Things to see and do in Chania
The Cretan way of life
Plan your Trip
Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
Excellent
4.4 of 5
4,960Reviews
Excellent
What to do in Chania?
Discover Crete with a trip to Chania! The city's buildings, such as the church of Agios Nicholaos or the lighthouse, reflect the varied history of the city, which has been shaped by Venetian, Turkish and Egyptian influences. Enjoy the Cretan lifestyle in a taverna at the harbor, admire the ship models in the Maritime Museum and, of course, a trip to the beach, for example to Agii Apostoli Beach, is a must. Look forward to an unforgettable trip to Chania!
Agios Nicholaos
Church with bell tower and minaret
Old Venetian Harbor
Promenade with colorful houses
Which sights to explore in Chania?
1. Agios Nicholaos
One of the sights you can visit on your trip to Chania is the church of Agios Nicholaos. Agios Nicholaos is particularly unusual in that it is the only church in Greece to have both a bell tower and a minaret. It originally belonged to a Dominican monastery from the 13th century and was a mosque during the period of Turkish rule.
View more details
2. Old Venetian Harbor
At the Old Venetian Harbor, you can feel the typical charm of Crete when you make yourself comfortable in one of the tavernas right off the coast or stroll along the colourful houses. Here, Greek-Byzantine and Venetian influences merge to create a very special flair.
3. lighthouse of Chania
Walk a few minutes from the harbor to the lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in the 16th century but was modified by the Egyptians in 1839, giving it a particularly interesting appearance that makes it an excellent photo opportunity.
4. Maritime Museum of Crete
If you are at the port of Chania, you should also pay a visit to the Maritime Museum of Crete. The exhibition includes ship models, paintings and historical photographs, all arranged chronologically, starting with the Bronze Age.
5. Agii Apostoli Beach
For beach fun on a Chania trip, head to Agii Apostoli Beach. Here you will find everything you need for a great and relaxing beach vacation: a wide and clean sandy beach with clear water that offers quite safe conditions for swimming.
Practical information for your trip
Chania has its own international airport (CHQ). There are no nonstop flights from the United States, so you’ll typically fly into Athens or a major European hub such as London, Frankfurt, or Paris, and then connect to a short flight to Chania. Alternatively, you can reach Chania by ferry from Athens or other Greek islands.
The best time to visit Chania is from May to October, when the weather is sunny and warm and there is little rain. During this time you can enjoy the beaches, the clear water and the historical sights.
Plan for free
Custom holiday packages and trips that fit your budget
Personalized for you
Itineraries built exactly to your needs
Private VIP guides
A personal English-speaking, native-European travel expert for every step
Peace-of-mind support
Full service assistance before, during, and after your trip
