Chania: The Venetian Jewel of Western Crete
Chania is arguably the most beautiful city in Greece, a place where the grandeur of Venice and the mystery of the East blend seamlessly with the wild spirit of Crete. As the capital of Western Crete, Chania is a sensory explosion of jasmine-scented alleys, world-class gastronomy, and a coastline that features some of the most famous beaches on earth. In 2026, Chania remains the soul of Cretan hospitality, offering a mix of sophisticated urban life and rugged mountain adventures in the White Mountains. From the iconic Egyptian lighthouse to the pink sands of Elafonisi, Chania is a destination of endless discovery.
Things to know about Chania
Geographically, Chania covers the westernmost part of Crete, dominated by the Lefka Ori (White Mountains). Historically, it was the former capital of Crete and a major Venetian and Ottoman stronghold. An ideal trip length is at least 7 days to explore both the city and the remote western beaches. It is famous for its Venetian Harbor, the Samaria Gorge (the longest in Europe), and the unique ‘Cretan Diet’ which is the foundation of Mediterranean wellness.
Top attractions in Chania
The Venetian Harbor and Old Town
The heart of Chania is its 14th-century harbor, lined with pastel-colored buildings and the iconic Egyptian lighthouse. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets where you can find the Jewish Quarter, the Splantzia square, and the ‘Stivanadika’ where traditional Cretan boots are still made.
Elafonisi Beach
Located on the southwestern tip, Elafonisi is world-famous for its pink coral sand and shallow turquoise lagoon. It is a protected Natura 2000 site and feels more like a tropical paradise than a Mediterranean beach. Walking across the shallow water to the islet is a must-experience moment.
Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa
Balos is a wild, exotic lagoon with white sand and vivid emerald water. Most easily reached by boat from Kissamos, it is a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Nearby is the island of Gramvousa, topped by a formidable Venetian castle with a view of the entire lagoon.
The Samaria Gorge
A bucket-list destination for hikers, this 16km gorge is a National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The trek takes you through narrow passages (the ‘Iron Gates’), past abandoned villages and rare Kri-Kri goats, ending at the Libyan Sea in Agia Roumeli.
The Chania Municipal Market (Agora)
A cross-shaped architectural masterpiece from 1913, the Agora is the center of the city’s food culture. Here you can find the best Cretan cheeses, honey, herbs, and the famous ‘Dakos’ rusk. It is a lively, aromatic experience that captures the essence of Cretan life.
Akrotiri Peninsula and Monasteries
Just outside the city, the Akrotiri peninsula is home to the historic monasteries of Agia Triada Tsagarolon and Gouverneto. These are masterpieces of Cretan Renaissance architecture, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards producing exceptional local wines.
Falassarna Beach
A vast, sandy beach on the west coast known for its deep turquoise water and incredible sunset views. It is much more spacious than Elafonisi and is the site of an ancient Greco-Roman harbor whose ruins are still visible today.
Archaeological Museum of Chania
Housed in a modern building in Halepa, this museum contains a significant collection of Minoan and Roman artifacts found in the region. The exhibits on the ancient city of Kydonia (the precursor to Chania) are particularly fascinating.
The Maritime Museum of Crete
Located at the entrance of the Firka Fortress, this museum tells the story of Crete’s deep connection to the sea, from antiquity to the Battle of Crete in WWII. It features impressive ship models and nautical instruments.
Seitan Limania Beach
A narrow, zig-zagging inlet on the Akrotiri peninsula with electric-blue water and white pebbles. It is a wild, unorganized spot that has become an Instagram favorite, though the hike down is steep and requires sturdy shoes.
Island-hopping from Chania
Chania is the main gateway for Western Crete. Its port, Souda, has daily connections to Piraeus (8-9 hours). From the nearby port of Kissamos, you can catch a ferry to the island of Kythira and the Peloponnese. Chania International Airport (CHQ) offers frequent flights to Athens and numerous direct flights to Europe, making it the perfect starting point for a Cretan road trip.
