34 Coffee Shops in Chania That You Shouldn’t Miss During Your Stay in Crete

Greek Way to Drink Coffee

These are some of the most common traditions that locals enjoy when it comes to coffee…

Going Out for Coffee

If you observe the Greeks, you will see that the coffee cup is an inseparable part of their hand throughout the day.

In the morning, they enjoy a cup of coffee at home and then stop on their way to work at a favorite coffee shop and get one.

Coffee breaks are also very important during the working shift. In Greece, no job can be done without at least two coffee breaks a day.

After work, they will either meet with friends for… guess? Yes, yet another cup of coffee, or they will relax at home with another cup of coffee.

Regarding local habits, going out for a coffee is very common.

It doesn’t matter that you already had 3 different types of coffee at home; if you are Greek, you will get out and drink coffee in a coffee shop (which can actually be just around the corner or across the street from home!).

Visit Friends… and Share a Coffee

If you are going to visit friends at their homes, the first thing you’ll be offered is coffee. This is part of philoxenia, the Greek hospitality that has made the country famous.

Even if you were invited for dinner, for example, the first thing you would all have would be coffee, then have a chit-chat, and only after that would you sit at the table.

Coffee Types

Now let’s see what types of coffee you can get in Greece, as there are several.

If you want the most authentic local taste, you must try the traditional Greek coffee called Ellinikó.

Ellinikó Kafé

Ellinikó is prepared in a small pot known as briki, which was heated in hot sand in the past, something that only traditional places still do.

Grounded Greek coffee goes inside the briki with water (and sugar if you drink it sweet) until it starts to boil.

This is a critical moment; you can’t let it boil totally, as it will spoil the taste! Greek coffee is usually served in small cups with a glass of water and sometimes a traditional sweet called loukoumi.

Brewing a perfect Ellinikó is a delicate secret that only Greeks know how to manage.

Cold Coffees for Summer

During the summer, iced coffee is the chosen drink. Locals love their Freddo Espressos and their Freddo cappuccinos. It’s really the chosen beverage for most locals all day round.

Another cold coffee choice is Frappé, and I’m a fan of it! Frappé was invented in Greece during the fifties, and it’s made with instant coffee. 

Another coffee you can order is filtered coffee, known as Gallikó (French), but locals are not a fan of it, and it is mostly chosen by tourists.

When you order your coffee, remember to be asked how sweet you would like your drink. So you can ask to have it made with or without sugar. Here are some terms that will help you to order the coffee the way you like it:

• Sketo – without sugar
• Metrio – 2 teaspoons of sugar
• Pros Gliko – 3 teaspoons of sugar
• Gliko – 4 teaspoons of sugar
• Me mavri – with brown sugar
• Me zaxarini – with sweetener
• Me gala – with milk

Koukouvaya

Location: Alexi Minoti, Profitis Ilias.

This iconic place is a must, and who hasn’t heard of it?

Koukouvaya is ideally located on top of Prophet Elias Hill, where you can admire the breathtaking views over the city of Chania and enjoy excellent coffee varieties.

And their cakes are to die for. Lemon pie, cheesecake, Pavlova, and their stunning Zumeró, a chocolate cake with a soft heart of hot chocolate.

You can’t miss this place at sunset, provided you find a free table. Prices are not cheap, but locals adore it and are usually crowded.

Dagkli by M&Co.

Location: Dagkli 6.

This little coffee shop serves a vast variety of coffee blends, and the professional baristas brew them perfectly! There are tables outside on the street just opposite the historical house of Eleftherios Venizelos.

This is a great place to enjoy your coffee while you are taking a break between museums. Their legendary sign outside is a landmark in the neighborhood, and it will put you in a good mood!

Aroma Café

Location: Akti Tompazi 4.

Located in the Old Venetian Harbor, this is another of my favorite places for coffee in Chania. Right next to the Mosque at the port, it’s a fantastic place to sit after a walk in town or to just rest and watch the harbor.

The café is set in a historic stone house with a beautifully decorated interior that will make you want to stay forever! It’s very popular, so it’s usually crowded.

Pro Tip: Try their Cretan breakfast!

Monogram Roaster Coffee Shop

Location: Daskalogianni 5.

This trendy place offers an incredible selection of coffee blends and a delicious variety of teas (which is extremely rare in Greece). Whatever coffee you choose, you will get a perfectly brewed, amazingly flavored cup of coffee from an always smiling staff.

Most people pop in for takeaway, but there are a few tables inside and outside where chilled vibes are guaranteed.

Kross Coffee Roasters Tzanakaki

Location: Tzanakaki 58.

This is a modern and stylish spot to enjoy coffee from some of the best roasters in Chania! There is plenty of room, so choose a table next to the window and observe Chania’s busy life.

It can also be a good place to buy coffee before a walk in the Municipal Garden, which is just across the street.

Apollonia Coffee Shop

Location: Grigoriou E. 5.

This place is a favorite among the locals. And no wonder, the café serves amazing coffee to suit each taste. The interior design directly catches your attention.

Many small niches on the walls are filled with coffee-related items, such as candles and vintage coffee boxes. These create a colorful and cozy atmosphere.

This place is also a sports café, so if you are on vacation but don’t want to miss an important game, this is the place to go.

Εllinikó Speciality Coffee Bar

Location: Akti Miaouli 4.

As the name says, this place is the place to go if you want to try a traditional Ellinikó. Besides, they serve many other types of coffee for those who are not fans of such strong flavors.

There is also a tasty selection of food and sweets. The space is very beautiful, featuring wooden elements, but what is really great is the sitting area outside, just above the sea. The views from here are stunning!

Sinagogi Café-Bar

Location: Parodos Kondilaki.

This amazing place is located next to the old Jewish Romaniote synagogue. The old stone walls, beautiful decorations, and almost no roof create a magical atmosphere at night.

Enjoy your cup at the bar or one of the many tables.

I’d suggest you visit this place both in the daytime when you can see sun rays through the roof beams and in the evening when everything is decorated with candles and when, for a change, you can have a cocktail and hear some music.

Ginger Concept

Location: Sarpaki 36.

Hidden in the colorful, narrow streets of the Old Town, this stylish café is ideal for a coffee break. It is busy all day, especially during the morning hours, as it is one of the favorite places for a delicious breakfast.

Ginger Concept is always crowded, so you might need to wait. Don’t worry, the surrounding area is gorgeous to walk around… Be patient! It’s worth the wait. The smell of fresh coffee will not disappoint you.

Coffee Lab Chania

Location: K. Tsismenaki 2 &, Daratsos

This place will show you that coffee is a mixture of science and passion blended together in one cup! Check out this stylish place just minutes from town in Daratsos.

The best-selected blends are brewed by skillful baristas to have your drink in place, but you can also buy the blends you like to make your coffee at home.

Whatever you choose, it will be grounded right in front of you. You can’t miss the special pancakes. Trust me, this place will become your favorite!

Neighbor’s 

Location: Karaoli & Dimitriou 6.

The cute little spot is located in the Old Town. It serves excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and sandwiches. The place doesn’t have a lot of space, so it has become popular mainly for takeaway.

It features a lovely second-floor balcony where you can enjoy your coffee while observing the streets of Chania. 

Pro tip: Their pasta dishes are delicious, and the apple pie is to die for!

To Brikaki

Location: Kondilaki 26.

This sweet little coffee place is also in the Old Town, not far from the Venetian Harbor. The name Mprikaki means “small briki” (the pot used to prepare Greek coffee), so Greek coffee is excellent in this place.

To Brikaki has a fantastic design featuring stone walls, dark wooden tables, and, of course, elegant golden coffee pots in every corner!

Καφενείο ο Τσάκαλος

Location: Chrisopigis 50.

This traditional kafenio is quite tucked away and far from the busy streets of the Old Town. In fact, you won’t easily find tourists in this place, just local men.

But don’t be shy. If you come here to savor a cup of traditional Ellinikó, the friendly owner will serve you quickly.

Ababa Bar Gallery

Location: Isodion 12.

This is a very busy espresso bar that is very popular due to its incredible interior design, excellent coffee, and signature cocktails. Besides, the service is impeccable!

Bright pictures cover every inch of the walls, and flavorful and aromatic coffee is served in colorful cups. Beware that it gets very crowded, especially in the evening. This place is worth a visit.

Τa Baranakia

Location: Konstantinou Manou 44.

A small family-run kafenio that will steal your heart with its flavored Greek coffee. The owners are very friendly and treat their guests with homemade specialties such as sweet pies that perfectly pair with your cup of coffee.

Greek families usually come here to have a good time and to relax. It’s not odd to find a whole group celebrating on special occasions when tables display a plentiful selection of delicious home-cooked food.

This place is a picture-perfect portrait of the Greek way of life!

London Coffee and Pastries

Location: Kissamou 122.

This stylish café offers a great variety of coffees and sweets. The elegant décor and overall atmosphere easily match the place’s name. There is a lot of space both inside and outside, too. I like the open space area!

Choose a table somewhere in the corner to enjoy coffee and observe the busy streets.

The very friendly staff will serve you in no time, plus the music brings nothing but peaceful moments.

Nymphes Coffee & Desert

Location: Agorastaki 7.

An amazing place with amazing views!

Here, you can enjoy a cup of delicious coffee while watching the city of Chania in the distance. The service is a little bit slow, but the place is really busy. Use that time to take plenty of memorable photos on the terrace while waiting for your order.

The coffee is as awesome as the view, and the mouthwatering sweets are worth sampling!

Pro tip: Order one item at a time; the portions are huge.

Apothiki All Day Espresso Bar

Location: Akti Tombazi 3.

Another great place facing the Old Venetian Harbor is Apothiki All Day Espresso Bar, which is also a favorite among locals who love to meet here for hot cappuccinos and cold espressos.

Apohitki also serves rich Cretan breakfasts, evening cocktails, and a great selection of ice cream. Soft music in the indoor space makes the atmosphere even more pleasant.

Pallas

Location: Akti Tombazi 15-17.

Pallas is probably the trendiest coffee place facing the new Marina. It is housed in an old mansion that used to belong to a Turkish ruler, just steps from the old Venetian docks.

The place serves great coffee, delicious food, and wine in the evening.

The views of the Lighthouse are amazing from this corner, so make it even more romantic and come for your cup of coffee while the sun is going down. You will love it!

Salty Drop House

Location: Kallergon & Sarpidonos

Coffee shop and surf shop together, Salty Drop is in one of my favorite corners of the old town. Go for a unique shopping session of colorful beach clothes and accessories, and then sit back and relax while you sip your glass of cold expresso.

Prices are very reasonable when it comes to both clothing items and their coffee list!

Boheme

Location: Chalidon 26-28.

Another favorite of mine is Boheme. It’s not just a great place for dinner and wine tasting at night but also one of my go-to places for a delicious latte, a freddo, or even a cup of tea.

Your coffee will come with a complimentary portion of homemade cake or baked delicacy, which you can enjoy in one of the most delicious gardens in town. Don’t miss this place—seriously, don’t!

Feidias Urban Spot

Location: Plateia Eleftherias 2, Dikastiria.

It is one of the best places in town for coffee, snacks, and great food, too! Feidias is located in the area of Dikastiria, where most offices are in Chania.

The place is popular among locals, and although the service can be a bit slow, it has earned fame because of its quality coffee.

Running errands in Chania Court? Then don’t miss this place!

Puerto Coffee, Food & Cocktails

Location: Akti Tompazi 13.

A place to go if you’re a fan of pancakes! Here, you’ll find some of the arguably best in town! The place stuns with the port views, the great coffee, and the chill-out music.

Enjoy the whole package sitting on one of their comfy sofas—trust me, you won’t want to leave! Looking for a place for a romantic date with tasty cocktails at sunset? Try Puerto’s Spritz Veneziano—you’ll love it!

Barbarossa Café

Location: Akti Tompazi 12.

One more spectacular waterfront venue for a great coffee with views of Chania’s Lighthouse. Popular among locals and visitors alike, this place tends to be full at any time or evening.

They play loud but cool music and the atmosphere is really cheerful. If you’re in the mood for a bite, ask for the Club Sandwich; it’s really delicious.

Enasma Cafe

Location: Agias Lake.

I’ve been to this place just once, but I loved the location, the atmosphere, the coffee, and the complimentary sweets they serve their guests.

Enasma is located in the beautiful setting of Agia Lake, a few minutes by car from the center of town.

It’s a great place to stop for a coffee if you’re driving on your way to Omalos Plateau or the Botanical Park or if you’re in the mood to discover this off-the-beaten-track area in the region.

Carte Postale

Location: Kalorizikou 2, Profitis Ilias.

My go-to place when I want to stay close to my house in a stylish and pleasant environment. Located right next to Venizelos Graves, on the Prophet Elias Hill, the place offers great coffee, cakes, sweets, and a stunning view of Chania Bay and the old harbor above the hill.

The place opened only a few seasons ago, but it quickly became a place of choice for the citizens when it came to breathtaking views and even better coffees and cocktails.

Oxo Nou Studio

Location: Agias Kiriakis 29, Tambakaria.

I discovered Oxo Nou by chance last winter and loved the cozy atmosphere.

Hidden in the area of the old Tanneries, Oxo Nou features amazing windows facing the sea. You can sit close to the fireplace in winter and enjoy a comforting cup of hot chocolate.

In summer, instead, grab a table by the sea and enjoy this peaceful off-the-beaten-track spot in town that not many tourists know about.

Debonair Café Bistrot

Location: Nikiforou Foka & Akti Miaouli.

Debonair is a coffee shop and hookah lounge in Koum Kapi that serves coffee, snacks, food, and wine until very late at night on the seaside promenade.

What else could you ask for? Great music, unique views, and amazing coffee. Friendly staff and a chilled atmosphere transform this place into another place locals and visitors love in town.

Coffee Island

Location: Plateias 1866 32.

There is no place to sit in Coffee Island, located at Plateias 1866, just around the corner from Chania’s Public Bus Station.

However, I’ve often stopped her for a coffee before catching a bus or a quick sandwich after a long ride back from Heraklion.

Their freddo espresso is amazing. They also sell homemade sweets, pastries, and yummy baguettes stuffed with fresh ingredients.

Theatro Chocolaterie

Location: Plateia Chortatson 5.

Right at the corner of the Public Market, Theatro is a coffee house that has always caught my attention because it never fails to be full! Once you visit, you’ll taste why! Everything here is about chocolate!

In addition to brewing great coffee, the restaurant offers a great selection of desserts, savory pies, and snacks. Prices can be expensive, but their crispy waffles with Nutella deserve your visit!

Pro tip: In the mood for chocolate? Order a chocolate fondue!

Woodstock

Location: Akti Papanikoli 1-2.

The place is lovely, not only for coffee. With stunning views of the new Marina, it also has a good menu for lunch and dinner.

Service might be a bit on the slow side, but it is a very valid choice for a simple morning coffee or a rich breakfast with a view

Kipos Café

Location: Public Gardens, Chania.

One of Chania’s most traditional cafeterias is Kipos Café, a member of the Historical Coffee Road located inside the Public Garden and has been serving coffee since 1870!

A place that belongs to other times, you’ll be mesmerized by the collection of old pictures and ancient memorabilia that decorate the elegant coffee place.

It is one of the few remaining traditional places in the city, and you cannot miss it if you visit Chania’s Public Garden.

Το Kafekouti

Location: 12 Akti Miaouli, Koum Kapi.

This popular café and cocktail bar is located in another area that locals love and that tourists don’t visit: the waterfront of Koum Kapi Beach.

There are many different coffee shops you can visit here, one right next to the other, and they’re all really good, but this is a special place that I adore and where I love to spend the afternoon enjoying a good frappé or even a bottle of beer.

The atmosphere is calm, and the environment is full of cute details that make it a unique place to visit. The staff is really friendly, so it won’t take you long to also fall in love with this coffee bar in town.

So… have you decided where to sip your next cup of coffee when in Chania?
Have you been to any of these coffee shops in Chania?

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