Chania (HANIA) is undoubtedly a must on your trip to Crete. Even if the town is very touristy, its Mediterranean charm will not leave you indifferent. To find out what to do in Chania, we’ve put together our best-of list. It is by no means exhaustive, and is completely biased. But it’s up to you to add to it according to your own experience.
Chania: a city of many influences. Steeped in history, the city was built on the ancient Minoan city of Kydonia. Then came the Byzantines, the Venetians in the 13th century and the Ottomans in 1645, before becoming part of Greece in 1913. It bears the more or less visible traces of this past. It’s a pleasure to stroll through this city and discover its history through its houses, monuments and museums.
- 1 – Coffee on the Venetian harbour
- 2 – Visit Chania’s Maritime Museum
- 3 – Get lost in the narrow streets of Topanas and Evraiki
- 4 – Discover a city full of contrasts with the Kasteli district
- 5 – Dine al fresco in the coolness of small streets and squares
- 6 – The three eras of Chania at a glance
- 7 – What to do in Chania? How about a pair of leather sandals?
- 8 – Admire the treasures of Minoan civilization at the Archaeological Museum
- 9 – Have a drink in the Grand Arsenal marina
- 10 – Take a dip in the sea
So, what’s there to do in Chania? Here are our top 10 places to visit in Chania. It’s the fruit of our own experience and our personal favorites. We enjoyed exploring it on foot, but it’s also possible to take english guided tours, by bike or segway for families. We’ve also had great feedback on this city tour.
=> You’ll also find some of our best addresses and practical information in the following article.
=> And if you want to extend your stay, here’s a suggested itinerary for a week in western Crete.
1 – Coffee on the Venetian harbour
If, like us, you’re lucky enough to arrive in the early hours of the morning, or if you’re staying in one of the charming hotels in the old town, don’t miss out on breakfast by the harbor.
The arched harbor is lined with splendid Venetian houses with colorful facades. At the eastern end, the Janissary Mosque bears witness to the Ottoman presence, while to the west stands the former Fort Firkas, now home to the Naval Museum. Choose the west side if you want to enjoy the sun.
2 – Visit Chania’s Maritime Museum
The most impressive thing about this museum is the building it occupies. Formerly a Turkish barracks, it was used as a prison during the Ottoman occupation. Access to the courtyard is free, and offers a breathtaking view of the port. Inside, the museum is very complete. First, a section dedicated to marine flora and fauna. Then there’s a beautiful scale model of the city to give you a better understanding of Venetian life. Uniforms and re-enactments of naval battles from all eras.
3 – Get lost in the narrow streets of Topanas and Evraiki
What to do in Chania? Another must when visiting Chania is a stroll through the streets of the old town. It’s a delight to get lost in a maze of streets, each more beautiful than the last. Here, old Venetian mansions have been turned into charming hotels.
As you make your way through this labyrinth, you’ll come across the Etz Hayyim synagogue in Evraiki, the old Jewish quarter, Etz Hayyim synagogue, founded in the 15th century. It also bears witness to the presence of a Cretan Jewish community severely affected by deportations during WW2.
4 – Discover a city full of contrasts with the Kasteli district
After the lively, touristy streets of Topanas and Evraiki, the contrast is striking as you stroll through the Kasteli district. Yet just a few hundred meters apart, the neighborhoods have evolved differently over time. The neighborhood was particularly hard hit by the bombings of the Second World War.
The Kasteli was built over the ancient city. In fact, Minoan ruins have been unearthed along Kanevaro Street. You can reach the top of the hill, where you’ll find an ancient Venetian palace, unfortunately badly damaged. Nevertheless, the view from the esplanade is magnificent.
5 – Dine al fresco in the coolness of small streets and squares
Many taverns have taken over the narrow streets of Chania. Enjoy shady terraces and narrow, traffic-free streets. Indeed, Cretan specialities are numerous and delicious: the unmissable Dakos (tomato and fresh cheese salad on crouton), Stifada (meat casseroles), lamb or goat papillotes, or Mediterranean vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, red peppers) delicious in Briam……
To taste them, we invite you to discover some of our good addresses in the following article.
6 – The three eras of Chania at a glance
The church of Agios Nikolaos is astonishing. With its campanile on one side and minaret on the other, it is a fine illustration of Chania’s history.
The church was founded in the 14th century, when Chania was under Venetian rule. With the arrival of the Ottomans, it was converted into a mosque. A minaret was then added. Finally, in 1918, it was again modified and became an Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Nicholas.
7 – What to do in Chania? How about a pair of leather sandals?
On Skridlof Street, you’ll find a host of leatherworking stores. Sandals, of course, but also bags and belts. Let yourself be tempted by these low-priced souvenirs.
At the end of this street, you’ll come across the cross-shaped central market. Here you’ll find fresh produce and island specialities such as honey, olives and dried fruit….
8 – Admire the treasures of Minoan civilization at the Archaeological Museum
Chania’s new archaeological museum is a little gem. Previously housed in the Basilica of St. Francis, it is now located at 15 Skra (see map) in Halepa, very close to the center of Chania. It boasts a fine collection of Minoan antiquities. Most of them were found in the Kasteli district, on the site of the ancient city of Kydonia. Jewelry, pottery, statues… the museum is also brimming with rare and surprisingly modern pieces. Exhibitions also highlight the evolution of the region’s culture and heritage through the ages. Don’t forget to complement your visit to the museum with a stroll through the Chalepa district. This district is packed with neoclassical mansions and historic buildings well worth exploring.
9 – Have a drink in the Grand Arsenal marina
At the eastern end of the port is the former Venetian Arsenal. Venetian galleys were built here. Seventeen sheds housed boats under construction. Only seven remain today. The Grand Arsenal building houses the Center for Mediterranean Architecture. It houses a life-size reproduction of a Minoan ship from the 15th century BC.
Today, the dock is a lively place to go out in the evening, with numerous cafés lining its length. It’s a lovely walk, as you can even go as far as the lighthouse at the very end of the pier.
10 – Take a dip in the sea
What to do in Chania in summer Enjoy the sea, of course! When the temperature rises and the blue sea reaches out to you, it’s impossible to resist the temptation of a dip in the sea. There are several beaches within walking distance of the port of Chania (about 15 minutes). To the east, Koum Kapi beach, to the west Nea Chora Beach. Both are sandy beaches with a family atmosphere.
We hope you enjoy your visit to this magnificent city!
You may also be interrested by:
- One week to visit western Crete
- Chania: good adresses
- A complete guide to prepare your trip in Crete: How to go? where to stay? what to see?
Sophie B.
