Chania Greece
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Chania Greece - Χανιά or Xania is a region of Crete island in Greece. The capital town with abundant history is also called Χανιά.
The Old Town
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Chania Greece – The Old Town The old town of Chania shows the architecture of its mixed history, Venetian mansions next to Turkish baths and cathedrals next to mosques. Highlights of the old town:
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Hand Crafted Knives
One of the most interesting crafts of Chania is knife-making. Knives are interwoven with the history of Crete, and until very recently every proud Cretan man carried a knife, and some of the women too, and plenty still do! So keep a look out!
Today you will see the beautiful knives in the traditional costume of Cretan men on special occasions. Here you will see a man in traditional dress with a foukari φουκάρι or Cretan dagger in his belt.
The intricacy of design and carving of the hand-crafted daggers and knives can be found on Maheradika Μαχαιράδικα or "knife lane" in Chania.
Find these crafts being made on Sifaka Street, a small street in the northern part of Splantzia quarter in the Old Town.
Accommodation
The Old Town
Many of the small boutique hotels or pensions are located on Odos Zambeliou. This is a lovely location as it is in the heart of the old town, close to everything yet set a little back from the harbourside.
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There are some marvellous hotels in Chania, one of our favourites is the restored mansion Casa Delfino because of its luxury and position. Just a hop and a skip from the harbourside, with great views from the rooftop bar. |
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Another favourite is the Mama Nena Charming Hotel which overloooks the Old Harbour. Restaurants and cafes are close by. |
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 An affordable pension within the walls of the old town is Pension Eva. This handy location with lovely rooms at reasonable prices is much sought after. |
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Also in the old town is Hotel Helena with views over the harbour at reasonable prices.Tradiational architecture and fittings give you a feel for the culture of Crete. |
Dining in Chania Greece
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There are plenty of choices for dining in Chania, especially in the atmospheric old town. One taverna which is easy to miss and is personally recommended by the We Love Crete team is the delightful Tamam. |
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Sitting by the bay before or after dinner, you will be able to relax looking out over the yachts and the marina, past the lighthouse to the Mediterranean, from Nama Cafe Bar. |
More about Restaurants in Chania...
Chania Airport
Chania old harbour - fort of the JanissariesChania International Airport is 15-50 minutes drive from the centre of Chania, there are bus, taxi and transfer services available.
- More details about the airport here
- How to choose your Crete Airport here...
- Book a taxi from the airport here...
The Chania Region
The south coast of ChaniaChania is a widely diverse region with extraordinary history, culture and ecological diversity to explore. Explore the coastal areas and inland areas of Chania by bus or by car.
All around this magnificent land covered with rolling hills, high mountains, rugged gorges, high plateaux and everything in between, there are tiny villages to explore, each rich in local customs and history.
- Kaliviani Village
- Theriso Village
- Chora Sfakion
- Lefka Ori - The White Mountains of Chania
- Samaria Gorge
- Agia Irini Gorge
- Omalos Plateau
- Askifou Plateau
See our page about rural guesthouses in Chania...
Exploring Beaches in Chania
- Chania Greece is the most western prefecture of Crete, the capital is located on the north coast. All around this beautiful region of Crete you will be able to discover many beaches, from busy town beaches next to Chania, to wild beaches with no permanent development.
- Beaches Close to Chania Town
- Elafonisi Beach
- Falasarna Beach
- Gramvousa
- Balos Lagoon
- Paleochora
- Sougia
- Maleme
- Agia Marina
- Agia Roumeli
- Loutro
- Three ways to walk to Loutro Beach
- Souda Bay
See our dedicated page about the beaches of Crete...
Videos of Chania
A charming video featuring the old town of Chania Greece, the White Mountains, Balos Lagoon, Samaria Gorge and many other beautiful characteristic places of this western province of Crete...
Have you ever been an armchair traveller? Dreaming of being in Crete whilst stuck in your freezing winter somewhere? You might relate to this beautifully crafted video featuring an 'everyman' and one of the most famous beaches in Crete - that is Stavros Beach...see if you can watch it without tapping your feet! Explore the countryside of Chania in this wonderful dreamscape.
The rich history of Chania town and region are featured below.
Venetian doorway in Chania old town
Old harbour and lighthouse at dusk - Chania GreeceExperiences
As a cultural capital there is just so much to explore here, take some time with a knowledgeable local to explore your passions...
Chania Greece - experiences from visits to local villages, to vineyards, to long hikes in the mountains, take your pick of activities to get to know Chania.
Street Stories of Chania Morning Tour with Samples of Raki and Mezedes - visit the local food markets and walk for 4 hours through the gastronomic highlights of this fascinating historic town, visit the old Jewish and Ottoman quarters and taste the local white spirit or raki. Enjoy mesedes which are little appetisers, part of the Cretan diet which is one of the healthiest in the world. Find out why.
Getting Here
Travel to Chania on a one hour flight from Athens with Olympic Air or Aegean Airlines.
There are many flights per day.
Ferries leave Pireaus port of Athens every evening bound for Crete, the crossing takes around 9 hours.
More details below.
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