Jewel of Crete’s northern coast, and served by an international airport, the large town of Chania enjoys a stunning location between the sea and the mountains, and is rather picturesque itself. Known for its Venetian harbour with centrepiece lighthouse, it’s a place that feels unspoilt, and offers plenty of historical interest as well as enchanting scenery.
The harbour is a good place to start exploring Chania – its colourful buildings and notable landmarks like the Ottoman Baths make it both immediately distinctive and ideal for a photo or two. Numerous restaurant terraces line the side of the harbour, which is also the starting point for one of the town’s big tourist attractions. Captain Nick’s glass-bottomed boat offers extensive tours with the chance to go snorkelling and spot marine wildlife.
Several of the town’s museums are also not far away, including the Archaeological and Folklore Museums, as are the town’s marketplaces – you will find lots of food stalls selling local produce at the Old Chania Market. Beyond the Old Town, Chania offers many of the entertainment experiences you’ll find in most European cities, such as cinemas, nightclubs and escape rooms. A little further out of town, you can also enjoy days out at the Botanic Gardens – stop by the restaurant for a stunning view over this extensive park of trees, vineyards and herb gardens.
More natural beauty can be found on the opposite side of the island, where the breathtaking Samaria Gorge makes for perfect hiking territory. Organised tours make the most of the stunning countryside too, offering visits to see the local wine, olive oil, cheese or honey being produced.
One thing you won’t need a guide for are the countless beaches which line the northern coast of Crete. While you could travel for quite some distance on this large island, there are several close to Chania that are worth a look – Golden Beach, Neo Chora and Germaniko Pouli are among the nearest and family-friendly, while the likes of Balos and Falassarna are a good 60km away but idyllic enough to be worth the trip.
