Chania is one of Crete’s prettiest towns, with a colourful Venetian harbour, winding streets and plenty of history to explore. Spend your days wandering the old town, browsing little shops, eating by the water or heading out to some of the island’s beautiful beaches. And yes, the food is every bit as good as you’d hope.
For first-time visitors, Chania Old Town is the obvious choice, with waterfront tavernas, historic buildings and plenty of boutique and luxury hotels hidden in atmospheric old properties. It’s also wonderfully walkable. For something quieter, Nea Chora, just west of the Old Town, has a sandy beach, relaxed waterfront restaurants and a more local feel. It’s particularly good for families, with a mix of boutique hotels and comfortable family-friendly stays. Koum Kapi, on the eastern side of the harbour, is a good choice if you want to be close to the action without staying in the thick of it. Its seafront cafes and bars are lively, and its hotels tend to be stylish and contemporary. For something a little different, Tabakaria is a fascinating waterfront neighbourhood known for its old leather tanneries, now a wonderful mix of crumbling industrial buildings and sea views. It’s a great spot for romantic boutique hotels and a quieter, more characterful stay.
Ideal for: Sightseeing, foodies, history, nightlife
The Old Town and Venetian Harbour is the best place to stay for first-time visitors, culture lovers and anyone who wants Chania’s prettiest sights right on their doorstep. Wander the maze of narrow lanes, browse little shops and galleries, admire the colourful Venetian architecture, or settle into a waterfront taverna overlooking the harbour. The area is packed with historic landmarks, including the 16th century lighthouse, Firkas Fortress and the old shipyards. It’s also Chania’s liveliest spot for eating and drinking, with everything from traditional Cretan tavernas to cocktail bars. It’s very walkable too, making it easy to explore the city without a car.
Did you know? The Venetian Harbour’s iconic lighthouse is one of Chania’s most recognisable landmarks, but despite its Venetian appearance, the tower you see today was rebuilt by the Egyptians in the 16th century. It’s one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the world.
Discover our recommended hotels near Old Town & Venetian Harbour
Explore more >
View all hotels in Old Town & Venetian Harbour
Explore more >
Ideal for: Beach breaks, families, relaxation, swimming
Nea Chora is a great choice for families, beach lovers and anyone who wants a more relaxed base while still being within easy reach of the Old Town. Its sandy beach is the star of the show, with calm, shallow water that’s ideal for swimming. The waterfront is lined with laid-back tavernas serving fresh fish and Cretan dishes. It’s quieter and more local-feeling than the Venetian Harbour, but you can still walk into the Old Town in around 15 minutes. With a good choice of comfortable hotels, apartments and family-friendly stays, Nea Chora provides an easy-going base for a more beach-focused stay in Chania.
Did you know? Nea Chora is one of Chania’s oldest neighbourhoods, but its name literally means “New Town” in Greek.
Discover our recommended hotels near Nea Chora
Explore more >
View all hotels in Nea Chora
Explore more >
Ideal for: Local life, sunsets, romantic breaks, foodies
Tabakaria and Koum Kapi are ideal for couples, foodies and travellers looking for a quieter, more local side of Chania, while still being close to the Old Town. Koum Kapi is known for its lively seafront, where cafes, bars and seafood restaurants spill onto the waterfront. Nearby Tabakaria has a more atmospheric feel, with old stone tanneries built into the rocky coastline. It’s a lovely area for wandering, sunset drinks and long, lazy meals by the sea. Hotels here tend to be smaller and more characterful, making it a good choice if you want to escape the busiest parts of the harbour.
Did you know? Tabakaria was once Chania’s tannery district. The old leather workshops were built directly into the rocky coastline, using the sea to help with the tanning process. Many of these buildings are still standing today, giving the neighbourhood its quirky character.
