Top Things to Do in the Chania | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Chania

Places To Visit In Chania

Falassarna Beach

Located on the island of Crete, Greece Falassarna Beach is an idyllic and tranquil beach. It is known for its turquoise waters and fine golden sand and is considered one of the most beautiful and clean beaches in Crete. The beach is situated near the village of Platanos and encompasses several restaurants and cafes along with numerous hotels and vacation rentals. Adorning the northwest coast of Crete, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Situated 58 km from Chania town and 17 km west of Kissamos, this beach is easily accessible by car and houses a few sun loungers and parasols. Read More

Minoans World is an exciting 9D Cinema & 3D Museum based on Europe's first civilisation, the Minoans. It is a unique and interactive experience as there are exhibits like 3D wall paintings, life-like statues, artefacts and figurines themed around legendary myths. It is a fun way to learn about the history of Europe. The 9D cinema includes three films - Introduction, Beauty of Crete and Minoan's World. The cinema has immersive effects for wind, lightning, rain, fog, snow, earthquakes and more. It is also available in 14 different languages. Read More

The old port area in Chania is one of the most significant places. It was built by the Venetians around 1320 AD. It is most visited for its eateries in and around the port. The most famous attractions in the port area are Firka Fortress and the lighthouse, which is known as the jewel of the harbour. The fort was built to protect the entrance of the port and the lighthouse is a gorgeous point for watching sunsets. Other places to visit are the Maritime Museum of Crete, Eleftheriou Venizelou Square, Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque, Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque, Kasteli Hill and the dockyards. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to stop by at too. Read More

Paleochora is a bewildering small town situated 75 kilometres south of Chania. The village is filled with excellent taverns, restaurants, bars and cafes. It is one of the perfect destinations to unwind on holiday. Four daily buses are available to reach Paleochora from Chania, or you can also book a taxi. Some of the best things to do or places to visit in Paleochora are Methexis Beach, trekking to Agia Irini Gorge, boat excursions, shopping on Kontekaki Street, diving, fishing, venturing into the wildflowers in the springs, visiting old churches with Venetian and Byzantine wall paintings and the town’s museum. It is surrounded by the magnificent Libyan Sea and has incredible temperatures with summer for over five months. Read More

Seitan Limania translates to Devil’s Harbour and is a scenic beach in Crete. It was a secret beach until 2015, and the fascinating feature is that the waters are nestled between two gorges that are in a zig-zag pattern. To arrive at Seitan Limania, you must pass through steep mountain roads. Many people hike all the way from the mountain to the beach. The beach is a famous swimming destination for both locals and tourists. There are also many villages close by to visit after the beach like Almyrida, Kalathas and Marathi. Read More

A seaside village filled only with nature, Sougia is situated on the southwest coast of Chania. It has a splendid pebble beach, a relaxed atmosphere and is best if you want to unwind on vacation. Some things to see and do in Sougia include Byzantine St. Nicholas Chapel, Panagia Kera (Chapel of Holy Mary), the town of Ancient Lissos, ancient city of Elyros or walk to Paleochora. If you want to stay in the village, there are a few family run rooms in and around Sougia. It is advised to book your stay in advance since rooms get filled up pretty soon. Read More

Topolia Gorge is also known as ‘Gorge of Caves’ due to the numerous caves that can be found while passing by the canyon. Many people tend to drive through the canyons rather than walk or hike. There is also a small church next to the cave that is dedicated to Hagia Sophia. Make sure to visit the Cave of Agia Sofia, which was a very important place of worship in ancient times. On the way, you will find small shops that sell incredible homemade organic products like honey, raki, olive oil, jams, herbs and others. Read More

Not commonly known to tourists, the Venizelos Tombs are ironically situated on one of the most famous hills in Chania. Here lies former Greek politician and seven-time Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos and his son, Sophocles Venizelos. The tombs are situated next to the temple of Prophet Elijah. Eleftherios Venizelos chose his burial spot and funeral speech, which is engraved on his tomb. There is a famous statue that can be visited next to the tombs that represent the symbolism of Kayalès. Make sure to stop by the Koukouvayia café, which is near the tombs and provides a breathtaking view of the coast. Read More

Chania is famously known for its rich cultivation of grapes and the production of wine and Raki (a Turkish alcoholic drink). The wineries have been established for years, and some of the best ones to visit are Karavitakis Vineyards, Manousakis Winery, Anoskeli Winery, Ktima Loupaki, Dourakis Winery and Pneumatika Winery. Here you can also explore the vineyards and learn about the production process of different wines.