Chania

Although it could not be more Greek, Crete is really a country within a country, with its own history, folklore, and traditions.

Exploring the Area

Chania’s Old Town pulsates with life, focusing on one of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean. The multicultural Chania is simply intoxicating – and it is worth leaving them only for the spectacular routes that will take you to Balos, or the gorge of Samaria.

Coastal Adventures

You’ll also be getting into the water, of course, but not just for swimming. There are some great dive sites and excellent snorkelling in Chania. You could be a technical diver or a beginner, it doesn’t really matter. The region’s distinctive terrain continues below the surface of the sea, with some great caves and reefs to explore. Souda Bay, the coastline by Kalyves and Georgioupolis all have scuba diving centers that will introduce you to underwater gems.

There’s even the intriguingly named Underwater Cave of Elephants, so-called after the petrified elephant bones still on the sea floor. And if you want a really good tip, there’s a sunken German Junkers 52 aircraft, shot down during World War II, just north of Agia Marina, near the islet of Agioi Theodoroi. Try keeping that one to yourself.

Eating and Drinking

There are so many places to eat and drink in Chania that a drive or walk around will bring you to some fantastic choices. Restaurants and cafe by the sea, lounge bars or clubs with all-night parties are only a few alternatives for a lovely nightlife in Chania. Most of these alternatives are found in Chania Town, however, a lot of seaside taverns and cafes are also found in popular tourist places of the region, such as Georgioupolis, Kolymbari, Paleochora, Maleme, Platanias, Kissamos and more.

What to See and Do

Chania is full of new adventures and incredible activities to do. Here you will see a list of 10 of the best things to do in Chania:

1. Wander through the Old Port
2. Walk the Seawall to the Lighthouse
3. Enjoy a Romantic Dinner by the Seashore
4. Maritime Museum of Crete
5. Botanic Park & Gardens of Crete
6. The Monasteries of Akrotiri Peninsula
7. Walk Your Way to Balos Lagoon
8. Discover the Pink sand Beach of Elafonisi
9. Day Trip to Hike the Samaria Gorge
10. Explore the Fishing Village of Loutro

Where to Stay

Unfortunately, not many people know about this city so you won’t find as much information out there on the best places in Chania to stay. But that’s why we’re here to help.

Here you will find a list of the best places to stay in Chania based on travelers’ reviews:

1. Splantzia is part of the old city and one of Chania’s best neighborhoods if you want to be close to everything. It’s filled with restaurants, boutiques, and historic buildings and has a peaceful, calm vibe even with all the tourists who tend to gather there.
2. Nea Hora offers Chania accommodation that’s a little cheaper than the city center but is still close enough to everything to be convenient.
3. Kastelli is one of the best places in Chania to stay if you want to be close to everything. It’s a part of the old city and is actually the oldest district in Chania.
4. Halepa is filled with historic buildings and architecture that will take you back to the time of noblemen and kings. In fact, one of the most interesting things you can do in this area is to wander and check out the streets.

You’ll find a huge range of accommodation options in this part of the city at every budget point. It’s also the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Chania for nightlife as it’s filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs.