own transport.

Heraklion

Crete’s capital and a bit further out, so this one’s more of a full-day commitment than a quick detour. Worth it if you want to see the Palace of Knossos or the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, both genuinely excellent if that’s your kind of thing. Heraklion is not as pretty as other towns in Crete, and I wouldn’t recommend it as your only day trip. Parts can feel run down. However, if you’re going to the Palace of Knossos then spare 2-3 hours to check it out.

FAQs: Things To Do In Chania

What are some free things to do in Chania?

Honestly, most of the best things to do in Chania cost nothing. Wandering the Old Town and the Venetian Harbour is free and could easily eat up a whole day on its own. The walk out to the lighthouse is free, as is climbing the walls at Fort Firkas for one of the best views in the city. Splantzia is free to wander, and so is walking along the old Venetian walls at Schiavo Bastion. Watching the sunset, whether that’s from the lighthouse or Kasteli Hill, costs nothing either. Even the beaches like Nea Chora don’t cost a thing to visit, you only pay if you want a sunbed. Tabakaria is another one, just a quiet coastal walk with zero entry fee.

What to do in Chania without a car

You genuinely don’t need a car for most of this trip. Chania’s Old Town is small enough to walk everywhere, and the local bus network is honestly one of the better ones I’ve used in Greece, 13 lines, frequent buses, and it’ll get you out to the beaches and further afield too. For bigger day trips like Rethymno, Samaria Gorge or Elafonissi, buses or organised tours cover all of them, so you’re not missing out by skipping the rental car. I’d only bother renting if you want the freedom to explore quieter villages and beaches off the main routes.

Is Chania expensive?

Not really, especially compared to other parts of Greece. Food is where you get the most value, a proper taverna meal won’t break the bank, and even the fancier spots along the harbour are reasonable for what you get. Museums and attractions tend to be in the €5 to €15 range. Accommodation is really what swings your budget the most, Old Town apartments cost more than staying slightly further out, but you’re paying for the location and honestly, it’s worth it.

Should I stay in Chania or Rethymno?

If I had to pick one, I’d say Chania, simply because there’s more to do, it feels more local and it makes a better base for day trips. But Rethymno is also a great place to visit, its old town is pretty, and it has stunning beaches. My advice is to stay in Chania and do Rethymno as a day trip, you get the best of both without having to pick.

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