14 Must sees in Chania - Crete
Chania, Greece
Chania, with 108,000 inhabitants, is the second largest urban center in Crete after Heraklion. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful city on the island due to its colorful narrow streets and its Venetian architecture.
Here is a list of the most interesting things to do in Chania and the surrounding areas:
1. Visit the Venetian Harbor
The Venetian Harbor is one of the most emblematic places in Chania. It has a long history dating back to the Venetian era when the island was under the rule of the Republic of Venice in the 14th to 18th centuries. The Egyptian lighthouse stands out, offering panoramic views of the harbor.
2. Eat like a horse in a “greek taverna”
In Chania, you'll enjoy plenty of Greek tavernas where you can taste fresh fish, as well as other traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, or specialties from the island of Crete such as Dakos or Apaki.
3. Wander through the maze of streets
The streets of Chania are like a charming labyrinth. We recommend you simply start walking around the port area and you'll discover very narrow streets, with arches, historical buildings, or art galleries.
4. Visit the popular Balos Lagoon
Balos Lagoon is one of the most popular beaches in Greece and in the whole planet due to its crystal clear waters and its fine grained sand. It's always on the list of the best beaches in the world alongside Elafonissi, also in Crete, so you can't leave Crete without visiting this beach.
5. Dive into World War I and II shipwrecks
Diving in Crete is quite popular, especially on the south coast where conditions are better. However, in the north, you can find other attractions such as shipwrecks from the First and Second World Wars. Near Chania lies the Minnewaska. We recommend you take a look at our post about diving in Crete:
6. Katholiko Monastery and Avlaki Gorge
Katholiko Monastery is located north of Chania on the Akrotiri Peninsula. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, believed to have been founded in the 6th century AD by a Christian hermit named John.
It lies in a remote gorge surrounded by cliffs (exactly here), so to reach it, you have no choice but to descend half of the ravine on foot.
7. The Pink Sand Beach - Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi is the other famous beach in Crete. In addition to its great visibility and the color of its waters, the pink tones of the sand stand out due to the thousands of broken seashells that it contains. The main issue with Elafonisi, as with Balos, is that it is too popular.
8. Explore the Landscape of Komolithi
Komolothi is a very particular landscape lost in the middle of nowhere. They are soft white clay pyramids that emerge from the ground and rise several tens of meters, creating a unique scene.
9. Relax at Kedrodasos Beach
Kedrodasos is the perfect alternative to Elafonisi if you're looking for more tranquility. Generally, people head to Elafonissi and are unaware of this other beach just 10 minutes away. It's mostly frequented by locals. The beach has white sand and clear water. Unlike Elafonissi, it features a wooded area with twisted juniper trees that provide shade.
10. Discover the Saltwater Lake - Voulolimni
Also very close to Elafonisi is the natural saltwater pool Voulolimni. It's a kind of crater connected to the sea that creates a natural salt lake. The rocks around it offer a good protection against the waves and wind, giving the impression of being in a pool.
11. Hiking in Samaria Gorge
Samaria is the largest gorge in Europe, and one of the most emblematic spots in Crete and in Greece. Actually, the Samaria Gorge National Park and Olympus National park are Greece’s only UNESCO natural sites.
The descent of the gorge is 16 km, and it usually takes about 4-5 hours. The logistics can be a bit complicated as it is not a circular route and depends on boats and buses, so we recommend taking a look at our article:
12. Take a dip in Lake Kournas
Kournas Lake is a freshwater lake located in a mountainous setting surrounded by hills. It is characterized by its quiet atmosphere and the turquoise color of the water, which creates a stunning contrast with the green surroundings. It's located 45 minutes from Chania.
13. Sunset at Falassarna Beach
One of the most popular spots to watch the sunset in Crete is Falassarna Beach, on the west coast, 1 hour from Chania (here). It's a beach known for its vast expanse and the golden hue of its sand. Around the area, you'll find smaller coves where you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
14. Practice water sports like kite or windsurfing in western Crete
The entire west coast of Crete is usually an ideal spot for practicing water sports like kiteboarding or windsurfing because it's often quite windy in that area. In fact, on some beaches we've mentioned like Elafonisi, you'll find schools and sports centers where you can rent equipment or take lessons.
These are some of the things you can do in Chania and its surroundings. Feel free to add more in the comments if you like!
