There are four different regions in Crete, each of them with fantastic landscapes and hidden corners to be explore. Chania is the westernmost region on the island and the region’s capital, Chania, is the second city after Heraklion. The region has stunning beaches, high mountains, and a picturesque old town, often listed as one of the most beautiful cities in Greece
This is the region where I live, so you will find new content about Chania every week!
Chania, West Crete
Only 24 hours in Chania?
About Chania
Chania is arguably one of the most interesting places to visit on the island. The landscape of the region is dominated by the White Mountains, or Lefka Ori.
Chania’s extensive coast of Chania harbors some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Elafonisi, Balos, and Falasarna.
The region is home to unique mountain villages, guardians of legends and stories related to the battles for freedom that took place on Crete for centuries.
From a geographic viewpoint, the region hosts Samaria, one of the largest gorges in Europe and the continent’s southernmost island, Gavdos.
The chief town of the region is the gorgeous city of Chania with a nostalgic Venetian atmosphere, consequence of more than 400 years of Venetian occupation.
Chania Town
Chania Region
Itineraries in Chania and Around:
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When to visit Chania
Summer
Summers on the island are dry and very hot. The peak of the season (July and August) is the best time for a beach vacation. The city is busy making it the ideal time to meet new people, and discover the city nightlife.
Spring
For a more relaxing time, with outdoor adventures, Spring remains an ideal time to travel to Chania. The weather is mild with just a few occasional showers, and the mountain landscape is at its best.
FALL
In Fall the weather remains incredibly warm and the most obvious advantage is that crowds have already left. As a plus, prices are more convenient. The roads and the beaches are emptier while the sea is still warm.
winter
In Chania’s short Winters the weather is colder and sometimes rainy, but this doesn’t stop locals from attending village festivals, going skiing, and celebrating Christmas with traditional rituals, delicious food, family, and friends.
How to get to Chania
BY PLANE
The local international airport (CHQ) is on the Akrotiri Peninsula, about 15 km from the center of town. There are daily international flights as well as charter flights from most European cities during June, July and August.
Frequencies are reduced during the shoulder season (from April-May and September-October) while it’s necessary to land in Athens first to connect with a national flight during winter (Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air).
Both Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air have daily connections to Chania from the airports of Athens and Thessaloniki, in mainland Greece. Flights from the U.S., Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East better reach Chania via the capital of Greece, Athens.
Once at the airport, it’s possible to get to the center of town with a public bus, hiring a taxi, or renting a car in one of the several rental offices located in the arrivals lounge or just outside the airport.
BY BOAT
Chania’s main port is Souda, less than 7 km from the center. There are night ferries departing from Piraeus, all year round. These ferries depart at night and arrive in Chania very early in the morning. During the high season, there are also daytime services.
The companies reaching the port of Chania are ANEK Lines and Minoan Lines. Once at the port, you can reach the center of town with the local bus or with a taxi.
BY BUS
Chania’s Bus Station is quite close to old town, just blocks away from 1866 Square. Buses arrive from Heraklion, as well as from the city of Rethymnon. To travel from Agios Nikolaos to Chania, it’s necessary to change bus in Heraklion and sometimes in Rethymnon.
From the station, buses connect different villages and beaches within the region. Check schedules at KTEL website.
How to move around in Chania
The most comfortable way to visit the island is car rental. You can also hire a taxi or private transfer, but renting a car also comes with more reasonable prices.
Most of the Old Town is pedestrian and therefore not accessible by car. There are two free parking lots on the opposite extremes of the old town, one of them close to the Firkas Fortress (west of the old town), and the other one close to Porta Sabbionara (east of the old town). There are also private parking lots around the old town.
Taxis are a convenient way to travel when you cover short distances. There’s an extra fair for night trips and for a piece of baggage. Always check the price in advance and ask for the meter to be running.
Local buses are blue and usually depart from 1866 Square or right on the Agora Square. They are comfortable and convenient to reach different neighborhoods around the old town (Chalepa, Akrotiri, Nea Chora, etc.) and nearby beaches (Agia Marina, Platanias, Stavros). Luggage storage is available at the Bust Station. The service is €2 for 8 hours, or €3 for 24 hours.
You can buy the tickets from automatic vending machines or directly on the bus paying a small extra amount.
If you’re planning to visit Chania, you might be wondering where it’s best to stay. Whether you seek a boutique hotel, resort, or villa, in this section you will find the perfect Chania place to stay.
What to see and do in Chania
Read all the articles about Chania
