12 Best Things To Do in Chania

Chania, a jewel on Crete’s northwestern coast, blends Venetian elegance with Ottoman influence and Greek island charm. As Crete’s second-largest city with a history spanning over 4,000 years, Chania offers visitors a perfect mix of cultural exploration and natural beauty.

The Old Venetian Harbor stands as the city’s crown jewel, with its 16th-century lighthouse creating one of Greece’s most photographed scenes. Meanwhile, Balos Lagoon’s turquoise waters and pink-tinged sand make it one of Europe’s most spectacular beaches, attracting over 10,000 visitors daily during peak season.

This list combines traveler favorites with hidden gems, selected based on historical significance, cultural value, natural beauty, and authentic local experiences. Each recommendation captures the essence of Chania—from its rich maritime history to its culinary traditions and stunning landscapes.

From wandering the maze-like streets of the Old Town to hiking the breathtaking Samaria Gorge and sampling Cretan cuisine at traditional tavernas, these 12 experiences showcase why Chania remains one of Greece’s most beloved destinations.

Table of Contents

Highlights at a Glance

Luxury Hotel in Chania, Crete: Theta Boutique Hotel offers stylish, high-end suites with minimalist design, private balconies, and personalized service, located just steps from the Venetian Harbor and the Archaeological Museum of Chania.
Mid-Range Hotel in Chania, Crete: Aelios Design Hotel blends modern comforts with historic charm, featuring tastefully decorated rooms, a cozy courtyard, and easy access to the Old Town’s shops, tavernas, and the Maritime Museum.
Budget Hotel in Chania, Crete: Irene Maisonettes provides affordable, well-equipped accommodations with kitchenettes, a rooftop terrace, and a walkable location near Nea Chora Beach and the Chania Market.

These are the things you don’t want to miss in Chania:

Relax on Nea Chora Beach – Nea Chora Beach is the best beach in Chania.
Explore the Old Venetian Port of Chania – This bustling harbor was built between 1320 and 1356.
Visit Old Chania Market – This is the perfect place to buy souvenirs.

Swipe and Vote: See What Travelers Recommend

What’s your first move in Chania—besides lounging with a view?

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

Best_Things_To_Do_in_Chania_Relax_on_Nea_Chora_Beach

Nea Chora Beach 1/5

Most Expensive Cities To Live in Greece Chania

Old Venetian Port 2/5

Canyons for Hiking Samaria Gorge, Crete, Greece

Samaria Gorge Hike 3/5

Balos Beach Day 4/5

60+ Best Traditional Greek Foods to Try in Greece

Cretan Cuisine Tour 5/5

Results

Nea Chora Beach

1 7

Old Venetian Port

3 5

Samaria Gorge Hike

1 7

Balos Beach Day

1 7

Cretan Cuisine Tour

2 6

🎧 Listen Instead: Your Article in Podcast

Enjoy this article in podcast form—perfect for staying informed or listening on the go.

Relax on Nea Chora Beach

Relaxing on Nea Chora Beach is one of the most popular things to do in Chania. Chania’s surrounding coast has breathtaking sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Nea Chora Beach is one of the best for multiple reasons.

First, it’s only a 15-minute walk from the city center. Second, the beach has calm and shallow emerald waters ideal for families wanting to swim. Finally, Nea Chora has plenty of amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and beachfront restaurants.

That said, you can easily spend the whole day at this beach if you want to, although there is much to see in Chania. Further along the coast, you’ll also find other beaches, such as Kladissos Beach and Golden Beach.

Eat at Akrogiali Taverna: While visiting Nea Chora Beach, enjoy a meal at Akrogiali Taverna, a highly-rated seafood restaurant right on the beachfront. Their grilled calamari and Cretan dakos salad are excellent. The portions are generous, so consider sharing starters if you want to leave room for dessert!
Seaside Walk to Golden Beach: If you’re feeling adventurous, take a scenic 20-minute walk along the coastline to Golden Beach. This slightly quieter beach is a great option if you want to explore more of Chania’s beautiful coast while avoiding crowds during busier hours.

Explore the Old Venetian Port of Chania

Exploring the Old Venetian Port of Chania is one of the most exciting things to do in Chania. Chania’s historic port dates back to the 14th century. It was constructed between 1320 and 1356.

This bustling waterfront is well known for its vibrant buildings, traditional architecture, and waterfront restaurants. Enjoy scenic sea views, delicious food in traditional Greek restaurants, and quaint souvenir shops. You’ll also discover famous landmarks like the 17th-century Küçük Hasan Mosque.

A step back from the port, you can explore Chania’s winding alleys, which, like the waterfront, feature shops, restaurants, and traditional buildings. You’ll likely visit the port multiple times, but make sure you visit at sunset to enjoy the fiery views.

Eat at Tamam Restaurant: Dine at Tamam Restaurant, a top-rated spot in a former Turkish bath located just steps from the port. Known for its unique atmosphere and exceptional dishes like lamb with yogurt sauce and shrimp saganaki. The elegant local wines are a perfect pairing. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.
Visit Chania Archaeological Museum: Located close to the port, the Chania Archaeological Museum is worth a visit for a better understanding of the city’s rich history. Tickets cost approximately 15€ (17 USD), and the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 08:30 to 16:00. It’s a great addition to your exploration of the port’s cultural legacy.

Visit Old Chania Market

If you love shopping, spend an hour or two at Old Chania Market, also known as the Municipal Market of Chania. First opened in 1913, this historic market offers shopping enthusiasts everything from souvenirs and handmade crafts to local cheeses and meats. It’s the perfect place to people-watch and buy gifts to take home.

Whether you’re looking for a Chania fridge magnet, a new hat, or jewelry, the market has what you want. We also recommend buying some fruits and cheeses.

The fruits and cheeses look delicious, so it would be rude not to. You could have a picnic and take it to Nea Chora Beach. The Old Chania Market is usually open Monday to Saturday between 8:00 and 14:00 or 8:00 and 21:00.

Opening Hours: The market is open Monday to Saturday, typically from 08:00 to 14:00, with extended hours until 21:00 on certain days. Be sure to check before heading out or confirm on the Chania tourism website.
Dine at Manchev Paprika: After shopping, enjoy a meal at Manchev Paprika, a cozy restaurant just five minutes from the market. Their grilled meats, souvlaki, and fresh salads are delicious, and it’s a great spot to try authentic Greek flavors.

Enjoy the Views From the Lighthouse of Chania

12 Incredible Lighthouses Offering Spectacular Ocean Views — © Aleh Varanishcha / Adobe Stock

The Lighthouse of Chania is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The Venetians built it in the 16th century to defend the city from attack, making it one of the world’s oldest lighthouses. However, it has been reconstructed throughout the centuries.

Therefore, the lighthouse blends Venetian, Egyptian, and Ottoman architecture. It’s an imposing figure at the tip of Chania harbor, standing at 69 feet (21 meters) tall. Sadly, you can’t go inside the lighthouse, but that’s not the main draw.

The main highlight of a visit to the lighthouse is the sensational city views. From alongside the structure, you can see most of Chania. As expected, the views from the lighthouse at sunset are spectacular.

Dine at Το Μακεδονικό (To Makedoniko): After visiting the lighthouse, head to Το Μακεδονικό (To Makedoniko). Just a short walk from the port, this waterfront restaurant offers traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and grilled octopus. The sea views from their outdoor terrace complement the hearty meals perfectly.
Pack a Camera or Binoculars: The views from the lighthouse area are spectacular! Bring a good camera or binoculars so you can fully appreciate the surrounding Venetian architecture, boats in the harbor, and distant mountain landscapes. Trust me—it’s worth carrying a little extra gear.

Walk Around the Maritime Museum of Crete

One of the most fascinating attractions in Chania is the Maritime Museum of Crete. Situated in the Venetian-built Firkas Fortress at the western entrance to the Old Port of Chania, this museum celebrates Crete’s maritime history. It’s an excellent place to visit and learn more about Cretan history.

Inside the museum, you’ll find exhibitions that cover Crete’s maritime history from ancient times until the 20th century. Highlights include Bronze Age shipbuilding tools, models that depict Minoan period ships, and ship models and equipment from the post-war period.

The Maritime Museum of Crete is open Monday to Saturday between 9:00 and 15:40. Entrance tickets cost €4 ($4.30) for adults and €3 ($3.20) for children.

Eat at Salis Restaurant: After visiting, enjoy a meal at Salis Restaurant
, just a 10-minute walk from the museum. Known for its modern twist on traditional Greek cuisine, Salis highlights locally sourced ingredients. Their octopus with fava beans and selection of Cretan cheeses are standout dishes. The contemporary waterfront vibe makes it a fantastic stop.
Explore the Firkas Fortress: When you finish touring the museum, take some time to roam around the Firkas Fortress area. The views of the Old Venetian Port from here are stunning, especially if you’re into photography or just want a peaceful spot to rest and reflect.

Go On a Day Trip to Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is one of the best day trips from Chania. You’ll want to visit Samaria Gorge if you love hiking and the great outdoors. It’s a stunning 9.9-mile (16-kilometer) canyon that leads from Xyloskalo to Agia Roumeli, a charming seaside village in Southern Crete.

It offers hikers a decent challenge, exceptional coastal views, and the opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of Chania’s busy port. To tackle Samaria Gorge from Chania, you must take a bus. Then, after the walk, you must catch a ferry and a bus back to Chania.

Save this

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

Planning your journey is relatively easy, but this Samaria Gorge full-day tour makes it even easier. It includes all transportation and an expert guide.

Visit Taverna Livikon: After completing the hike in Agia Roumeli, recharge at Taverna Livikon, a beachside restaurant. Their fresh Greek salad and grilled fish dishes pair beautifully with the seaside views. It’s the perfect place to relax after your trek.
Pack Proper Hiking Essentials: The hike through Samaria Gorge takes about 5-7 hours. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and carry enough water, sunscreen, and snacks. A lightweight pair of sandals or flip-flops can also come in handy at Agia Roumeli if you plan to cool off in the sea after your hike.

Spend the Day At Balos Beach

Another excellent place to visit away from Chania is Balos Beach, one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches. Like many of Greece’s best beaches, Balos Beach is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, sandy shores, and breathtaking scenery. Conveniently, this beach also features snack bars, sun loungers, showers, and restrooms, so spending an entire day here is easy.

At Balos Beach, you’ll likely spend your time sunbathing on the sand, swimming in the sea, and walking around the small island just off the beach. What’s not to like? Balos Beach is approximately a 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Chania.

You can reach the beach by driving and hiking, or by taking a ferry. Alternatively, this day trip from Chania visits Balos Beach.

Stop at Gramvoussa Taverna: If you’re driving, stop at Gramvoussa Taverna in Kaliviani, about 15 minutes before Balos. This cozy restaurant is known for its traditional Cretan dishes, like lamb with stamnagathi (wild greens) and sfakianopita (cheese pie with honey). Its rustic ambiance and fresh, local ingredients make it one of the island’s dining highlights.
Wear Comfortable Shoes for the Hike: If you drive to the beach, note that the parking lot is a 25-minute downhill hike away from Balos. The path gets rocky, so sturdy shoes are a must. Also, carry plenty of water and be prepared for the uphill journey back to your car.

Visit the Greek National Football Team Museum

Sports fans visiting Chania should check out the Greek National Football Team Museum. This exciting museum is dedicated to the history of Greek soccer, primarily the international team, which won the European Championships in 2004. One of the world’s largest museums devoted to a national soccer team, the museum bursts with exhibits.

One of the main highlights is the European trophy the nation was given for winning the European Championships, which was one of soccer’s greatest surprises. Aside from the trophy, this museum is jam-packed with soccer shirts, boots, balls, and more.

It even contains shirts from other nations, such as Spain and France. The Greek National Football Team Museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 until 19:00.

Eat at Glossitses: After visiting the museum, head to Glossitses for lunch, a 10-minute walk from the museum along the harbor. Known for fresh seafood and traditional dishes like grilled sardines and dakos, this restaurant offers a casual yet authentic Greek dining experience with beautiful sea views.
Stop by the Museum Gift Shop: The museum’s small gift shop offers unique souvenirs like Greek national team jerseys and scarves. I picked up a scarf that became a great conversation starter with fellow soccer fans back home—a perfect addition to your sports memorabilia collection.

Tuck Into Cretan Cuisine

No trip to Chania is complete until you’ve tucked into your fair share of Cretan cuisine. Like Greek cuisine, Cretan food consists mainly of local ingredients, including fresh fish, cheeses, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. The cuisine is known for its simple yet rustic, hearty dishes and impactful flavors.

As you’d probably expect, you can try Cretan cuisine in many places in Chania. In the Old Venetian Port alone, many restaurants serve authentic cuisine. For example, 6 Kamares serves delicious Cretan dishes like stuffed peppers and fresh mussels.

Meanwhile, Amphora Taverna offers a wide range of Cretan dishes, including boureki (baked pie with potatoes, zucchini, and local cheeses). You can also sample Cretan cuisine on this Old Town tour, which includes local food tastings.

Dine at 6 Kamares: Head to 6 Kamares, a highly-rated Cretan restaurant in the Old Venetian Port. They serve exceptional stuffed peppers and fresh mussels with wine sauce that pair perfectly with a carafe of local Cretan wine. The waterfront atmosphere adds extra charm to the dining experience.
Visit To Maridaki Restaurant: A little more low-key but equally authentic, To Maridaki specializes in fresh seafood straight off the boat. Their grilled octopus and marida (whitebait fish) are standouts. It’s located a short walk from the Old Town and is popular with locals.

Have Fun At Minoan’s World 9D Experience

Having fun at Minoan’s World 9D Experience is one of the best things to do in Chania with children. This unique, family-friendly attraction is dedicated to Crete’s ancient history and mythology. It tells the story of Crete and the Minoan civilization through exhilarating 9D cinema technology, interactive exhibits, and a 3D museum.

In the 9D cinema, your children can travel in time in an immersive experience with several special effects. Expect rain, earthquake, and lightning simulations to get your blood pumping. Meanwhile, in the 3D museum, your family can walk through Minoan history, passing life-like models, extraordinary artifacts, and interactive exhibits.

Entrance tickets cost €18 ($19.40) for adults and €12 ($12.90) for children.

Combine with Old Town Exploration: The attraction is located near Chania’s Old Town, so I recommend combining this visit with a leisurely walk around the area. You can explore local shops, pick up souvenirs, and enjoy traditional pastries for a full day of fun.
Book Tickets Online: Minoan’s World can get busy, especially during weekends or holiday seasons. Booking online through their official website will save time and ensure you secure your spot.

Discover the Island On a Boat Trip

One of the most relaxing ways to explore Crete is on a boat trip. It likely won’t come as a surprise when we tell you that Chania offers many boating excursions. After all, the city made a name for itself as a port.

One of the best boat tour companies in the city is Chania Boat Trips. This popular tour company offers many exciting tours perfect for families, friends, and couples. Whether you want to learn about Crete’s history, snorkel in the turquoise waters, or enjoy a sunset cruise, there’s a tour for everyone.

On the 3.5-hour glass-bottom boat tour, you’ll enjoy magnificent coastal views on your way to Theodorou Island, swim in the sea, watch fish, and learn about Chania from a local guide.

Lunch at Kouzina E.P.E.: After your boat trip, enjoy lunch at Kouzina E.P.E., a highly-rated spot within walking distance from the harbor. Known for its warm atmosphere and authentic Cretan dishes like boureki (zucchini and potato pie) and grilled pork chops, it’s an excellent option for satisfying, homemade-style food.
Bring Your Snorkeling Gear: While the tour provides masks, you’ll want to bring your own if you have good equipment. The underwater views near Theodorou Island are incredible, and I found having my own gear made the experience much more enjoyable.

Visit the Catholicon of the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis

The Catholicon of the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis is one of Chania’s most interesting buildings. This charming 16th-century monastery showcases Venetian Gothic architecture and more modern additions, including a bell tower. The monastery also once housed the Archaeological Museum of Chania, which has since been moved elsewhere.

Nevertheless, the Catholicon of the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis is still well worth visiting. Unfortunately, the monastery is currently undergoing restoration work before its potential opening as a new museum. Therefore, keep your eyes peeled ahead of your visit, as you might be one of the first people to see the monastery reopen its doors.

However, for now, you can still admire the beauty of the monastery’s stone facade.

Dine Nearby at Semiramis Restaurant: After visiting the monastery, enjoy a meal at Semiramis Restaurant, located just a 5-minute walk away in the heart of Chania’s Old Town. Known for its excellent lamb in parchment paper and tzatziki, this charming taverna offers a relaxing atmosphere and traditional Cretan flavors.
Combine with a Visit to the Archaeological Museum of Chania: The artifacts once housed at the monastery are now on display at the new Archaeological Museum of Chania, located nearby. Entry costs 15€ (17 USD) and provides insight into Crete’s ancient history, including Minoan finds and Roman sculptures.