The Best Travel Guide to Chania (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Chania

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Overview

Chania The guide was updated: 2024-09-11

Chania (pronounced “Hanya”) is considered the loveliest port town in Greece. Swallows soar in sheer blue skies above the semicircle of tall Venetian houses around its picture-perfect Old Harbour. The tables of scores of bars and restaurants line the quayside. Behind the harbour front, narrow, traffic-free shopping lanes thread through the atmospheric Old Town. On either side of the town, sandy beaches stretch along the coast.

Facts

Population:	53,910 in the town and 70,000 in the greater Chania area.
Currency:	Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Ambulance: 166 Police: 100 Fire Brigade: 199
Newspapers:	Chaniotika Nea Minima Stigmes Crete Gazette
Opening hours:	Traditional local shop hours are generally open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 2:30 pm, and also from 5 pm to 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Shops catering mainly to tourists are usually open every day of the week from 9 am to 10 pm.
Tourist information:	The tourist office is called GNTO 40 Kriari Street, Megaro Pantheon, Chania Open Mon–Fri 7:30am–2:30pm +30 28210 92943

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Section in Chania

Start with a stroll along the historic harbour, take a glass-bottom boat cruise or go diving to fully experience the magic of this coastal town. The Samaria Gorge trail is a definitive must-do for hikers, and culture vultures will have several small museums to choose from.

Venetian Harbor

Venetian Harbor

The harbour is hard to miss. Historic buildings are repurposed as buzzing seafood restaurants and cafes, and a waterside promenade takes you on a journey through time - some parts of the fortifications date back to the 16th century.

Firkas Fortress

Firkas Fortress

The calm ruins of Venetian defence structures remain standing all around the Chania harbour. Its fascinating Naval Museum (next door) recalls Chania’s maritime tradition. The fortress is also where the Greek flag first was raised.

Limnoupolis Water Park

Limnoupolis Water Park

Limnoupolis Water Park is a great choice for families with children - the park offers water slides of varying steepness, as well as a number of pools and a lazy river. For grown-ups there is a Jacuzzi and a pool bar. Shops and eateries add to the water park's attraction.

Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge

This famous 16 kilometre hiking trail down a spectacular mountain gorge runs all the way to the island's southern coast. You will need sturdy shoes, water and a hat to shield you from the blazing sun. Spending the night at the trail's end and catching a bus back to Chania the following day may be a good idea.

Boat Trips

Boat Trips

Glass-bottomed boats cross crystal waters to nearby St Theodore Island, while others sail to idyllic Stavros beach on the Akrotiri Peninsula. Check around before choosing a particular company, as prices and routes may vary.

Diving

Diving

There are at least two scuba diving centers in Chania - Blue Adventures Diving and Omega Divers. They are both certified and have good reputation in the scuba business. Diving sessions are conducted under professional supervision, and enthusiasts of any proficiency level are welcome to join. Omega Divers +30 2 825 031 412 www.omegadivers.com info@omegadivers.com Blue Adventures Diving: Dive office: +30 2 821 040 608 Dive center: +30 2 821 087 047 www.blueadventures.gr

Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete

Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete

A green area that spans nearly 20 hectares, the Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete provide a pleasant retreat from the summer heat. The territory is overgrown by multiple species of herbs, flowers, medicinal plants and fruit trees. The parks are also home to colorful peacocks and other animals.

Maritime Museum of Crete

Maritime Museum of Crete

Maritime Museum of Crete is a great place to learn about the island's nautical history. On the first floor, an educational film about Crete's past is shown. Sweeping views over the harbour and the lighthouse can be enjoyed from the museum.

Chania Archaeological Museum

Chania Archaeological Museum

The permanent exhibition at Chania Archaeological Museum tells the story of Crete's history with multiple well-preserved exhibits, which include mosaics, jewellery, coins, sculptures, and other artifacts. The building itself served as a prison, cinema, and ammunition warehouse at different times.

Folklore Museum of Chania

Folklore Museum of Chania

Folklore Museum of Chania is a small and intimate museum showcasing Cretan artwork and embroidery, paintings, handicrafts, and various traditional pieces.

Museum of Typography

Museum of Typography

The Chania Museum of Typography traces the development of typography from the Gutenberg era until today. You will see different tools, objects, machines and prints which have been used throughout the making of contemporary print. Lectures and readings are held on occasion.

Manousakis Winery

Manousakis Winery

Manousakis Winery is a beautiful and cosy little farm, ideal for a day trip. Get a cheese platter, taste some flavourful, fruity wine and simply relax in this lovely environment.

Segway Tours

Segway Tours

Discover Chania as a part of a fun, enjoyable activity - aboard a segway! Going on a Segway tour is a fun and easy way to discover the city. Both group and private, individually-tailored tours are available - around the Old Town, harbour area, the Halpea district, along beaches, and more.

Municipal Art Gallery of Chania

Municipal Art Gallery of Chania

The Municipal Art Gallery of Chania contains extensive collections of art by mainland Greek and local artists, donated to the museum by several private collectors and individual artists over the course of the past decades. A plethora of modern art is showcased here, and events are hosted frequently.

Chrisoskalitissa Monastery

Chrisoskalitissa Monastery

An oasis of tranquility awaits you at the historic Chrisoskalitissa Monastery. A perfect stop on any road trip, this spot is off-the-beaten path on the western side of Crete and offers stunning views of the coastline.

Rethymno

Rethymno

Rethymno is a picturesque town half-way between Chania and Heraklion. If you want to go on a day trip, this one is a perfect destination. Here you can enjoy the beach, get lost in the Old Town or have a glass of wine in the scenic harbour.

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