With its picturesque Venetian harbor, winding medieval lanes, and sun-soaked beaches, Chania is one of Crete’s most captivating cities. In 2024, visitors will find this Cretan capital has plenty in store, from fascinating museums and historic sights to gourmet cuisine and outdoor adventures.

No.	Activity	Description
1	Explore Venetian Harbor	Discover historic buildings and scenic views in Chania’s old harbor.
2	Visit Agios Nikolaos for Byzantine Mosaics	View ancient mosaics in this significant church.
3	Enjoy Wine Tasting Tours	Sample local wines in Chania’s vineyards.
4	Wander Through Chania Old Town	Stroll through charming streets lined with shops and cafes.
5	Relax on Elafonissi Beach	Visit this picturesque beach with unique pink sands.
6	Discover the Maritime Museum	Learn about Crete’s naval history in this comprehensive museum.
7	Hike the Samaria Gorge	Experience one of Europe’s longest gorges with stunning natural beauty.
8	Taste Local Cuisine in the Old Town	Savor traditional Greek dishes in the heart of Chania.
9	Visit Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa	Explore the breathtaking lagoon and Gramvousa island.
10	Explore Souda Bay War Cemetery	Pay respects at this solemn WWII memorial site.
11	Take a Cooking Class	Learn to cook traditional Cretan dishes.
12	Shop for Local Crafts	Find unique handcrafted items in local shops.
13	Visit the Archaeological Museum	Explore artifacts showcasing Chania’s rich history.
14	Enjoy Nightlife in the Harbor Area	Experience the vibrant nightlife along the harbor.
15	Explore the Botanical Park	Walk through a diverse range of flora in this beautiful park.

From losing yourself in old town charm to lounging at lively waterfront cafes, Chania offers both culture and relaxation. Here are 15 of the best things to do when visiting Chania, Greece in 2024:

Wander Around the Venetian Harbor

Name and Location: Chania’s scenic Venetian Harbor is located in the old town right along the waterfront, west of the town center.

History and Significance: The harbor dates back to Minoan times. The Venetians expanded it in the 13th century, and it remains the picturesque focal point of Chania today.

What to Expect: Visitors can stroll the lively waterfront lined with restaurants, shops, and boats. Top sights include the Egyptian Lighthouse and Neoria shipyards.

Visitor Information: The harbor is open 24/7 and located right in Chania’s old town. It gets busy in the evenings when locals come out. Boat tours available during the day.

Chania’s colorful Venetian harbor is postcard-perfect, rimmed by pastel-hued medieval buildings and watched over by historic lighthouses.

Stroll the quayside, weaving through narrow side-streets abundant with restaurants and shops. Don’t miss the prominent Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan and the Nautical Museum’s exhibits too.

Explore the Byzantine Mosaics of Agios Nikolaos

Name and Location: The Church of Agios Nikolaos is located on Akti Kountouriotou in the inner harbor of Chania, Crete.

History and Significance: This church dates to the early 13th century and contains rare well-preserved Byzantine mosaics dating from the building’s initial construction.

What to Expect: Visitors can view the beautiful mosaic frescoes depicting religious imagery including angels, crosses, animals and vegetation. An onsite museum helps explain the art.

Visitor Information: Open April-October, Monday-Friday 10am-5pm. Admission is €2. Located right on the harbor, the church is easy to visit on foot while exploring Chania.

Within Chania’s bustling Municipal Market, you’ll find the small 14th century church of Agios Nikolaos. Its interior is beautifully adorned with rare intact Byzantine mosaics depicting religious imagery. Outside, sip Greek coffee at one of the atmospheric market cafes and immerse yourself in local life.

Take a Wine Tasting Tour

Name and Location: The region around Chania produces acclaimed Cretan wines at wineries open for tastings. Many are located outside the city in rural areas.

History and Significance: Grape growing and winemaking around Chania dates to Minoan times. Local grapes include many indigenous Cretan varietals like Vidiano, Vilana, and Liatiko.

What to Expect: Tours visit picturesque wineries to sample various Cretan wines and learn about the winemaking process. Most tastings include light snacks or meals.

Visitor Information: Winery tours range from 2-6 hours and cost €20-60 per person. Transportation is usually provided from Chania. Advanced booking is recommended.

The region around Chania produces excellent wines like the full-bodied reds of Kissamos and floral whites of Apokoronas.

Join a tasting tour to discover the island’s viniculture traditions and sample vintages, paired with olive oils, cheeses and homemade delicacies at wineries nestled amidst vineyards.

Explore Chania’s Venetian Walls and defenses

Name and Location: The fortified Venetian walls surround the old town of Chania. Parts are walkable near spots like the Firkas Fortress along the harbor.

History and Significance: Chania’s massive defensive walls date mainly to the 16th century when the Venetians fortified the city against Ottoman forces. Parts of the walls still stand today.

What to Expect: Visitors can walk sections of the wall and explore defensive points like Firkas Fortress. Many portions feature informative signs detailing history and architecture.

Visitor Information: The walls are accessible daily. Bring good walking shoes and water. Guided tours provide more historical context. Best sites are near the harbor in the old town.

A remnant of Chania’s strategic importance are its well-preserved 16th century Venetian defensive walls and fortifications.

Start at the impressive Firkas Fortress before wandering parts of the intact wall, seeing gates, turrets and arched passages as you go. The views of Chania from these ramparts are great too.

Go Beach Hopping Along the Coast

Name and Location: Chania offers miles of pristine beaches both in town and west along the coast. Popular spots include Nea Chora and Falassarna.

History and Significance: Chania’s beaches draw visitors with their soft white sand, turquoise waters, and relaxed vibe. Activities range from surfing to sunbathing.

What to Expect: Beach hoppers can explore dramatic stretches like Falassarna or laid-back city beach clubs. Cafe-lined shorelines offer sunbeds, water sports, and refreshments.

Visitor Information: Remote beaches require a rental car. In-town beaches are accessible by city bus or taxi. Go early or late to avoid crowds. Late April-October is beach season.

With beach resorts dotting the coastline east and west of town, Chania has no shortage of seaside spots. Soak up the laidback vibe or watersports at popular beaches like family-friendly Chrisi Akti, village-backed Agioi Apostoloi and the palm-lined strands of Agia Marina and Platanias.

Wander the Splantzia Ottoman Quarter

Name and Location: The Splantzia Quarter lies in Chania’s old town just south of the Venetian Harbor, centered around Daskalogianni Street.

History and Significance: Splantzia was once home to Turkish nobility during Ottoman rule. Today its restored buildings house shops, tavernas, and cafes.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore picturesque narrow lanes lined with Ottoman-era architecture. Quaint plazas, artisan shops, and eateries abound.

Visitor Information: Splantzia is very walkable from the harbor. Guided tours available. Ideal to visit in the morning and evening when traffic dies down.

Escape the crowds by ducking into the atmospheric backstreets of the Splantzia Quarter in Chania’s old Turkish district.

Here you’ll find converted Ottoman mansions, remnants of Turkish architecture and authentic restaurants perfect for lingering over dinner. Don’t miss seeing the 16th century Etz Hayyim Synagogue too.

Visit the Chania Archaeological Museum

Name and Location: The Chania Archaeological Museum is located at Halidon 30, close to the Cretan Parliament.

History and Significance: This museum houses artifacts spanning 7,000+ years of regional history, from the Neolithic through the Roman period. Displays highlight ancient eastern Mediterranean civilizations.

What to Expect: See findings like Minoan clay vessels, Classical Greek statues, and Roman era mosaics. All exhibits are well-organized and labeled.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30am-3pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is €3. Located in the new city, about a 15 minute walk from the harbor.

For an in-depth look into western Crete’s ancient past, spend time at the Chania Archaeological Museum. Located in the striking former Venetian church of San Francisco, its exhibits profile the region’s history spanning the Minoan era to Roman times through artifacts and art uncovered at local sites.

Take a Day Trip to Rethymno

Name and Location: Rethymno is a historic port town located about 45 miles east of Chania on Crete’s northern coast.

History and Significance: Rethymno’s old quarter preserves venetian and Ottoman architectural heritage, including a massive 16th century fort. Nearby is the Minoan site of Akrotiri.

What to Expect: Top sites include the fortress, old town, Archaeological Museum, Venetian harbor, and Akrotiri ruins. The town has lively shops and nightlife.

Visitor Information: Organized day tours run to Rethymno from Chania. Driving or taking the bus are more flexible and budget-friendly options for reaching the town.

Venture east along Crete’s northern coast to visit Rethymno, one of Greece’s most charming towns. Explore its picturesque Venetian harbor district, imposing fortress, and Old Quarter streets lined with Venetian and Ottoman architecture. The journey there crosses beautiful landscapes and worthwhile stops like Lake Kournas.

Boat to Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon

Name and Location: Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon are located off the northwest coast of Crete, only accessible by boat from Kissamos or Chania.

History and Significance: Gramvousa was once a pirate base. Balos Lagoon’s shallow waters create stunning turquoise hues. Both are renowned for amazing natural beauty.

What to Expect: Boat tours stop for swimming and scenery at both sites. Gramvousa’s Venetian castle is a highlight. Balos has perfect waters for paddling.

Visitor Information: Full-day tours run May-October, starting around €35. Reachable only by boat, not land. Advance reservation required as spots fill fast.

Hop aboard a cruise from Kissamos to gorgeous Gramvousa Island and Balos Lagoon. Trek up to the island’s imposing sea-facing Venetian fortress before continuing to the shallow turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon for swimming and sunbathing on its soft sands. This day trip encapsulates Crete’s wild beauty.

Hike the Samaria Gorge

Name and Location: Samaria Gorge lies south of Chania in southwest Crete. The hike runs from Omalos plateau down to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea.

History and Significance: Samaria Gorge was carved by the river running between soaring rock walls. At nearly 11 miles long, it is Europe’s second longest gorge. It became a national park in 1962.

What to Expect: The epic downhill hike takes 4-7 hours with endless scenic views along the way. Agia Roumeli offers beaches, tavernas and ferries at the end.

Visitor Information: Open May to mid-October. Boats and buses run to/from both trailheads. Permits required – get them in Chania or at the top trailhead early.

Experience the jaw-dropping Samaria Gorge, one of Europe’s longest canyons at 16km. Taking a guided hike through its towering cliffs down to Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea is an incredible way to admire the sheer beauty of Crete’s nature. The scenery is truly breathtaking.

Learn Traditional Cretan Cooking

Name and Location: Chania offers hands-on cooking classes at restaurants around the city, focused on traditional Cretan cuisine.

History and Significance: Cretan cooking evolved from the local agricultural bounty and cultural influences. Hearty greens, olive oil, cheese, and meat dominate.

What to Expect: Classes teach dishes like moussaka, stuffed grape leaves, pastitsio, lamb stew, and spanakopita. The hands-on format allows participation.

Visitor Information: Classes average around €45-70 for 2-4 hours including a meal. Browse tour sites for options. Advance booking is recommended as sizes are small.

During a hands-on cooking class at a village guesthouse outside Chania, learn how to prepare classic Cretan dishes from scratch.

Guided by local chefs, you could create appetizers like kalitsounia pastries, flaky boureki pies, or ones featuring foraged wild greens. An unforgettable culinary experience.

People Watch at a Harborfront Cafe

Name and Location: Chania’s scenic Venetian Harbor offers numerous spots for drinks and people watching, like the stretch from the Naval Museum down to the lighthouse.

History and Significance: The harbor has long been the heart of Chania. Seafront cafes attract both tourists and locals to take in the ambience.

What to Expect: Sip Greek coffee or wine while watching the world go by along the water. Relax, chat, and soak up the Mediterranean sea views and sounds.

Visitor Information: Cafes and bars line the harbor from morning until late. Arrive in the late afternoon or evening for the most vibrant scenes of people coming and going. Prices are moderate.

Whether morning, noon or night, the rows of cafes and restaurants lining Chania’s old Venetian harbor are ideal for spectacular people watching.

Order a coffee, cocktail or sampling of meze dishes and settle in to observe life unfolding amidst the sailboats bobbing in the harbor against the backdrop of the sea walls and old lighthouse.

Wander Around Chalepa’s Vineyard Street

Name and Location: Vineyard Street is located in Chania’s charming Chalepa neighborhood, between the old town and new city.

History and Significance: Chalepa was once surrounded by vineyards and wineries. Today Vineyard Street makes a tranquil walk filled with museums, churches, and neoclassical buildings.

What to Expect: Stroll by old villas, stop at museums, and admire buildings and gardens on this car-free street. Side alleys beckon exploration too.

Visitor Information: Vineyard Street spans a few blocks between Chalepa’s two main squares. Visit morning or evening to avoid heat and crowds. Some museums charge admission fees.

Head up to the enchanting neighborhood of Chalepa on a hill east of Chania’s center to find Vineyard Street, living up to its name by being lined with overhanging grapevines.

This tranquil area has colorful homes, little tavernas and cafes perfect for whiling away an afternoon people watching.

Take a Day Trip to Lake Kournas

Name and Location: Lake Kournas is located inland in the mountains about 20 miles southeast of Chania near Georgioupoli.

History and Significance: Lake Kournas is Crete’s only freshwater lake. It covers an area of about 579,000 square meters and reaches a depth of 22.5 meters. The area is rich in biodiversity.

What to Expect: Activities include boat tours, swimming, horseback riding, taverna dining along the shore, and walking trails in the hills. The scenery is serene.

Visitor Information: The lake is accessible year-round. Rental car or tour bus provide the easiest access from Chania. Boats run April-October usually.

Rent a car and drive 40 minutes south of Chania to beautiful Lake Kournas, surrounded by majestic mountains.

There are pedalos for rent, hillside tavernas with gorgeous views, and a charming hilltop village to explore. The freshwater lake itself is ideal for swimming in the azure waters along its small beach.

Shop at the Municipal Agora Market

Name and Location: Chania’s Municipal Market is centrally located between Halidon and Minoos Streets just south of the old harbor.

History and Significance: The covered public market first opened in 1913. Over a century later, it remains a hub for locals buying fresh produce, meat, fish and cheese.

What to Expect: Browse colorful stalls heaped with Cretan fruits, vegetables, nuts, olives oils, honey and cheese. Tavernas, meats, fish, and cafes surround the main building.

Visitor Information: Open Monday-Saturday 6am-2pm. Get there early to see it lively and fully-stocked. Located just south of the harbor in the new city, very walkable.

This large indoor market hall is the place in Chania to shop for Cretan products and ingredients. Peruse stalls selling handmade cheeses, cured meats, honey, olive products, succulent olives, breads and pastries.

The constant aromas are mouthwatering. Don’t forget to also wander the surrounding streets with small stores too.

Conclusion

With its alluring mix of medieval charm, sunny coastline and delicious cuisine, Chania is a top destination for savoring authentic Crete.

In 2024, visitors can immerse themselves in both its history and natural beauty, whether exploring atmospheric quarters of the old town, enjoying wine-tasting forays amidst vineyards, or cruising to coastal gems like Balos Lagoon. The possibilities are endless.