Chania

Chania Holidays

Holidays in Chania

Chania is where history and holiday collide in the most beautiful way. Venetian mansions lean over cobbled lanes, Ottoman minarets peek between pastel façades, and the sea sparkles just beyond the harbour wall. It’s a city that wears its past proudly, yet feels every bit alive with cafés, markets, and beaches on its doorstep.

Whether you’re wandering the maze-like old town, sailing across turquoise waters to Balos Lagoon, or setting off into the White Mountains, Chania offers a little of everything: romance, adventure, and relaxation woven together. Couples, foodies, and sun-seekers will all find themselves smitten by this charismatic Cretan gem.

When is the best time to visit?

The season truly shines between May and October, when warm, dry weather pairs perfectly with long days outdoors. June and September are particularly sweet spots, sunny skies without the midsummer crowds. July and August are hot and full of energy, with beaches and tavernas buzzing from dawn till dusk. April and May have their own magic, with wildflowers splashing the hillsides and cooler temperatures that make hiking a joy. October still holds onto summer’s warmth, while winter months bring a quieter, more local pace to Chania.

Where is the best place to stay?

Stay in Chania’s Old Town if you want to wake up to centuries-old architecture, step outside to cafés and shops, and feel immersed in the city’s heartbeat. Nea Chora and Agioi Apostoloi are great for those who prefer sandy beaches within strolling distance, while keeping the city just minutes away. Families and nature lovers may gravitate toward Kissamos or Paleochora, where the pace slows and world-famous beaches like Balos and Elafonissi are easier to reach. For something more traditional, the Apokoronas villages, like Vamos or Almyrida, offer stone houses, olive groves, and a taste of rural Crete, especially convenient if you’re hiring a car.

Travel guide

Chania is perfect for beach lovers, cultural explorers, foodies, and hikers seeking a sun-drenched Greek island holiday with plenty of personality.

Best time to visit: May-October
Average flight time: 4 Hours
Most suited for: Couples, Families, Culture Lovers, Foodies
Currency: Euro
Time Difference: +2 Hours

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Day Trip to Elfonissi Beach

Around 75 km southwest of Chania, Elafonissi is the kind of beach that makes postcards look plain. Pink-tinted sands, shallow lagoons that shimmer turquoise, and a sandy causeway to a tiny islet, it’s a natural wonder that feels almost otherworldly. The drive through mountains and villages adds to the adventure but aim to arrive early in summer when it’s at its busiest.

Wander the Old Venetian Harbour

This is the beating heart of Chania: a picture-perfect harbour lined with colourful buildings, historic arsenals, and inviting tavernas. Walk the curve of the promenade all the way to the iconic lighthouse, duck into the Maritime Museum, or simply sip coffee while boats drift lazily across the water. Come sunset, the whole place glows gold, and it’s hard not to fall in love.

Hike the Samaria Gorge

Few experiences are as unforgettable as the 16-kilometre trek through Samaria Gorge. Starting from the Omalos Plateau, the path winds down through shaded forests, towering cliffs, and the narrow “Iron Gates” before ending at the village of Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea. Open May to October, it’s a challenging but spectacular journey, with wild goats and jaw-dropping views for company.

Food & Drink in Chania

Crete’s food is legendary, and Chania offers some of the best bites on the island. Expect olive oil-rich dishes, cheeses crafted in mountain villages, and honey that tastes of wild thyme. Traditional favourites include dakos, barley rusks piled with tomato, feta, and olive oil, sweet or savoury kalitsounia pastries, and lamb slow-cooked with foraged greens. Seafood is another highlight: grilled sardines, octopus, and catch-of-the-day straight from the harbour. Meals are best rounded off with a glass of local raki and something sweet, loukoumades, honey-soaked doughnuts, which are a local indulgence. And don’t miss the café culture: sit in a shady square or by the harbour with a strong Greek coffee, and you’ll quickly understand why locals never seem to be in a rush.