Crete Island: the complete travel guide to Chania

Last year we finally chose Greece for our long-awaited summer seaside holiday. We had dreamed of visiting for ages, but it never seemed to work out. For my first visit to Greece, I decided to take it slow and focus on just one island to explore it in depth. The choice fell on Crete. Initially, I thought 10 days would be plenty of time to criss-cross the island, but it turned out Crete is enormous, and I wanted to discover every corner, every village, every taverna, every cove, and every beach. In the end, we only managed to see the main attractions in those 10 days.

We flew into the airport in the western part of Crete, so our first stop was Chania. In this post, I'll share how many days are ideal for a stay in Chania, how to reach the city by bus, recommend some delightful hotels, cafés, and walking spots, and give you a breakdown of our budget for this week-long trip.

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We spent the majority of our trip in Chania—nearly a week, with six nights and seven days in total. During this time, we managed to relax in Chania itself while also mixing in a few short trips around the western part of the island. Several days were devoted to leisurely strolls through the town, delicious dinners, and time at the beach, while the remaining days were spent exploring the landmarks and beautiful spots of western Crete. This pace felt perfect to me—not rushed, but still filled with plenty of memorable experiences.

I chose a slightly less obvious way to get into the city—a local bus. Before the trip, I found very little information about it, so I had to figure things out on the spot. Despite our flight being delayed, everything went smoothly. According to the schedule on the website, the last bus was supposed to leave at 10:40 pm, but in reality, buses run every 30–40 minutes until midnight. Tickets cost €2.50, payable in cash directly to the driver. The bus stop is located right outside the airport and is easy to find using Google Maps—look for "Bus Stop Chania". The buses are modern and spacious, but bear in mind that even small backpacks need to be placed in the luggage compartment, so keep important or fragile items with you. The journey to Chania takes about 30 minutes, with a few stops along the way. We got off at the final stop—the main bus station (KTEL Chania Central Bus Station), which is just a 10-minute walk from the Venetian Harbour and our hotel.

If you're arriving late at night or early in the morning, travelling in a large group or with lots of luggage, or staying somewhere outside the city centre, you might consider booking a transfer via GetTransfer. Prices for trips from Chania Airport to the city start at €18. We often use it during our travels, but this time we decided to save a bit since our accommodation was so close to the bus stop.

If you’re looking for a cosy place to stay in the heart of Chania, I wholeheartedly recommend My Rooms, where we stayed during our trip. It’s just a two-minute walk from the Venetian Harbour, fifteen minutes from the main bus station, and ten minutes from the Agora bus station, where excursion buses depart. Breakfast is served on the hotel’s terrace, offering lovely views of the old streets and city walls. The menu includes fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, yoghurt, muesli, toast, and juices—all delicious. The rooms are cleaned daily, and the owner, Lefteris, is always on hand to assist with any queries. Do note that it can get a bit noisy in the evenings and at night due to nearby cafés.

If you’d prefer to stay closer to the beach, consider the Nea Chora area. For a more secluded getaway, the Agia Marina area is ideal, with hotels right by the sea. However, bear in mind that it’s less accessible by public transport, although tourist buses do stop at the local hotels.

The Old Venetian Port of Chania is the heart of the city and one of Crete’s most iconic landmarks. Built by the Venetians between the 14th and 16th centuries, the port reflects the period when Crete was under the rule of the Venetian Republic. Chania served as a crucial maritime and trade hub in the eastern Mediterranean.

One of the port's most striking features is the Neoria, or Venetian Arsenals, where the Venetians constructed and repaired their ships. These massive arched buildings line the eastern part of the harbour and still impress with their scale and elegance. Today, some are used as exhibition spaces, while others stand as historical reminders of the past.

In the centre of the harbour, you’ll find the Küçük Hasan Mosque, also known as the Mosque of the Janissaries. Built in the 17th century, it represents the Ottoman era of the city. Nowadays, it functions as an art space, hosting exhibitions and cultural events. Opposite the mosque stands the Venetian Harbor Guardhouse, once part of the port's defensive fortifications.

The Firka Fortress is another highlight of the Venetian Harbour. Constructed by the Venetians in the 16th century, it formed part of the city’s defences, safeguarding the port from seaborne attacks. The name "Firka" comes from the Turkish word for "barracks." A chain barrier once stretched between the fortress and the lighthouse on the opposite side of the harbour to block enemy ships. On 1 December 1913, the Greek national flag was ceremonially raised at the fortress to mark Crete’s unification with Greece. Today, the fortress is a symbol of the island's struggle for independence and its historical milestones. One section houses the Maritime Museum of Crete, showcasing ship models, maps, photographs, and documents relating to the island’s naval history. The fortress grounds are freely accessible, though a ticket is required for the museum itself.

Completing this historical ensemble is the Lighthouse of Chania, originally built by the Venetians in the 16th century and later modified by the Ottomans. During Crete's brief period under Egyptian control (1830–1841), the lighthouse was reconstructed in its current form, which has since become a symbol of Chania. A walk along the stone jetty to the lighthouse is a must for visitors.

Today, the Venetian Harbour is not only a historical site but also a vibrant hub for tourism in Chania. The waterfront is lined with cosy cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops. You can savour Cretan cuisine (though prices at harbourfront cafés are typically higher than in the Old Town’s side streets), or purchase local olive oil, pottery, or jewellery crafted by local artisans. For those who enjoy being on the water, there are submarine excursions departing directly from the port.

The Archaeological Ruins of Minoan Kydonia. Kydonia was one of the most important cities of the Minoan civilisation in western Crete. It is mentioned in ancient Greek myths and texts. Excavations in Chania's Old Town began in the 1960s and continue to this day. Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of buildings, pottery, and other artefacts, indicating that Kydonia was a thriving centre during the Bronze Age, approximately 3,000 years ago. What’s remarkable is that these ruins lie right in the heart of modern Chania. As you wander through the old streets, you might stumble upon remnants of Minoan structures. Visiting the site is completely free. The ruins are located on the street and are protected by special canopies to shield them from the weather.

Free Viewing Point Near Rosa Nera. Rosa Nera is housed in a historic Venetian palace built in the 16th century during Venetian rule on Crete. In 2004, the building was occupied by a group of activists who turned it into a squat named Rosa Nera. It became a hub for cultural and political events, hosting lectures, exhibitions, and music concerts. The squat operated for nearly 16 years and became a symbol of free spirit and social engagement. However, when it was closed in 2020 for restoration and conversion into a hotel, the decision sparked protests from locals and activists who saw it as the loss of a significant cultural space. Today, locals and visitors alike often gather around Rosa Nera to enjoy one of the most stunning sunsets in Crete. The area is easily accessible from the nearby archaeological ruins.

Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. Also known as Trimartiri, this is the cathedral of Chania. The church was built in 1860 on the site of an old chapel, which had been repurposed as a soap factory during Ottoman rule—a condition that ensured its survival during that era. Inside, the church is adorned with exquisite frescoes, icons, and intricately carved wooden features. One of its most revered relics is the icon of the Virgin Mary, which is believed to have miraculous powers.

Nea Chora Beach is a city beach located just a 20-minute walk from Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour. It’s a popular spot among both locals and tourists, especially during the summer months, so it can get quite crowded. The beach features sand mixed with small pebbles, and the water is relatively clean. However, given its proximity to the city and the port, you might encounter a fair number of visitors and some litter at times. Nea Chora offers all the amenities needed for a comfortable day by the sea: sun loungers, umbrellas, cafés, and bars where you can grab a snack or a refreshing drink. There are also shops selling cold beverages and ice cream. For those who prefer a more budget-friendly option, the central part of the beach has a free area where you can settle down with your own blanket or beach chairs.

If you’re keen to delve deeper into the sights and history of Chania, I’d recommend joining a walking tour of the city:

If you’re planning to visit Chania from other towns, such as Rethymno or Heraklion, there are several guided tours available that I came across. Many of these tours often combine a visit to Chania with a trip to Lake Kournas, offering a well-rounded experience.

The best pita on the island can be found at Pork to Beef Wild (Daskalogianni 68, Chania 731 00, Greece). I can’t even say how many times we visited this place, but it was definitely more than enough for one week in Chania. A huge bonus is that the café stays open late. When we first arrived in Chania, we were exhausted from the long journey and didn’t have the energy for a full sit-down meal. Google recommended this fast-food spot near our hotel. The pitas here are absolutely amazing, no matter which meat you choose. The food is made quickly, and you can either sit at a table right on the pavement or grab your meal to go and enjoy it on your hotel terrace, which is what we did. We always went for the chicken and pork pitas, and for two of us, the total came to just 13 euros — incredibly tasty and convenient!

To kainourio (Skalidi 80, Chania 731 36, Greece) offers huge, home-made Greek lunches. We stumbled upon this café when we were heading back from Neo Chora Beach. It’s a bit off the beaten track, so the peaceful atmosphere and the reasonable prices enticed us into this lovely spot. We opted for the special offer for two, where for 25€, you get two servings of gyros with potatoes and tzatziki, a massive bowl of Greek salad, and half a litre of home-made wine. Simply perfect! The Greek kittens were a bonus!

For a seafood dinner with a sunset view, head to Mikrolímano (Akti Papanikoli 9, Chania 731 31, Greece). Make sure you check the time for the sunset and book a table half an hour beforehand so you can enjoy the view of the sea. We ordered octopus in wine sauce, Greek appetizers, homemade wine, and ouzo — everything was incredibly delicious and beautifully presented! The sunset view from our table created an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. The dinner was a little more expensive than average, but it was well worth it for the view and the fresh seafood. We paid 55€, including the tip, but this dinner was definitely worth every penny!

For groceries, you can visit the SYN.KA supermarket. There are two locations in Chania — one near the Agora (Apokoronou 1, Chania 731 00, Greece) and another on the way from the bus station (Pl. 1866 46, Chania 731 36, Greece).

Here’s an approximate breakdown of expenses in Chania for a week for two people:

• Flights from Pisa to Chania — €40
• Trip from the airport to the city — €5
• Hotel in Chania — €540 for 6 nights
• Cafés and restaurants — €170
• Supermarkets (water, snacks, fruit) — €30
• Souvenirs — €10
• Three group tours around the western part of the island — €200
• Bus to Heraklion — €32

The total comes to around €1030. I think it’s quite affordable, especially considering how much you can do with these expenses: stay just two minutes from the Venetian Harbour, enjoy a variety of delicious Greek dishes, and really treat yourself without any restrictions.

We also planned to go on a wine-tasting tour, but unfortunately, we ran out of time. In upcoming posts, I’ll try to share more details about tours around the western part of Crete — a boat trip to Balos Bay, a visit to Elafonissi Beach, and hiking through the Samaria Gorge. Make sure to subscribe for updates on future posts below so you don’t miss out!

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