Located on the Western edge of Crete and meeting the storied shores of the Mediterranean Sea, lies one of the most legendary port cities in all of Greece. With the backdrop of the majestic White Mountains, Chania Town is an enchanting place. Chania is one of the most charming and picturesque cities I have visited in Greece. It was once the epicenter of commercial, naval, and administrative power on Crete.

Both the Venetians and Ottomans left their mark on the city in long lasting ways, visible in the Gothic architecture and the Muslim minarets that dot Chania’s skyline. Everywhere I went in Chania Town I found historical and cultural relics that recited stories of the city’s long and diverse past. The invading armies are a distant memory and Chania has adapted to the changes of the modern world. The small port city welcomes millions of visitors every year from around the globe.

My guide to Chania Town includes everything I learned when visiting this remarkable city so you can make the most of your time here. Chania Town is also an excellent base for exploring the broader Chania Region and for embarking on a road trip throughout Crete.

Fast facts about chania town

Location: Northwest Crete
Population: 54,000
Age: 69 BCE (5,000 years)
Points of Entry: Chania Airport and Souda Port
Language: Greek, but English widely spoken
Currency: Euro

A Brief History of Chania Town

Minoan Founding and Development

Founded 5,000 years ago by the Minoan Civilization, Kydonia (Chania) quickly became one of the most powerful city-states in the region. This makes Chania Town one of the oldest settlements in all of Europe. Benefiting from its unique location, Chania grew as a center of commerce and trade. Emperor Augustus Caesar further emphasized the city’s importance by declaring Chania an independent state and granting it the right to its own currency. Chania Town thrived under Byzantine rule until the Arabs conquered Crete and razed the city to the ground, an occupation that lasted over a hundred years.

Venetian and Ottoman Occupation

Venice arrived in 1204 and forever changed the future of Chania (along with the rest of the Cretan coast). Venetian occupation of Crete lasted for over 400 years and the island became the naval superpower’s most important colony. The period of Venetian rule saw several rebellions, none of which were very successful. As long as Venice respected the local way of life and Orthodox practices, the Cretans generally complied.

The Ottomans conquered Crete in 1645 following the rapid acquisition of territories and islands in the Aegean Sea. The ensuing two centuries of Turkish rule in Chania Town saw times of both peace as well as conflict between different communities. The Ottomans turned all the Catholic churches built by Venice into mosques, and the city introduced fountains and baths to accommodate Islamic purification and prayer rituals. The Ottomans restored the title of the Orthodox bishop of Chania, a privilege lost under the Venetians, and granted greater rights to the Orthodox majority.

The relationship between the Muslims and Greeks deteriorated during the revolts of 1770 and the 1821 Greek revolution on the Peloponnesos. Hostilities escalated well into the 19th century until Crete unified with the rest of Greece in 1913. The Greek flag was raised over the island for the first time in the Old Port of Chania.

WWII and Rebirth

The German aerial bombings during WWII significantly damaged Chania Town. Tragically, the historic Jewish population of Chania was decimated during the atrocities of the Holocaust. After the war, the old city began rebuilding and was declared a historical and cultural monument in 1965.

The port city of Chania has always been a melting pot and cultural mosaic. The Orthodox, Catholic, Jewish, and Islamic communities residing in the city over the centuries have contributed to the city’s multifaceted and cosmopolitan history, and serve as a testimony of multiculturalism and coexistence. 

How to get to Chania Town

You can get to Chania either by plane or by ferry. Chania has an international airport with multiple daily flights from Athens. Most flights are with Greece’s national carrier, Aegean and Olympic airlines. Flights from Athens are affordable and are usually less than an hour. Additionally, there are also regular flights to Chania from other European cities.

You can also ferry to Chania. There are roughly 100 ferry crossings from Piraeus Port in Athens to Chania Town every week. It’s also possible to ferry from one of the other nearby Greek islands, such as Santorini or Rhodes, or from ports in the Peloponnesos. The Port of Souda is where the ferries arrive and is a 20-minute car ride into Chania Town.

//Plan your journey to Greece.

How many days should you spend in Chania Town

One full day was sufficient time for me to explore the major highlights of Chania and discover the different neighborhoods of the city. Although I only spent one full day in Chania Town, I stayed 4 nights in the Old Port as my base for exploring Western Crete. I continued getting to know Chania Town by wandering the cobblestone streets, trying different restaurants, and enjoying the evening ambience of the Old Port.

Best time to visit Chania Town:

Due to its captivating atmosphere and its close proximity to the many natural and historical wonders of Crete, Chania is one of the most visited cities in Greece. During the months of July and August, the city swells with tourists. The locals have a friendly attitude and the city is known for being very welcoming to travelers. This is rooted in the Greek cultural concept of philoxenia (love of the foreign).

However, Chania, like so many cities in the world, suffers from the rising problem of over-tourism. Because of this, I would recommend visiting during the “shoulder season” which spans from late May though early June and continues again in September. The weather will be pleasant and the sea will still be warm.

Greek Orthodox Easter in Chania Town

One of the most special and lively times to visit Chania Town is during Orthodox Easter. Greek Orthodox Easter is the biggest holiday in Greece and the atmosphere in Chania Town was festive and exciting. In my opinion, this is the best possible time to visit Chania Town as it provides an unforgettable cultural and spiritually immersive experience. You really feel the connection to the rich traditions during the services and events that take place during Orthodox Holy Week.

//Greek Orthodox Easter in Chania Town – An Ancient Celebration (COMING SOON)

How to get around chania town

get to know the city by walking

The best way to get around Chania Town is by walking. Walking allowed me to discover hidden corners of the city and get the fullest feel for Chania’s character and history. Moreover, much of the old town is off-limits to cars, making parking extremely limited in the historic center.

public buss

Alternatively, there is also a public bus route that connects many of the neighborhoods of Chania. I can’t vouch for the reliability of the bus, but I have heard mainly positive reviews.

renting a car in chania town

I rented a car in Chania before embarking on my 10-day road trip in Crete. Renting a car gave me the greatest flexibility to see the most important sights in the Chania Region of Crete such as the Akrotiri Peninsula and Balos Beach Lagoon.

Parking in Chania Town

Parking is extremely limited in Chania Town. One place I frequently found parking was Talos Square, which is right next to the Old Port and the center of town. You can park anywhere you find a spot. It’s free game.

What to do in Chania Town:

the old port of chania town

The best place to start discovering what Chania Town is really all about is the Old Port. The Old Port of Chania is mesmerizing. Here you can find some of the most important landmarks of the city including the Venetian fortress, the orange-domed Mosque of the Janissaries (Mosque of Kuck Hasan Pasha), and the Egyptian lighthouse.

The Old Port has many restaurants and cafes that line the waterfront. Sintrivani Restaurant and Coffee Bar has excellent breakfast and lunch and an amazing view of the entire harbor. I ate here multiple times during my stay to enjoy the sunrise and people-watch. At night, the port area becomes alive with an extensive bar and nightlife scene.

Past the Mosque of the Janissaries following the waterfront, is the old Venetian Shipyards, an incredible relic of almost 400 years of Venetian control of Crete. At the end of the shipyards is the cozy Chania Sailing Club Restaurant, which has excellent views of the shipyards and delicious pizza. After being energized by a good meal at the Sailing Club, continue on the water break for breathtaking views of the sea and then continue walking up to the base of the lighthouse. This is a great spot to take in a view of the entire port along with the White Mountains.

The Municipal Market of Chania sells many local Cretan products and souvenirs. It serves as a modern point of commerce and was established on the foundations of a medieval Venetian fortification. Unfortunately, when I visited Chania Town it was closed for restorations and is undergoing massive repairs. Just down the street is Funky’s Pizza, an excellent place to grab a slice if you need a quick meal. The pizza is very good. Seating is limited but there is room for standing, which is what most of the locals do. Monogram Roasters Coffee has an amazing iced espresso and sells coffee beans that you can bring home. You do not want to miss this coffee spot. It has a special atmosphere and buzz to it and has amazing coffee.

visit some of the Cathedrals and Churches of Chania

The Greek Orthodox faith and traditions are important to the fabric of daily life in Chania. Throughout centuries of foreign control and occupation, the Greek Orthodox religion nurtured the wild Cretan spirit and grounded local identities during confusing times. There are many impressive churches and cathedrals in Chania. Some were built in the Byzantine form, while others were designed in the Venetian style, inspired by worship in Catholic temples. There are countless churches and chapels with hidden spiritual and artistic treasures. It would be impossible to discover them all on one trip. Below are some of the best churches in Chania Town to include in your itinerary.

Presentation of the Virgin Mary Metropolitan Cathedral

The Presentation of the Virgin Mary Cathedral (Eisodion of the Theotokos) is one of the oldest places of worship in Chania. The first church was built during the 11th century. In 1695, the Ottomans converted the cathedral into a soap factory. After the Orthodox Christian population of Chania pleaded with the sultan to return the cathedral to its original spot and provide a larger place to worship, the sultan commanded the reconstruction of the cathedral church in 1850.

The cathedral has a simple yet pleasant exterior. Inside, the church has many treasures; beautiful painted icons and hanging olive oil lamps that illuminate the interior. The iconostasis, the divider between the altar and the rest of the church, has many icons of Jesus and Mary which are completely plated in silver. A fresco of Jesus floats above the alter. He sits in state of blessing. In his lap is the bible and around him are the authors of the four gospels.

The locals also refer the three-aisled church as the “Trimartyri” in Greek. The right aisle is dedicated to the Three Holy Hierarchs who protected the Greek language and theology. The left aisle is dedicated to St. Nicholas to commemorate the nearby church that was converted into a mosque. The central aisle is dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary at the Temple in Jerusalem. Together, the church and its patronage are a manifestation of Orthodox belief and ideas.

Check out the Metropolis Byzantium Gallery store to the right of the church entrance. The shop sells religious gifts and icons painted in the Cretan style (emphasizing blue and red tones).

Assumption Catholic Cathedral

Across the street is the Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption, easily identified by its blue bell tower. Although the current church was built in 1879, a notable Catholic community has always existed in the port since Venetian times. The church has a mix of Neoclassical and Renaissance architectural influences. The interior is adorned with traditional Catholic imagery. The cathedral also features a small courtyard garden and a Cretan folk museum. The cathedral holds weekly masses and celebrations on feast days.

Church of Agios Nicholas

The Church of Agios Nicholas is a complex building. Located in the Splantzia neighborhood, the church sits in what used to be the Turkish quarter of the city. The church was originally founded by the Dominican Order and was converted into a mosque and armory during Ottoman times. It served as the largest functioning mosque in the city. A large two-balconied minaret was erected for the call to prayer to be conducted 5 times a day.

In 1928, the Orthodox Church reconsecrated the building for Christian worship and built a bell tower. They left the minaret intact to stand alongside the bell tower, giving testimony to the buildings storied past .

The church has large arches and red columns gracing the nave of the church. Ironically, the large red pillars resemble the columns at the pagan palace of Knossos. Towards the exit of the prayer hall is a staircase on the left which takes you to the upper balcony, giving you an aerial perspective of the church.

In front of the church is Splantzia Square, a lively place with many restaurants and coffee shops. It’s a great place to refuel on food and caffeine.

St Catherine and St John Hermit Church

The church dedicated to both St. Catherine and St. John the Hermit stands just a few steps away from Agios Nicholas Church. This double nave church reflects the Venetian architectural legacy of Chania. The church interior is humble and austere. It is lined with large framed Byzantine icons with the traditional gold leaf background. There is something authentic and alluring about this small church, so unpretentious on the outside but so magnificent and heavenly on the inside.

Jewish and Muslim Legacy

In Chania, the history and blend of different peoples, cultures, and religions is evident everywhere you turn. Walk around the Jewish quarter, Topanas, which had a thriving Jewish population for hundreds of years. Check out the Etz Hayyim Synagogue, in the center of the Jewish Quarter. The architecture of the synagogue is reflective of the many cultural influences that shaped Chania over the centuries. Since i visited Chania Town on Greek Orthodox Good Friday (a public holiday in Greece), I was only able to see the synagogue from outside.

You can also find traces of the former Turkish rule and the presence of the Islamic community throughout Chania. You can still see the minarets that used to cry the adhan or call to prayer. Best preserved are the minarets of Agios Nicholas church and the Ahmet Aga Minaret, which still towers over the street. The Mosque of the Janissaries is an architectural treasure with several orange domes and is unlike any other building I have seen in Greece. It currently holds modern art exhibits.

Greece deported the Cretan Muslim community from Chania after the 1923 population exchange with Turkey. Recently, there has been a small wave of Cretan Muslims seeking to return to their homeland. Many of these families have retained the Greek language. Several Cretan Muslim families have successfully returned to Chania Town, specifically from Syria.

Venizelos Graves

One of the best places to enjoy a panoramic view of Chania Town is from the Venizelos Graves. Located on a hilltop overlooking the city and the Mediterranean Sea lies the resting place of the Venizelos family. Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sofoklis Venizelos both served as prime minister to Greece. The spacious grounds include a small chapel dedicated to Profit Elias and a statue of Spiros Kagialedakis, a national Greek hero. During the Cretan struggle for independence, Kagialedakis used his own body as a flagpole to uphold the Greek flag during the shelling of Chania.

accommodations in Chania Town

There are many accommodation options to choose from in Chania Town, ranging from luxury resorts, boutique hotels, airbnbs, and hostels. Below are a few accommodation recommendations for every type of traveler and budget.

hotels

Malmo Historic Hotel: Located in the center of Old Chania, Malmo combines modern comforts and style without losing any of the history and authenticity of the neighborhood. The rooms are literally beautiful.

Scala de Faro: In the center of the old harbor, this is the most perfect spot in the city location-wise. It’s situated right on the waterfront and a stone’s throw away from the Egyptian lighthouse and the Mosque of the Janissaries.

Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor: Originally built as a 16th century mansion, this building now serves as a luxury hotel, retaining all the character and history its stones witnessed through the centuries. This hotel boasts a Turkish style spa and an indoor swimming pool.

Airbnbs

Casa Maritia: This is where I stayed during my time in Chania. This is an updated and cozy room which will give you an authentic feel for the port. It was a very relaxing place to come back to after a full day of exploring. I was able to see the sea from my private rooftop balcony along with the rest of the old city and the Cretan mountains. The views of Chania Town are unbeatable. It can accommodate 2 guests.

hostels

If backpacking and meeting like-minded travelers is more your style, there are several hostel options in Chania.

Cocoon City Hostel: A centrally located hostel with a pool and offering both dorm and private style rooms. This is great for those on a budget or solo traveling and looking to make new connections.

Boho City Hostel: Located a step away from the ocean, this hostel is best positioned for those seeking to live it up and experience Chania Town’s exciting nightlife. It is also a great option for spending time leisurely enjoying the atmosphere of the port. This three story hostel has communal dorm accommodations.

Best day trips from Chania town

Chania Town is the best base to explore the Western Chania region of Crete. All of these places are easy to visit on a day trip. Here are some of the best things to do in Chania region:

• Akrotiri Peninsula: The Akrotiri Peninsula contains some of the most famous monasteries in Greece surrounded by olive groves. Hike to an abandoned monastery where the first monks and hermits of Crete sought refuge which offers incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea. End with a visit to Seitan Limania, a hidden beach cove with rock formations and bright blue waters.

• Archaeological Site of Aptera: History buffs will love the archaeological site of Aptera. The Roman amphitheater overlooking the White Mountains is an amazing sight.
• Balos Beach Lagoon: Probably one of the most famous beaches in Greece, if not the world. With crystal clear waters, dramatic mountains, and a sandy inlet in the middle of the beach, Balos feels like it belongs on another planet.
• Elafonissi Beach: Elafonissi is famours for its bright pink sand. The waters of the beach are very warm and inviting for a swim.
• Samaria Gorge: Nature lovers won’t want to miss a visit to Samaria Gorge, the only national park in Crete. Hike through canyons filled with water and overpasses providing unforgettable views of the Cretan mountains.

I hope you found my guide to Chania Town helpful as you plan your visit to the most special and captivating city on Crete. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I can.