Tours to Chania Crete Greek Isles

Discover Chania's Wonders

Vacation to the Crete and stay in Chania, a city of unique beauty, filled with an abundance of fragrant flowers, and boasting a rich cultural heritage. Tour the ancient and modern monuments, the Venitian Harbor and the Old Town. Discover the colorful neighborhoods, its traditional lifestyle and the friendly inhabitants who warmly invite you on a step-by-step journey to become acquainted with the city. Chania surely promises unforgettable moments.

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90.84 °F - Clear Min/Max: 89.91 °F / 90.84 °FFeels: 100.53 °F Humidity: 58%5 Day Forecast

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Description

Chania is Crete’s second largest town and is the lively capital of the western half of this long, narrow Greek island. It is very ancient: 4,000 years ago Chania was called Cydonia. It preserves many handsome signs of a long history as a possession of Venice. The Old Town, alongside the Old Harbour, is enclosed by Venetian ramparts and guarded by a waterside Venetian fortress, Fort Firca. The modern city centre, just outside the old ramparts, offers the energy and character of a vibrant, authentic Greek town. Here are numerous shops, bars, restaurants and street life that are fun to explore. Chania is the focal point of western Crete’s coastline of small and charming beach resorts. Each resort has its own appeal, and all are just minutes from Chania by car or bus along the seashore highway that runs at the foot of high craggy peaks and rolling foothills green with olive groves.

Useful information

Population:

53,910 in the town and 70,000 in the greater Chania area.

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

Ambulance: 166
Police: 100
Fire Brigade: 199

Opening Hours:

Traditional local shop hours are generally open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 2:30 pm, and also from 5 pm to 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Shops catering mainly to tourists are usually open every day of the week from 9 am to 10 pm.

Do & See

Boat Trips

Glass-bottomed boats cross crystal waters to nearby St Theodore Island, while others sail to idyllic Stavros beach on the Akrotiri Peninsula. Check around before choosing a particular company, as prices and routes may vary.

Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete

A green area that spans nearly 20 hectares, the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete provide a pleasant retreat from the summer heat. The territory is overgrown by multiple species of herbs, flowers, medicinal plants and fruit trees. The parks are also home to colorful peacocks and other animals.

Chania Archaeological Museum

The permanent exhibition at Chania Archaeological Museum tells the story of Crete's history with multiple well-preserved exhibits, which include mosaics, jewellery, coins, sculptures, and other artifacts. The building itself served as a prison, cinema, and ammunition warehouse at different times.

Chrisoskalitissa Monastery

An oasis of tranquility awaits you at the historic Chrisoskalitissa Monastery. A perfect stop on any road trip, this spot is off-the-beaten path on the western side of Crete and offers stunning views of the coastline.

Diving

There are at least two scuba diving centers in Chania - Blue Adventures Diving and Omega Divers. They are both certified and have good reputation in the scuba business. Diving sessions are conducted under professional supervision, and enthusiasts of any proficiency level are welcome to join. Omega Divers +30 2 825 031 412 www.omegadivers.com info@omegadivers.com Blue Adventures Diving: Dive office: +30 2 821 040 608 Dive center: +30 2 821 087 047 www.blueadventures.gr

Firkas Fortress

The calm ruins of Venetian defence structures remain standing all around the Chania harbour. Its fascinating Naval Museum (next door) recalls Chania’s maritime tradition. The fortress is also where the Greek flag first was raised.

Folklore Museum of Chania

Folklore Museum of Chania is a small and intimate museum showcasing Cretan artwork and embroidery, paintings, handicrafts, and various traditional pieces.

Knossos

The archaeological site of Knossos is one of the most famous places on Crete. The drive from Chania takes quite a while, but there are numerous tour operators that organize trips here. Knossos is said to be the oldest city in Europe, whose remains still stand today.

Dining

Akrogiali Taverna

How does grilled calamari, steamed mussels or seafood souvlaki sound? If it gets your taste buds working then you most definitely have to visit Akrogiali Taverna. Come in the evening, take a seat outside and view the amazing sunset while enjoying the food.

Almiras Restaurant

Almiras serves excellent Cretan cuisine, all in a magnificent setting with sweeping views over the island sunset and the village below. Here, visitors may expect a welcome drink on the house, followed by a feast on authentic local fare. The restaurant is equipped with a children's play area.

Amphora

Smart, professional service and top quality traditional Cretan cooking makes this one of the best Old Harbour restaurants. It boasts an ideal location at the end of the quayside. Superb vegetable dishes include kolokothikeftedes (courgette and cheese patties).

Cosmos

Boasting elegance and style, housed inside an old building high in upper Platanias, the Cosmos restaurant enjoys a fabulous setting and offers incredible views to diners. An astonishing choice of exotic meats includes crocodile, bison and kangaroo, as well as the usual suspects - lamb and beef.

Kariatis

Kariatis is a refined dining establishment with futuristic interior design elements, specialising in Italian cuisine and offering great vegetarian and steak options. The menu is quite eclectic, with dishes such as sushi also prominently featuring on it.

Lithos Restaurant

Very popular restaurant, cosy atmosphere and inspired dishes. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Venetian Old Harbour, the homemade-with-a-twist cooking and do some people-watching while you're at it. Ask the waiters for the local delicacies and let yourself indulge in a feast of Mediterranean flavors.

Maria’s Taverna

This is a popular traditional eatery, relaxed and cheerful, serving well-prepared Cretan, Greek and international favourites in its leafy-green garden. It stands on the edge of Kato Stalos settlement, at the start of the long beach strip west of Chania.

Portes

Portes is located in the Old Town of Chania and offers friendly service and tasty food. A good idea is to reserve a table if you are going there for an evening dinner. The food is traditional with a twist and their barbecue is claimed to be simply amazing.

Cafes

Alcanea Café

Here you can enjoy a light menu based on Mediterranean flavors and a selection of innovative cocktails and distinctive wines from Greek and Cretan vineyards. Come for a coffee break, an informal lunch, a sunset cocktail or a glass of wine, while watching the comings and goings of the Old Port.

Kipos Cafe

Located amidst the greenery of Chania's public garden, Kipos is a pleasant cafe lost in time - some of its curious exhibits include old record players and vintage posters. Located out of the way of main tourist streams, the cafe still serves excellent snacks and - best of all - decadent waffles.

Kormoranos Bakery Cafe

The quaint traditional cafe offers in- and outdoor seating, and features a variety of Greek and Cretan specialties - from meze platters to full meals of generously portioned meat-based dishes. The little cafe is great if only for a coffee and pastry, too.

Koukouvaya

Set in a simply stunning location, Koukouvaya is the place to be for some of the finest front-row seats to the beautiful Cretan sunset. It is primarily a coffee shop, with multiple delicious varieties on offer, but light meals (salads and sandwiches) are served as well.

Oki Bar

A great beach bar not too far from the water, Oki invites visitors to an evening drink in a relaxing atmosphere, with seating available both indoors and on the outdoor terrace. The bar also owns a space with sunbeds and umbrellas right by the beach - all available to customers.

Pallas

The refined Pallas restaurant boasts an extensive menu (with set menus of the day available, at different price ranges) and some of the best views over the harbour from its gorgeous, open-air rooftop terrace. The establishment functions as cafe by day and bar by night.

Bars & Nightlife

Ammos & Ilios Beach Bar

Party vibes are felt day and night at Ammos & Ilios, with DJs spinning groovy tunes and sun-kissed vacationers living it up by the beach, cocktails in hand - naturally. At night, the venue transforms into a full-blown dance club, parties hosted all through the summer.

Avalon Rock Pub Chania

As the name reveals, this Chania establishment is all about rock and metal - the only music genres you will hear within these walls. You can easily find the Avalon Rock Pub Chania by strolling along the waterfront, heading westwards to the Frika Fortress.

Cabana Mare Beach Club

Cabana Mare is an all-in beach club ideal for daytime and evening relaxation. Music pours from the speakers and beach vibes naturally fill the air, as guests linger by the bar or in and around the refreshing on-site pool, steps away from the sea shore.

Cafe Cafe Cocktail & Gin Bar

Enjoy a vast selection of coffees, drinks and exotic cocktails as you sway to the music or have a dig into the long list of beers while shooting some pool or watching games on the projector screens. If you feel peckish there are numerous cold dishes and home-made sweets to try out.

Conor Pass Irish Bar

If you want to visit a genuine Irish pub, try the Conor Pass located in the old harbour. The atmosphere is very laid-back and relaxed, and Guinness is served alongside the Greek Mythos - and so are many more beer varieties. The bar is popular with 30+ visitors.

Costa Costa Beach Bar

Another attractive beach bar is the Costa Costa in Agia Marina. This place is among the most popular with tourists, and tends to get quite packed during the summer months - music is played, food served and sunbeds available. After the sun sets you can head over to the adjoining Villa Mercedes Club.

Eclipse

The lively bar and nightclub is located in Platanias (west of Chania), and invites holidaymakers to a fun night of drinks and dancing all throughout the summer season (April-October). The atmosphere is rather casual, the vibes gradually shifting from bar to club as the evening progresses.

Flamingos Sky Bar

The rooftop terrace of Agii Apostoli's Flamingos Hotel is a pleasant hangout spot, complete with hammocks free to be used by guests. There is also a good restaurant on site, so the bar is a great option for pre- or after dinner drinks in a relaxing environment.

Shopping

Agora Marketplace

Where Old Town and modern city meet, the fine Covered Market, or Agora (Mousouron Street) is the focal point. This is more a shopping mall than a marketplace, it provides a cool haven where locals throng among shops and stalls offering every kind of local produce, alluring pastries, piles of olives, fragrant herbs and spices, and appetising cheeses like delicious Cretan graviera and mizithra.

Ekaterini Handmade Jewelry

Ekaterini Handmade Jewelry is a beautiful artisan boutique in the heart of Chania. The jewellery collection is large and there are many different necklace, bracelet, and ring designs on display. Shop assistants are helpful yet unobtrusive, and prices reasonable for he quality.

Georgina Skalidi

Thessaloniki-born designer Georgina Skalidi today runs two shops in Greece. One of those is located in Chania, walking distance from the town's main attractions. Here you will find a haven of creatively designed beautiful leather bags, footwear, and accessories.

Gong

Gong stocks clothing and accessories with a vintage feel to them - printed shirts and dresses, bags (made from old vinyls or stylized Campbell's tomato soup tin-bags), retro pins and jewellery. There is a lot to browse through for the lovers of retro and not only.

Karistianis

Karistianis is for those who want to get serious about hiking - all necessary clothing and gear can be either found here, or at the sister shop across the road (whose assortment is heavier camping-focused). Brands represented include (but aren't limited to) Helly Hansen, Odlo and Reef.

Katerina Garofalaki

At Katerina Garofalaki you can revel in beautiful jewellery and watches - the store has stocked some of the finest jewellery and watches in town since 1920. Brands represented today include ones like DKNY, Dior, Tag Heurer, Gucci, Armani, and other reputable ones.

Miden Agan

Miden Agan stocks hundreds of varieties of Greek and Cretan wines, including some that are produced by the store owners themselves. It's a great little shop to purchase gourmet gift sets with local delicacies and sweets (try the syrup-drenched "spoon sweets").

Sifaka Street

There is also a metalworkers’ lane, Sifaka Street. This is where you will find an abundance of knives - stainless steel, handcrafted knives with ornate, carved handles to last decades. Shop around at the many small craftsmen's shops to find the best bargains.

Tourist Information

Chania Airport (CHQ)

Chania Airport, western Crete’s main gateway, is located 14 kilometres from the city. Most travellers arrive on tour operator packages including bus transfer or car hire. Independent travellers can catch a taxi into town.

Public Transport

From 6 am to 6 pm, public buses serve the coast road to and from Chania, stopping at the resorts. In Chania, town buses serve the modern districts, but the Old Town is small enough to walk around, and its lanes are too narrow for buses.

Taxi

Chania’s blue and white taxis can be hailed or phoned. Tips are optional.

Electricity

220V

Pharmacy

On the door of any pharmacy a list shows which pharmacy is on night duty. You can recognize the pharmacies through a green cross on the door. Normal business hours are 8 am-1 pm and 5 pm-8.30 pm. Apotheke Chania 31 Chatzimichali Giannari +30 2821 002252

Post

The main post office in central Chania is located on Peridou Street. Stamps can be bought at many shops.

Telephone

Country code: +30 Area code: 28210 Note that numbers and codes within Greece do not begin with a 0.

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Crete Discovery

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Crete Discovery

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Crete Discovery

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