Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the things you need to know before your trip to Chania, Crete. This is where you’ll come to shop and eat after a day on the surrounding beaches. Today, we’re sharing some of our travel tips for when you visit Crete and Chania.
Historic Chania City
When you visit Chania, zoom past the urban sprawl and development, heading straight for the historic center. The historic center of Chania is the most picturesque part of town. Make sure you visit the Venetian Harbor. There are many waterfront restaurants, the lighthouse, and the mosque. You can also check out the Maritime Museum. Yes, it’s a little touristy, and you’ll pay elevated prices, but it’s worth it. Inland, the winding narrow streets are lined with shops where you can buy souvenirs. Allow at least a day of your Crete itinerary to explore Old Town Chania.
Chania Beaches
There are tons of beaches around Chania. The water is crystal clear, allowing you to see tons of wildlife. The beaches also have lifeguards, which is convenient if you’re visiting Crete with kids. You will probably spend a lot of time on the Chania beaches, so make sure you are covered in SPF! Apply and reapply so you’re not one of those purple-skinned sunburned tourists.
Some of the best Chania beaches include:
- Kalamaki
- Marathi
- Agioi Apostoloi
- Loutraki
- Agia Marina
I also recommend renting a lounger and umbrella at these beaches; you can either rent chairs, or sometimes if you are ordering drinks, you can use the loungers for free. It’s really hot in the summer; that shade is worth every Euro you pay.
Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About Crete
Chania Accommodation
Crete tourism is really well established, so accommodation choices are great, especially in Chania. There are many different hotels in Chania Crete. You can choose anything from camping and hostels to luxury hotels. We rented a modern, two-bedroom apartment in Crete and paid less than $100 per night.
How to Beat Peak Season Travel Prices
Getting to Chania
Chania’s airport is serviced by many of Europe’s low-cost carriers, like RyanAir and EasyJet. These routes are seasonal, though, so you’ll have fewer options for flying to Chania outside of the tourist season.
You can also take a ferry from the mainland of Greece, which is cheaper but also takes much longer. It can take 9 to 12 hours on a ferry from Athens.
Getting Around Crete
When you visit Chania, I recommend getting a car to make it easier to get around. If you are from the US, you will need an international drivers’ license in order to rent a car. Keep in mind, that most rentals cars in Crete will be stick shifts or manual transmissions. Having a car at your disposal gives you a lot of opportunities to explore more beaches and historic sites. Be prepared for crazy drivers! You are in Greece, after all.
In terms of public transportation, there are buses that will take you from the airport to the city center. Other buses will take you out to the beaches. It’s easy and inexpensive to use. Taxis are also quite affordable in Chania.
Chania Tourism
Chania is built for tourism. Accommodations are centered near the beach, the beaches are set up for visitors, and it’s just a great tourism experience. It’s easy to find English speakers, too. There are lots of mini-markets so you can get supplies and food if you are renting an apartment.
Official Website of Chania Tourism: CLICK HERE
Food in Chania
When you go out to eat in Chania, you’ll have a lot of Greek food restaurants to choose from. The food is all Greek, plus Cretian Greek food. If you’re not sure what to order, ask the waiter what the specialty is. Besides classic Greek dishes, the Cretian dishes include Cretian pasta, Cretian pie, and lots of fresh seafood. It’s often served family-style, with dishes big enough to share. Food in Chania is very affordable; plan on spending $10-12 on a dinner plate that will serve 1-2 people.
When it’s time to get the check after your dinner, they will often bring you a small bottle of Raki before they bring the bill. It’s a spirit-type alcohol drink. If you’re in a hurry, you can ask them to skip this formality and they will bring the bill.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Crete is an amazing island for a beach vacation, and Chania Crete makes the perfect home base with its historic center and well-established tourism infrastructure. Looking for more Greece travel tips? Check out these other blog posts: